Government Implements Changes to Reduce Driver Licence Test Wait Times

“Getting a driver licence makes a big difference in a person’s life. We need to ensure that the process for getting a licence is efficient while allowing learner drivers the time to develop their driving skills,” Brown stated.

The Government is introducing changes to the driver licensing system to address the long wait times faced by New Zealanders attempting to sit their driver licence tests, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced.

“Since the previous government’s decision last year to remove re-sit fees for theory and practical tests, demand for driver licence test bookings has increased significantly, as have test failure rates and no-shows. This has led to unacceptable delays for Kiwis trying to book a test for their driver licence,” Brown said.

The surge in demand for overseas driver licence conversions has also added to the pressure on the system. The combination of these factors has resulted in wait times exceeding 60 days in some parts of the country, up from an average of 13 days before the previous government’s changes.

To reduce these delays, the Government will implement the following changes from 8 July:

Class 1 driver licence test applicants sitting a theory or practical test will be eligible for one free re-sit. Any additional tests will require payment.

Overseas driver licence conversions will no longer be eligible for free re-sits and must pay for any additional tests if they fail the first one.

“Our Government has sought to take a balanced approach to this issue by limiting the number of free re-sits to get these wait times under control. These changes will reduce no-shows and incentivize driver licence applicants to prepare and pass their tests, reducing the driver licence backlog while continuing to ensure that Class 1 applicants remain eligible for a free re-sit,” Brown explained.

In addition to these policy changes, the NZTA is implementing operational measures to reduce wait times. These include recruiting more Driver Testing Officers (DTOs), expanding the available hours for theory and practical driving tests, and increasing the number of courses to train new DTOs. Text alerts have also been introduced to remind people of their driving test appointments.

“Getting a driver licence makes a big difference in a person’s life. We need to ensure that the process for getting a licence is efficient while allowing learner drivers the time to develop their driving skills,” Brown stated.

There will be a three-month transition period for all drivers who have already paid an application fee under the previous system to ensure they can progress through their current licence stage before these changes take effect.