Drivers with a learner or restricted licence close to expiry will be given an automatic two-year extension by the Government.
On Monday, Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter announced that motorists holding a current five-year learner, restricted or motorbike licence expiring between December 1, 2019 and December 1, 2021 will receive the extension.
Over 144,000 time-limited licences are due to expire within the next two years, with 67,000 due to expire in the 12 months from December 1, 2019 and a further 77,000 the following year.
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Genter said the extension is "pragmatic".
"The extension is a short-term measure to avert the potential for thousands of drivers becoming unlicensed over the next two years," she explained in a Government press release.
She also said the reprieve would give learner and restricted drivers more time to get their full licence, "improve their driving skills or save up to pay for the test".
"I want to be clear that people on time-restricted licences need to take the necessary steps as soon as possible to move to a full licence," she warned.
The upcoming expiration of thousands of licences nationwide has been linked to a 2014 rule change that introduced a five-year time limit on restricted and learner licences.
Genter said it's possible that many drivers are not aware that their licence is time-limited.
"The current rate of learner or restricted drivers progressing to the next licence stage is too low," she said.
Genter acknowledged that many New Zealanders may struggle to progress their driving due to a lack of resources, training or support to pass the tests, pointing to "a larger problem with our licensing system".
Over the next two years the Government will:
- Immediately review the Graduated Driver Licensing System
- Launch a communication campaign to help licence holders understand the changes and encourage them to progress to the next licence stage
- Develop additional programmes to help disadvantaged young drivers access licensing
- Expand access to driver training and resources in schools
- Increase the capacity of driver licence testing sites.
Genter urged disadvantaged drivers to talk to Work and Income about financial assistance if the cost of the test is an issue.
"While extended expired licences will be legal to drive on, I nevertheless encourage holders to either progress or renew the licence, so it is visibly up-to-date," she advised.
"This will make it simpler if you use your license as ID for proof of age."
Newshub.
