The time it takes to sit a driver licence test in New Zealand has dropped significantly, with Transport Minister Chris Bishop saying the current wait is just four days for a full licence test and seven days for a restricted test — a marked improvement from wait times of up to three months in some areas.
At its peak, more than 80,000 people were in the queue to sit their driver licence tests.
Bishop attributed the long delays to the former government’s removal of re-sit fees for both theory and practical tests in 2023, a move he says led to people being underprepared.
“We introduced a limit of one free re-sit for Class 1 driver licence tests and removed free re-sits for overseas licence conversions. We also temporarily extended the amount of time people can drive on their overseas licence from 12 months to 18 months.”
A key part of the turnaround has been the addition of more Driver Testing Officers.
“NZTA and VTNZ have also recruited and trained more than 70 new Driver Testing Officers, introduced new temporary testing sites, and extended testing site hours in some regions. Text alerts were also introduced to remind people of their driving test and ensure they turn up on the day.”
He says NZTA is continuing to monitor demand and will respond to any increase at a local level.
“We have delivered on our promise to bring wait times down, creating a more efficient licensing system that contributes to road safety.
“I also encourage anyone preparing for their test to check out the free resources available on the Drive website. Developed by NZTA and ACC, Drive is an official resource designed to help learner drivers and those teaching others how to drive.
“A driver licence can unlock many opportunities for a person and improve access to employment. We want to make sure we’re removing barriers and keeping people safe on our roads.”
