Road freight association Transporting New Zealand has welcomed the Government’s proposed changes to the driver licensing system, saying the reforms will help more New Zealanders progress through the system and travel safely on the road.
The changes include removing the second practical driving test when progressing from a restricted to a full licence, alongside additional safety measures such as a longer learner licence period for drivers under 25, extended restricted licence periods for drivers who incur demerits, expansion of the zero-alcohol rule and stronger oversight of training providers.
Transporting New Zealand head of policy and advocacy Billy Clemens says removing the second practical test would bring New Zealand into line with comparable countries.
Clemens says there is no substantive research showing the second practical test improves safety outcomes, while engagement with the licensing system has continued to decline.
“There are over one million eligible New Zealanders currently without a full driver license, a situation that has been worsening since the early 2000s. Not having a full license can be a serious obstacle to employment, and accessing essential services like groceries and healthcare.”
He says the issue also has implications for the freight sector, which is facing workforce pressures.
“With the road freight workforce rapidly aging, we are also keen to ensure there is another generation of potential commercial drivers able to help keep New Zealand moving.”
Clemens says research highlights cost, access and anxiety as key barriers to licence progression.
“Research from NZTA and WSP found that anxiety, cost and access were all key reasons for not gaining a full license. Removing the second practical driving test will remove a barrier to progression, and the $80 reduction in licensing costs will help with affordability.”
He says the package of reforms is aimed at ensuring drivers continue to move through the licensing system.
“This combination of changes will help ensure that people are progressing through the driver licensing system, rather than idling on a learner or restricted license.”
