A government proposal to overhaul the country’s driver licensing system has got the green light from a local driver instructor who has taught thousands the crucial life skills for more than 36 years.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced key policy changes, including ejecting the second practical test to gain a Class 1 (car) full licence, increasing the learner licence period for drivers under 25, introducing fewer eyesight screenings, and a zero-alcohol limit to learner and restricted drivers of any age.
Other changes include a 12‑month restricted period for under 25s and six months for over 25s, with defensive driving courses no longer shortening that period.
Drivers who rack up any demerits while on a restricted or learner licence will face an extra six months before being eligible for their full one.
Eyesight screening changes, now required only at the first licence application and at renewals, also applies to motorcyclists.
Senior and overseas driver licence processes, and requirements for overseas drivers, are maintained.
Chris Bishop says the status quo is expensive, outdated and losing momentum, and a revamped system ensures accessibility, efficiency, and affordability while still priortitising road safety.
Kevin Bannan is supportive, saying the proposal was like a turnback to pre-1999, where a full licence could be obtained 18 months after gaining a restricted licence without needing another practical test.
“It’s a good move. The [full licence test] is not really necessary because most people that sit the test pass, so it's really just people spending money clogging up the system unnecessarily,” he says.
“You’re allowed one critical error, and mainly people sitting their full test fail for minor things like if you do 56km/h in a 50km/h zone, and if you fail an exit signal off a roundabout. You have two critical errors, so you fail.
“But people get a little bit faster every day, people do not always indicate at the exit every day, but you fail the full test for it, so it is not bad.”
Under the proposal, drivers under 25 may shorten their 12‑month learner period back to six months by recording practice hours or completing an approved practical course.
A restricted licence test will include stricter criteria, with hazard identification requirements from the full licence test added.
Kevin says this will give young people a chance to improve proficiency and habits behind the wheel.
“Six months is a long time for a teenager, they want to get out there, they want to get their freedom, and there is a carrot to improve their driving skills and prepare properly for their restricted with the approved course.”
NZTA will now review the current learner and restricted tests to ensure they are fit for purpose, and most changes will come into force in January 2027.
