\u201cWe are busy doing as many lessons as we possibly can, so the minute we get the go-ahead, we can put them all through and do a massive couple of weeks of testing and get them over the line.\u201d<\/p>\n
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has said he supports making it easier for people across New Zealand to obtain a driver\u2019s licence.<\/p>\n
NZTA head of driving regulation Chris Rodley said the contracts that were in place for Community Driver Testing Organisations (CDTO) services were expiring with no opportunities to renew.<\/p>\n
\u201cA new procurement was completed in line with Government Procurement Rules to engage fit-for-purpose organisations that can meet the needs of their communities. <\/p>\n
\u201cConnect was identified as an ideal provider of community driver testing services given its strong commitment to their community and a strong understanding of the Graduated Driver Licensing System.\u201d <\/p>\n
Rodley said they wanted to minimise the impact that a pause in service can have on communities who require support, and anticipate that Letters of Agreement along with Delegations of Functions and Powers will be signed in due course. <\/p>\n
\u201cA level of due diligence is being undertaken at the moment. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe acknowledge that services like these thrive when we have people of the community supporting the community.\u201d <\/p>\n
The programme was established in 2022 to increase accessibility to driver testing services, reduce barriers to obtaining a licence and improve road safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince then, we have been able to test our own students, which has reduced failure rates massively,\u201d Annand told Hawke\u2019s Bay Today in August 2024.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, she said the disruption to those booked to sit tests was minimal, as they would ensure they fit in anyone impacted.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf any, the boarding school kids have been affected.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said they would work with them to sit their tests on teacher-only days.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year we tested 630 people through community testing, and it works, especially for communities of interest like ours who have got that coordinated response.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been the best system.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t test anybody that we know hasn\u2019t got the safety aspects and the ability to drive.\u201d<\/p>\n