The AA is pleased to see the Government propose some significant driver licensing changes but believes more improvements are needed to have a greater impact on the youth road toll.
Minister of Transport Chris Bishop announced the proposed changes today including removing the full licence test, more consequences for drivers who commit traffic offences while on their learner or restricted licence, and a zero-alcohol limit for everyone until they reach a full licence.
Bishop also proposed a reduction in eye test requirements and administrative changes to increase Government oversight on approved driver training providers.
The changes are open for consultation until early June before the Government makes its final decisions on how getting a driver licence will change.
AA Road Safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen says having a zero-alcohol limit until a full licence and more consequences for driving offences while on a learner or restricted licence would be welcomed by the AA and would bring our system more in line with other countries with less road deaths.
“A 2024 AA Research Foundation study showed New Zealand had the least requirements to achieve a driver licence compared to Australia or other similar countries we examined. We also have one of the highest rates of road deaths among young people compared to other developed countries.”
“We believe the zero-alcohol limit for drivers on learner and restricted licences and more consequences for those breaking the rules makes sense to improve road safety.”
The AA Research Foundation also recently surveyed 1000 young drivers and this revealed: 66% admitted to speeding in a 50km/h zone, 22% drove without a seatbelt, 23% scrolled social media while driving and 35% had been in a crash within the last five years
Dylan says, “Breaking the most basic road rules reflects a culture where learning to drive isn’t being treated with the seriousness it should be, and the proposed change to extend the licence period for law breakers could prove a more effective measure than financial penalties.”
While the proposed changes are a step in the right direction, the AA believes more could be done to ensure drivers get the practice they need to be well-prepared, safe drivers.
“If the full licence test is removed, there needs to be assurances that drivers are meeting minimum standards of practice. Most developed countries require learners to complete a certain number of hours of logged practice time, either with a supervisor or professional driving instructor, before they can start driving alone and we think this is something the Government needs to be looking at.”
The AA would like to see at least 60 hours of supervised practice before drivers can seek a restricted licence, with the option to reduce those hours by completing professional training or defensive driving courses.
“We also understand it isn’t always possible for every learner driver to have someone able to supervise while they practice, so we’d like to see the Government boost investment for community programmes in this area as well as using technology to complement real world practice.
“Any changes to how New Zealanders get their driver licences are significant decisions that need to be well considered. The AA will be taking some time to look over the full Government proposal in advance of making its submission.
“We want New Zealand to have better prepared and safer young drivers, which ultimately benefits us all.”
ENDS