Government Driver Licencing Changes Aim to Lower Wait Times

The Government is rolling out changes to the driver licencing system next week (Jul 8th). Transport Minister Simeon Brown said that the changes will tackle the long wait times facing New Zealanders sitting their driver licence tests.

“Since the previous government’s decision last year to remove re-sit fees for theory and practical tests, demand for driver licence test bookings has increased significantly. So too have test failure rates and no-shows. This has led to unacceptable delays for Kiwis trying to book a test for their driver licence.

“Demand for overseas driver licence conversions has also grown significantly, adding to the pressure on the driver licence test system. This, coupled with unlimited free re-sits, has meant people applying to sit their driver licence tests have been waiting more than 60 days in parts of the country. This is up from an average wait time of 13 days in the three months prior to the previous government’s changes.”

From July 8, Class 1 driver licence test applicants sitting a theory or practical test will be eligible for one free re-sit. They will be required to pay for any additional test following this. The fees are essentially unchanged; the initial fee covering the application fee and first and second test is $83.57 for a class 1 learner, $145.65 for a class one restricted licence and $86 for a full class one licence. A theory resit fee covering one test, paid from the third test onwards is $47.48. A practical test resit fee for a class 1 restricted licence is $89.39 while that for a class 1 full licence is $62.52.

Overseas driver licence conversions will no longer be eligible for a free re-sit. If they fail the first test, they will be required to pay for any further tests.

Brown continued: “Our Government has sought to take a balanced approach to this issue by limiting the number of free re-sits to get these wait times under control. These changes will reduce no-shows and incentivise driver licence applicants to prepare and pass their tests. This will reduce the driver licence backlog, while continuing to ensure that Class 1 applicants remain eligible for a free re-sit.

“Alongside these changes, NZTA is implementing operational measures to reduce wait times by recruiting more Driver Testing Officers (DTOs). It is also expanding the available hours for theory and practical driving tests, and increasing the number of courses to train up DTOs. Text alerts have also been introduced to remind people of their driving test and ensure they turn up on the day.

“Getting a driver licence makes a big difference in a person’s life. We need to ensure that the process for getting a licence is efficient, while allowing learner drivers the time to develop their driving skills.”

There will be a three-month period for all drivers who have already paid an application fee under the previous system to ensure they can progress through their current licence stage before these changes take effect.