Driver licensing being overhauled
Consultation has opened on proposed changes to driver licensing, which aim to make it easier for people to progress through the system to become safe on the road.
New Zealand’s graduated system differs from many other countries, which don’t require a second practical test to get a full licence. Instead, they have extra restrictions on learner or restricted drivers.
The government believes gaining a licence can open opportunities for employment and education, and improve access to services, community participation, independence and wellbeing.
It is now consulting on options to make a licence cheaper and easier to obtain while supporting motorists to have the skills to drive safely. To achieve this, the coalition is proposing to:
• Remove the full car-licence test and redistribute its components to other licence stages. For example, a computerised hazard perception test could be introduced at the end of the learner stage.
• Reduce the demerit threshold for novice drivers, so their licences could be suspended if they reach 50 demerit points.
• Introduce a zero-alcohol limit for all drivers on a learner or restricted licence in addition to under-20s as it is currently.
• Reduce requirements for vision testing for car and motorbike licences to enable licensing processes to move online. Vision testing requirements would not change for over-75s, overseas licence conversions, heavy-vehicle licences or reinstating licences or endorsements.
• Improve oversight of approved advanced driver courses for all classes to give the NZTA more scope to consider if course providers are suitable.
There are no changes proposed to overseas licence conversions or test fees. Public consultation on the proposals, which also enables the roll-out of digital driver licences in the future, closes on June 9. Click here to find out more.
All submissions will be analysed and contribute to recommendations provided to the Minister of Transport. If these are approved by cabinet, the new system would be implemented on July 1, 2026.
