Nearly half of retested drivers fail amid alleged VTNZ licensing scandal

A major licensing scandal centred on VTNZ Highbrook has seen nearly half of the affected drivers fail compulsory retests, following allegations that testing officers accepted bribes to pass applicants. Police have now stepped back from the case, with the Serious Fraud Office taking over the investigation.

The NZ Herald has reported that more than 300 drivers were ordered to redo their practical tests earlier this year after claims that VTNZ officers at the Auckland branch took cash in exchange for passing results. Five testing officers were dismissed once the allegations surfaced, and VTNZ halted all driver licence testing at the Highbrook site while inquiries continued. It’s alleged the misconduct dates back to at least 2023.

Concerns quickly arose that some drivers who were awarded full licences may never have met the required safety standard. An NZTA spokesman told the Herald the agency had identified “serious misconduct” by five officers, prompting 322 drivers to be told they must sit a new on-road test by December 12.

“To date, 220 drivers have been re-tested, a further 23 have booked tests, with 75 still to book and sit a test by 12 December. Of the 220 drivers re-tested, 129 have passed and 91 have failed.”

NZTA noted that the resulting 58% pass rate was almost identical to the nationwide Class 1 full licence pass rate last year. “NZTA has acted swiftly to require the drivers affected by this issue to sit and pass an on-road driving test in order to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills to continue to hold a licence.”

Although VTNZ Highbrook remains closed for licensing tests, it continues to offer WoF and CoF inspections. “The investigation is ongoing, and no further comment can be provided at this stage,” the spokesman said.