The New Zealand Trucking Association (NTA) is calling for urgent action to strengthen commercial driver licensing systems after NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi cancelled hundreds of licences issued through a flawed conversion process.
The Association says the cancellations have triggered appalling behaviour, including racist commentary and social media attacks, but stresses the issue is the result of a system failure acknowledged by NZTA — not ethnicity, nationality, or immigration status.
“This is a systems issue, not a cultural issue. We must stop turning a system failure into a racist debate. What matters now is putting in place robust processes that properly assess capability and ensure safe operations on our roads,” New Zealand Trucking Association chief executive David Boyce says.
System rebuild required
The Association wants NZTA to adopt a more rigorous process for commercial licence conversions, particularly for drivers from non-exempt countries.
It says conversions must include mandatory English language proficiency, a written knowledge test, and a practical assessment of heavy-vehicle competency before any driver is cleared to operate commercially.
“A licence issued on the basis of paperwork alone does not assure competency, especially for people moving into unfamiliar road conditions, legal frameworks, and heavy vehicle technologies,” Boyce says.
The Association says transport operators must also take responsibility for ensuring drivers are safe and competent, regardless of how or where their licence was obtained.
“A piece of paper is not proof of competence. Operators need robust systems that verify a driver’s capability, not just their credentials,” Boyce says.
NTA says structured safety management systems such as TruckSafe help companies put in place policies, procedures, training, and ongoing performance monitoring.
“TruckSafe gives operators the systems they need to lift capability, reduce risk, and stop relying on luck or assumptions. Safety is a process, not a promise,” Boyce says.
Progress on remedial testing
NZTA has confirmed affected drivers are being offered an accelerated pathway to re-sit relevant tests by January 23. Dedicated test sites have been set up with VTNZ on the North Shore, in Wiri, Mount Maunganui, Palmerston North (Rangitikei Line), and Christchurch (Jipcho Road).
Testing has been arranged to occur over one to two days, and drivers have been instructed to contact VTNZ directly. A one-page information sheet outlining potential outcomes is being provided.
NZTA has added Condition 23 to the licences of affected drivers in the TORO and Driver Check systems. The condition disqualifies a driver from transport service driving until they meet the required standards. Employers have been contacted directly, and updated guidance has been added to help pages explaining the implications.
The Association says the transport industry must avoid weaponising the issue against specific groups and instead focus on rebuilding trust and lifting safety standards.
“The people caught up in this are not responsible for the system failure. Many are skilled, hard-working transport professionals who want to do the right thing. Let’s fix the system, support affected drivers, and maintain a focus on safety, not shame,” Boyce says.
