Overhaul of driver’s licence system proposed

The Government is set to reform the driver’s licence system, according to a 1News report. It is likely to drop one of the two practical tests required to get a full driver’s licence. This is because many young drivers on their restricted licence hold off on obtaining their full licence.

Dropping the requirement for a full licence test would cut the cost of getting a full licence from $362.50 to $263.70.

Restricted drivers would be eligible for a full licence after 18 months, or 12 months if they complete an advanced driving course.

However, drivers would have to maintain a clean driving record to be eligible. Any traffic infringements will cause a reset.

Other changes to the driver’s licensing system proposed by the Government addressed questions over road safety. Learner and restricted drivers could have their licences suspended after incurring 50 demerit points instead of the current 100.

A zero-alcohol limit would be extended to cover a learner or restricted driver of any age. That’s in addition to the existing limit for under 20s.

A hazard perception test may also be introduced at the end of the learner stage. 

Drivers at present are required to undergo eyesight testing before their learner, restricted, and full driving tests.

Bishop said there was little safety benefit from this repeated testing. An eyesight test should apply on application, when a licence is first renewed and when drivers turn 45.

“We are not proposing changes to eyesight testing for heavy-vehicle licences or endorsements, or for people over 75 years,” Bishop said.

Nor are changes proposed to licence requirements for overseas licence conversions, senior drivers, or licence reinstatements.

The Automobile Association (AA) welcomed the demerit point and alcohol limit change proposals but said more could be done to improve safety.

A spokesperson said that New Zealand still has one of the worst rates of fatal crashes in the OECD. The organisation wants learners to complete at least 60 hours of supervised practice before obtaining their licence. Supervision could be carried out by a family member, and monitored by app. 

Australia and the United States have similar policies.

The more time young people practise accompanied before they start driving solo has been shown repeatedly to reduce crash rates.

If the proposed changes are accepted, they would come into force in July next year.

Public consultation will open on the Ministry of Transport website on April 14 and run for three weeks.