Agency suspends testing officers

Sixteen driver testing officers (DTOs) have been suspended, seven stood down and hundreds of motorists face having to resit practical driving tests after an investigation by the NZTA.

The action comes after the agency launched a probe when monitoring activity identified “abnormal test results” and concerns were raised about some DTOs.

Mike Hargreaves, director of land transport, says the NZTA has been investigating since October 2025 and some practical tests for passenger and heavy vehicle endorsements may not have been completed properly or to the required standard.

“This action is about ensuring the safety of road users and maintaining confidence in the driver licensing system,” he told the NZ Herald. 

He adds driver licence testing by providers is carefully monitored and most tests are conducted properly, but “when we identify concerns, we will act”.

The NZTA is also considering action in relation to a number of former DTOs.

About 650 drivers are set to be contacted and required to resit tests conducted by the officers who have been suspended or stood down. 

This will happen over the next six months and Hargreaves notes the number of motorists affected may increase as the investigation continues.

NZTA is working with VTNZ to maintain testing capacity and minimise disruption during this period, reports the NZ Herald.

The probe comes after five VTNZ officers at the company’s Highbrook branch in Auckland were dismissed and their testing officer endorsements suspended last year amid allegations they accepted payments to pass people taking practical tests.

Hargreaves says police are involved in the investigation and charges are possible.