“This action is about ensuring the safety of road users and maintaining confidence in the driver licensing system. We carefully monitor the delivery of driver licence testing by our providers and, while the vast majority of driving tests are conducted properly, when we identify concerns, we will act.”
Hundreds of drivers had already been required to resit tests after an investigation was launched last year into alleged fraudulent activity at the Highbrook VTNZ (Vehicle Testing New Zealand).
The investigation into “serious misconduct” was subsequently handed over to the Serious Fraud Office.
Earlier this year, the Herald confirmed nearly half of those ordered to resit the tests had failed the licensing requirements.
Speaking today, Hargreaves said in addition to the DTOs suspended and stood down this week, NZTA was also considering action against some former officers.
The agency was contacting about 650 drivers who would be required to resit tests that were conducted by the DTOs who had been suspended or stood down.
“This number may increase as our investigation continues.
The NZTA is concerned some drivers who passed practical driving tests may not have the necessary driving skills to be safely on the road. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
“As some of the practical driving tests carried out by these officers may not have been completed properly or to the required standard, NZTA cannot rely on the outcome of those tests as demonstrating the applicants’ ability to drive safely. As a result, these drivers will be required to complete a further practical test.
“We understand that this is disruptive and inconvenient for these individuals, but where we can’t rely on a test result we need to confirm that the driver meets the required standard for the class of licence they hold. Retesting is the most effective way to do that.”
Affected drivers would be retested over the next six months.
“NZTA is working closely with practical driver testing agent VTNZ to maintain testing capacity and minimise disruption as much as possible during this period. VTNZ has been co-operating with our investigation to date.”
NZTA would not provide further details on individual testing officers or specific testing locations while the active investigation remained underway.
Hundreds of drivers fail retests
In February, the Herald reported that more than 100 drivers who passed their practical driving tests at an Auckland vehicle testing centre where officers were accused of accepting bribes had failed compulsory retests.
Others chose not to resit the test and their licences reverted to the previous class.
At the time, three testing officers had had their testing licences revoked, while two others remained stood down.
They had all been sacked from the Highbrook testing station.
An NZTA spokesman told the Herald the agency required 319 people to resit driving tests after investigations found “serious misconduct” involving five driver testing officers.
A total of 257 people resat the on-road test. Of those, 155 (60%) passed and 102 (40%) failed.
The 60% pass rate was nearly identical to the overall pass rate for Class 1 full licence tests in New Zealand last year.
Five VTNZ officers at the Highbrook branch are accused of taking money in return for passing hundreds of drivers sitting their practical tests.
Sixty-one people did not resit before the December 12 deadline and their licences reverted to their previous state; one person voluntarily surrendered their licence.
Earlier, police handed over the investigation to the Serious Fraud Office.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the issue was “concerning” and NZTA was keeping him regularly updated on operational actions and developments.
VTNZ declined to comment earlier this year while investigations were underway.
However, a statement in October said motorists could still have faith in the driver licensing regime and it had no tolerance for its officers committing criminal acts.
Then VTNZ country manager Greg O’Connor said the organisation took “decisive and serious action” after allegations of dishonesty at one of its branches.
“After being notified of the alleged offending at the Highbrook branch, VTNZ conducted a thorough investigation and worked with NZTA on appropriate steps.”
O’Connor said public safety was VTNZ’s highest priority.
“VTNZ places the highest importance on the integrity of licence testing and the safety of everyone who travels on our roads.”
Lane Nichols is Auckland Desk Editor and a senior journalist for the New Zealand Herald with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.
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