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The number of necessary vision tests would also be reduced in changes in the licensing system of graduated drivers, announced today by the Minister of Transport, Chris Bishop.
The changes go out for public consultation tomorrow.
Bishop said these would be the first major changes in New Zealand’s license system since 2011, when the minimum age to obtain a student license was raised from 15 to 16.
Currently, a theory test is required to get a student license, followed by two practical tests – one for a restricted license and one for a complete license.
Bishop said the process for obtaining a driver’s license was “time consuming and inefficient” and the government was proposing to remove someone’s requirement on his restricted license to take a practical steering test to go to his full time.
Nzta Waka Kotahi said last year that the demand for tests increased 60 % and was trying to reinforce the number of test officers.
Some Auckland candidates for testing were traveling to Tamisa, Matamata and Te Awamutu to Levá.
The complete process, the student and the total license, costs at least US $ 362.50.
Bishop said the proposed changes would make the process for a complete “more affordable, efficient and affordable” license.
“Internationally, we are an outlier by requiring a practical direction test over a restricted license to the full. Other countries like Australia require those in restricted licenses to have longer periods, reduced demerit thresholds or compulsory practice hours.”
Other new security measures in the proposal include:
• Requiring drivers on their restricted license to maintain a clean driving record to progress in their full license, for 18 months for children under 25 – or 12 months if they conclude an advanced steering course – with zero tolerance for any driving offense
• Half half of the demerit threshold for student drivers and restrictions, which means they can suspend their license if they reach 50 demerit points, as opposed to the current limit of 100 points of demerit
• Presenting a zero alcohol limit to students and restricted factors of any age, as well as the current zero limit for all less than 20 years
“These measures are designed to encourage the safe direction of these drivers while gaining experience at the wheel,” said Bishop.
He said the frequency of vision tests for drivers can also be reduced.
“Currently, drivers are required to undergo a vision test against the student, restricted and complete driving tests. This means that some people end up testing three times between 16 and 18 years old, while a person over 25 to the process to obtain their driver’s license can test their vision three times in just nine months.”
“Evidence suggests that there is a little security benefit of this repeated vision test. Instead, we propose that people still need to test their vision when they apply for their first license and when they renew their license after turning 45. At other times, people would need to declare that their vision has not deteriorated.
There would be no changes to licensing or endorsement tests of heavy vehicles or for people over 75 years.
Any changes would be implemented in July 2026.
The consultation on the proposed changes opens tomorrow on the Ministry of Transport website and ends on June 9.
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