In 2014, the Government commenced a review of the driver licensing system as part of its commitment to achieve a more efficient transport regulatory system underpinned by better quality regulation. The review found that the driver licensing system’s core policies are sound but there are areas of opportunity where improvements in the system could produce measurable social, safety, and economic benefits, while maintaining or improving road safety. The review covered:

enabling online driver licensing transactions;

streamlining the progression between heavy vehicle licence classes;

removing licence endorsements for ‘special-type’ vehicles;

standardising requirements for ‘special-type’ vehicles and reducing compliance costs; and

increasing the power of the NZ Transport Agency to manage approved course providers.

A discussion paper providing options for changing the Driver Licensing Rule was released on 19 April 2016.

In December 2016, after considering feedback on the discussion paper, the Government made some changes to the proposals and decided to consult the public on its preferred options, but this was not able to be completed before the General Election in 2017.

On Monday 18 March 2019, following the Government’s decision to initiate the public consultation, the NZ Transport Agency released the ‘yellow draft’ of the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2019. You can read the draft Rule or make a submission on the NZ Transport Agency’s website at www.nzta.govt.nz/dlr-consultation(external link)

Additional information:

Readers of this material should note the Ministry’s copyright and disclaimer provisions at the following link - http://www.transport.govt.nz/copyright-and-disclaimer/(external link)

If you have any queries about this consultation, please email: dlr@transport.govt.nz