Drivers over 25 will retain minimum learner and restricted periods of six months each, but will no longer be able to shorten their restricted period to three months by completing a course.<\/p>\n
A key change is the removal of the second practical driving test when progressing from a restricted to a full Class 1 licence. Bishop said this would reduce the overall cost by about $80, making licensing more affordable for drivers who demonstrate safe behaviour during their restricted period.<\/p>\n
The reforms also introduce tougher penalties for driving offences while on a restricted licence, with any demerit points triggering an automatic six\u2011month extension of the restricted period.<\/p>\n
Bishop said the changes balanced access with safety, with strong public support for expanding the zero alcohol limit to all learner and restricted licence holders, regardless of age.<\/p>\n
Helen Barry of Helen’s Driving School backs both the longer learner period and the zero-alcohol rule.<\/p>\n
Rotorua\u2011based Helen Barry, owner of Helen\u2019s Driving School, said she endorsed both the longer learner period and the zero\u2011alcohol rule.<\/p>\n
Barry said that while many parents taught their children to drive, they were not always familiar with current road rules or best practice.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of mums and dads do their best, but road rules have changed since they got their licences,\u201d she said. \u201cWe often find we\u2019re retraining learners because they\u2019ve picked up bad habits.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barry said learning to drive should involve experience in a wide range of conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you are learning to drive, you need to be able to drive at night, in the wet, when it\u2019s foggy \u2013 in all weather conditions,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She would also like to see more Government\u2011funded driving courses, particularly for young people and those who needed extra support to progress through the licensing system.<\/p>\n
Whakat\u0101ne driving instructor Marylou Bruys, owner of Marylou\u2019s Driving School, said she fully supported extending both the learner and restricted licence periods and the zero\u2011alcohol limit.<\/p>\n
\u201cPersonally, I believe there should be a zero\u2011alcohol limit for everyone who gets behind the wheel,\u201d she said. \u201cIt would make our roads safer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bruys agreed that parents often taught their children to drive, but said engaging a licensed instructor could help ensure learners were taught up\u2011to\u2011date rules and safer techniques.<\/p>\n
Jeroen van der Beek of Bay of Plenty Driving School says the changes appear to target “problem drivers”. Photo \/ File<\/p>\n
Bay of Plenty Driving School owner Jeroen van der Beek also backed the changes, saying they appeared to targeted \u201cproblem drivers\u201d.<\/p>\n
However, van der Beek said the success of the new system would depend on how practice hours and approved courses were monitored and enforced.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe proof is in the pudding when it comes to whether someone of any age is actually ready to move to a full licence,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d like to see more detail around how practice hours will be recorded, and whether police will have the resources to enforce the rules.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brake New Zealand director Caroline Perry says the Government needs to move faster if it wants to meet its road safety goal. Photo \/ NZME<\/p>\n
Road safety organisations also welcomed many of the reforms. Brake New Zealand director Caroline Perry said the charity was pleased to see the expansion of the zero\u2011alcohol rule.<\/p>\n
However, Perry said she would have liked to see mandatory minimum supervised driving hours introduced for young drivers to align New Zealand with overseas best practice.<\/p>\n
The Automobile Association also supported the changes, saying the emphasis on experience was crucial for road safety.<\/p>\n
AA road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen says experience makes safe drivers. Photo \/ File<\/p>\n
\u201cTime alone doesn\u2019t make safer drivers \u2013 experience does,\u201d AA road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen said. <\/p>\n
\u201cA longer learner period, combined with incentives to gain real driving experience or undertake professional training, gives young drivers a much better chance of developing the skills and judgment they need to be safer on the road.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kiwi motorsport driver and road safety advocate Greg Murphy gave Newstalk ZB a mixed response to the Government\u2019s proposed licence changes, supporting some measures but arguing they fell short of improving safety.<\/p>\n
He said the system still allowed drivers to gain a full licence without meaningful experience.<\/p>\n
All current learner and restricted licence holders will move on to the new system when it comes into force. <\/p>\n