Greg Murphy disagrees with proposed driver licence changes

Ex-Supercars legend, Greg Murphy, says a plan by the Ministry of Transport to remove the full-licence practical test is crazy.

In April, the Transport Minister, Chris Bishop, announced a raft of suggested changes to the licensing system. Amongst them was a proposal to remove the full-licence practical test. And it would introduce safety mitigations for people on their learner or restricted licence.

The Government is proposing the changes, said Bishop, to make the process simpler and more affordable.

Some Napier high school students agreed, saying the cost to get a licence was prohibitive. They added that the challenge of the restricted driving test had left them with test anxiety.

Murphy, a local, said he strongly disagreed with the students’ opinions. He said that driving is perhaps the most dangerous thing people do every day.

“If you think the test is too hard, you’re in La-la Land”, said Murphy.

“If you do the right amount of preparation… you will be absolutely fine.”

Murphy said New Zealand had many drivers who weren’t prepared for the roads. Many didn’t understand their driving environment or were oblivious to distractions that afflict them.

“We’ve got this culture and this belief that an accident won’t happen to me.”

Make driving part of the school curriculum 

Murphy told Hawke’s Bay Today that he felt a national standard driving curriculum should be established in schools.

“It should be almost compulsory that there are driver education courses… at high school and students are helped and supported through that learning,” he said.

Murphy agreed with the Government that getting a full driver’s licence was a really important step…but he wanted the licences to be given to those who can prove they are safe drivers.

“You can’t just give someone a licence to make their lives easier, but put them and other people at risk on the roads because of it.

“That is just ludicrous…stupidity,” he said.

“Let’s prepare people accordingly.”

A Ministry of Transport spokesperson said they were analysing submissions to the proposed changes and would be advising the minister on the outcome of the consultation.

Chirs Bishop is expected to make an announcement in the coming months, once Cabinet agrees to any changes.

Those they agree to should be implemented within a year.