The Government has unveiled plans to overhaul New Zealand’s driver licensing system, proposing to scrap the requirement for a second practical driving test to obtain a full licence — the first major reform of the licensing system since 2011.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says public consultation on the proposed changes to the Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS) will open on April 14 and run until June 9.
“Getting a driver licence is very important for many Kiwis. Having a licence means people can access jobs, education, healthcare, and participate in society.
“Around one million adults in New Zealand don’t have a full driver licence, and nearly half of these people have no licence at all.
“Right now the process for getting a driver licence is time consuming and inefficient. It involves a theory test to get a learner licence, and then two practical tests – one when going for a restricted licence, and another when going for a full licence,” he says.
Bishop notes the current cost of progressing from a learner to a full licence was at least $362.50 in fees, with the full licence test alone costing $98.90.
“The Government is proposing changes to the driver licensing system to make the process for getting a full driver licence more accessible, efficient and affordable.
“The main change is to remove the requirement for a person on their restricted licence to do a practical driving test when going for their full licence.”
He says New Zealand was an “outlier” globally in requiring a second practical test and pointed to Australia as an example, where alternative conditions such as longer learner periods or mandatory practice hours are used instead.
To maintain safety standards, the Government is proposing a number of new conditions:
- Restricted drivers under 25 must maintain a clean driving record for 18 months before moving to a full licence — or 12 months if they complete an advanced driving course.
- The demerit point threshold would be halved to 50 for learner and restricted drivers, meaning quicker licence suspension for infractions.
- A zero-alcohol limit would apply to all learner and restricted drivers, regardless of age, aligning with the existing limit for drivers under 20.
“NZTA will also look at introducing a hazard perception test at the end of the learner stage,” Bishop says. “These measures are designed to encourage safe driving from these drivers while they gain experience behind the wheel.”
The Government also plans to reduce the frequency of eyesight testing. Currently, drivers may be tested up to three times between the ages of 16 and 18. Under the proposal, vision checks would only be required when applying for a first licence and again after turning 45.
“Evidence suggests there is little safety benefit from this repeated eyesight testing,” Bishop says. “At other times people would need to declare that their vision has not deteriorated.”
There would be no changes to eyesight testing requirements for heavy vehicle licences, endorsements, or drivers over 75.
If approved, the new licensing system would come into effect in July 2026. Until then, all current licensing rules will remain in place.
The proposed removal of the full licence test would apply only to car licences. No changes are planned for overseas licence conversions, senior drivers, or licence reinstatements. The consultation document will be available on the Ministry of Transport website from April 14.
