this post was submitted on 03 Feb 2026
2 points (100.0% liked)

NZ Politics

858 readers
7 users here now

Kia ora and welcome to the NZ Politics community!

This is a place for respectful discussions about everything that's political and kiwi

This is an inclusive space where diverse opinions are valued, but please don't be a dick

Other kiwi communities here

 

Banner image by Tom Ackroyd, CC-BY-SA

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
Dave@lemmy.nz
RaoulDuke@lemmy.nz
2
Driver licence system overhaul unveiled (www.rnz.co.nz)
submitted 4 weeks ago by Dave@lemmy.nz to c/politics@lemmy.nz
10 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Making the announcement in Auckland on Tuesday, Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the current system was "expensive, outdated and no longer works as well as it should".

Key changes

  • No more full licence test: Drivers will no longer need to sit a second practical test to move from the restricted to full licence, saving time and money. This applies to Class 1 (car) licences only.
  • Longer time spent on learners for under 25s: There will be a 12-month learner period for under 25s, an increase of six months.
  • Option to reduce learner period: There will be an option for under 25s to reduce their 12-month learner period back to six months by recording practice hours or completing an approved practical course.
  • New restricted periods: The restricted period will be 12 months for under 25s and six months for over 25s, with no option to reduce it with a defensive driving course.
  • Cheaper to get a full licence: The total cost of getting a Class 1 (car) licence will reduce by $80 under the new system.
  • Encouraging safe driving: Drivers on their restricted licence will face a further six months on their restricted if they get demerits.
  • Fewer eyesight screenings: Eyesight screenings will only be required at the first licence application and at each renewal. This applies to Class 1 and Class 6 (motorcycle) licences.
  • Zero-alcohol rule expanded: All learner and restricted drivers, regardless of age, will be subject to a zero-alcohol limit.
  • Stronger oversight of training providers: NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will gain new powers to monitor and suspend driver training course providers.
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] MadPsyentist@lemmy.nz 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

This is an interesting one for me. I have a bunch of mates in their 40s still on their restricted, it has never impacted them, cops never seem to care.

If the law isnt being inforced then its just frivilous buracracy. Now i agree that we already have a poor standerd of average driver skill in NZ so that should be elevated. But laws for the sake of laws that only get applied sporadicaly and inconsistantly just create derision with our justice system.

Perhaps creating a longer learner period, something like 2 years, that can be reduced by 3-6 month increments by taking certain courses could be a thing. Skip the restricted altogether.

Im not against what they are doing with this, to me it seems like a step in the correct direction. I do question their motives behind it. What do you know, even a broken clock is right twice a day.

[–] Dave@lemmy.nz 2 points 3 weeks ago

I think their propsal has missed the most important thing: that experience is what matters. I don't see why they needed to drop the restricted period to 12 months, they could have dropped the second test and left the 18 month restricted period.