Driving Licence Changes

Proposed Changes to Driver Licensing

The Hon. Chris Bishop has announced Driver Licence changes to help Kiwis gain their licence. Below is the official announcement:
The Government is proposing the first major changes to New Zealand’s driver licence system since 2011
The changes include removing the requirement for a practical driving test when getting a full driver licence
Public consultation on the changes will begin tomorrow.
The Government proposes to remove the requirement for a second practical test when gaining a driver licence and reduce the number of eyesight tests required, among other sensible changes to the Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS), Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. 
“Getting a driver licence is very important for many Kiwis. Having a licence means people can access jobs, education, healthcare, and participate in society. 
“Around one million adults in New Zealand don’t have a full driver licence, and nearly half of these people have no licence at all.
“Right now the process for getting a driver licence is time consuming and inefficient. It involves a theory test to get a learner licence, and then two practical tests – one when going for a restricted licence, and another when going for a full licence. 
“It’s also expensive, with the full process from learner to full licence costing a minimum of $362.50 in fees.
"The Government is proposing changes to the driver licensing system to make the process for getting a full driver licence more accessible, efficient and affordable.
“The main change is to remove the requirement for a person on their restricted licence to do a practical driving test when going for their full licence. The full licence test currently costs $98.90 to book.
“Internationally, we are an outlier in requiring a practical driving test when going from a restricted licence to full. Other countries such as Australia require those on restricted licences to have longer learner periods, reduced demerit thresholds, or mandatory practice hours.
“We’re proposing new safety measures, including:
requiring drivers on their restricted licence to keep a clean driving record to progress to their full licence, for 18 months for under-25s – or 12 months if they complete an advanced driving course – with a zero tolerance for any driving offence
halving the demerit threshold for learner and restricted drivers, meaning they can have their licence suspended if they reach 50 demerit points, as opposed to the current threshold of 100 demerit points
introducing a zero-alcohol limit for learner and restricted drivers of any age, as well the current zero limit for everyone under 20 years
“NZTA will also look at introducing a hazard perception test at the end of the learner stage.
“These measures are designed to encourage safe driving from these drivers while they gain experience behind the wheel. 
“We’re also proposing to reduce the frequency of eyesight tests for drivers. 
“At present, drivers are required to undergo an eyesight test before their learner, restricted and full driving tests. This means some people end up having their vision tested three times between age 16 and 18, while a person aged over 25 going through the process to get their driver licence can have their vision tested three times in just nine months. 
“Evidence suggests there is little safety benefit from this repeated eyesight testing. Instead, we propose that people would still need to have their vision tested when they apply for their first licence, and when they first renew their licence after they turn 45. At other times people would need to declare that their vision has not deteriorated.
“We are not proposing changes to eyesight testing for heavy vehicle licences or endorsements, or for people over 75 years.
“Any changes to the driver licensing system would be implemented in July 2026. Until the new system is in place, people will need to follow the current requirements for their licence.
“We believe our proposals strike the right balance between making it easier to progress through the system and maintaining road safety.”

Proposed improvements to New Zealand’s Graduated Driver Licensing System.

The Government is proposing a package of changes to the driver licensing system, including removing the full test and introducing a number of safety mitigations for novice drivers (people on their learner or restricted licence). These changes will make the process for getting a full licence more accessible and efficient. It would bring our system more in line with other countries.
Any changes would be implemented in July 2026.

Proposed Changes:

• Remove the full test This change would remove the full licence test. Instead of sitting the full test, you would need to keep a clean driving record on your restricted licence before you can progress to your full licence (see proposal 2).
• Introduce a clean driving record requirement to the restricted licence You must keep a clean driving record on your restricted licence before you can get your full licence. If you commit any driving offence (not including parking tickets), your restricted licence time would restart from the time of offence.
• Reduce the demerit threshold for novice drivers to have their licence suspended Currently if you reach 100 demerit points within two years, your licence could be suspended. Under the change, if you reach 50 demerit points while you are on your learner or restricted licence, your licence could be suspended.
• Introduce a zero-alcohol limit for novice drivers There is currently a zero-alcohol limit for drivers aged under 20 years. The change would extend this to novice drivers. This means if you are on your learner or restricted licence, you would not be allowed to drive after any alcohol, no matter how old you are. 5. Improve NZTA’s oversight of approved advanced driver courses NZTA approves courses which can reduce the time people spend on their restricted licence. The changes would give NZTA more ability to consider whether course providers are suitable and allow them to suspend or revoke providers where necessary.
• Reduce the number of vision tests Currently you need to have your vision tested at each licence application and renewal. The changes mean you would only need to sit a vision test when you apply for your first licence, and when you first renew your licence after you turn 45. The current requirements would stay the same for people over 75 years old.