Improving the driver licensing system, while maintaining road safety.
Te whakapai i te pūnaha mō ngā raihana hautū me te tiaki tonu i te haumaru o ngā rori.
New Zealand has a graduated driver licensing system (GDLS) which means drivers move from a learner to a restricted and then a full licence. Currently, learner, restricted and full licences must be renewed every 10 years.
Te Manatū Waka are reviewing the GDLS to ensure the regulatory settings do not create unnecessary barriers to driver licensing, while improving road safety outcomes.
In 2019 Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency consulted on a number of improvements to the driver licensing system that would be made through the Land Transport (Driver Licensing Rule) 1999. Options on how to progress this work are still being considered.
As part of the Road to Zero Action Plan 2020-2022, Te Manatū Waka is conducting a regulatory review of the Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS) to investigate barriers to entry and progression through the system. As part of this review, Te Manatū Waka commissioned research into the crash risk of drivers who are slower or do not progress through the driver licensing system to obtain a full driver licence.
As part of the Road to Zero Action Plan 2020-2022 (external link) , Te Manatū Waka is conducting a regulatory review of the Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS) to investigate barriers to entry and progression through the system. As part of this review, Te Manatū Waka commissioned research into the crash risk of drivers who are slower or do not progress through the driver licensing system to obtain a full driver licence. Research findings were that those who progress from a restricted to a full licence within 2.8 years, have better outcomes on the road when compared with those who remain on their restricted licence.
A cross-agency programme to improve access to the licensing system is currently being led by Waka Kotahi and overseen by Employment, Education and Training Ministers. Waka Kotahi is working closely with Te Manatū Waka, the Ministry of Social Development, Accident Compensation Corporation, Te Puni Kōkiri and New Zealand Police. This programme is designing a future state for the driver licensing system where Waka Kotahi will maintain its role as regulator of the system and optimise how people, processes, policy, technology and information are combined to provide a driver licencing system that is accessible to those who want or need it.
This programme is consistent with, and builds on, Budget 2022 (external link) funding for equitable access to driver licences to improve employment, wellbeing and safety outcomes. Waka Kotahi is collaborating with the Ministry of Social Development to improve driver licence support for people most disadvantaged by barriers to driver licences.
Waka Kotahi also has two trials to improve access to driver licences underway in Te Tai Tokerau and Tairāwhiti (external link) .