The Government is proposing one of the most significant shakeups to the driving licensing system in more than ten years, which includes reducing two practical tests to one to gain a full license.
This comes after Transport Minister Chris Bishop said that data showed many drivers on their restricted licenses were holding off getting their full.
“We’ve heard for a while now as a government that the system just hasn’t been working as efficiently as people would like, and that there are particularly young people out there who are reluctant to go and get their full licence because it is stressful, it is anxiety-inducing, and it is costly as well.”
Under the new proposal restricted license drivers would get their full license after a period of 18 months or 12 months if they complete an advanced driving assessment.
Bishop said there was a catch, if you were to have any driving infringements the clock would reset.
“You will have to keep a clean driving record, so any traffic infringements, or anything that breaks the law, will essentially reset the clock.”
Other proposed changes included learner and restricted drivers having their licences suspended after incurring 50 demerit points rather than 100 demerit points and a reduction in the frequency of eyesight testing.
Photo Credit: NZ Herald
