Media statement | 22 March 2006

New driver licensing rules cover several groups

Several changes to the licensing rules for overseas, commercial, novice and older drivers will take effect from 1 June 2006, following the signing of the Driver Licensing Amendment Rule (2006) by Minister for Transport Safety the Hon Harry Duynhoven.

The changes are aimed at improving New Zealand’s driver licensing system and making it more responsive to people’s needs.

Older drivers

• Older drivers (aged 75 years or over) can renew their licence up to six months before the expiry date, while retaining validity from the original expiry date. The change allows these drivers to start the renewal process earlier, allowing time to participate in an optional Safe With Age driving refresher course and/or an on-road driving lesson. 
• Removal of the ‘automatic only’ provision - older drivers who take their on-road test in an automatic vehicle will be able to drive an automatic or a manual vehicle.
• The rule does not include the proposed changes to remove the mandatory on-road test for drivers aged 80. Those changes are being progressed under a separate amendment, and are expected to come into force in late 2006.

Overseas drivers

• Overseas drivers with a non-English language licence must carry an accurate English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) while driving. This will help police determine that an overseas licence is valid, verify that the driver holds the correct licence class for the vehicle, and check for any conditions that may be attached to the licence.
• When a person is issued with a New Zealand driver licence their overseas driver licence will be invalidated for the purpose of driving in New Zealand.  This change means people cannot drive on two licences – there have been cases of people accumulating demerit points on two licences and so avoiding penalties. 
• The rule removes an overseas birth certificate and an overseas driver licence from the list of primary identification documents that can be presented for the purpose of converting an overseas licence to a New Zealand licence. Applicants must now show a passport as proof of their identity, in addition to presenting their overseas driver licence (not an International Driving Permit). These changes will make it harder to legitimise a false identity that could be used for illegal purposes.

Commercial drivers

Government has recognised that there is a shortage of qualified drivers for the heavy vehicle industry, and the rule includes two main changes to address this issue.

• Drivers can progress through the commercial licensing classes more quickly. The previous system required all drivers to hold Class 2, 3, and 4 licences for six months before applying for a higher licence class. The rule reduces this to three months for drivers aged 25 or over. These drivers can also complete an approved course to move to a higher licence class with no minimum time requirement.
• The maximum vehicle weight allowed under some licence classes has been increased to allow some heavier vehicles to be driven with a lower class of driver licence. This will give commercial operators more flexibility in assigning drivers to vehicles, allowing more efficient use drivers and vehicles. See the separate Q&A document for details on the changes to weight limits for various licence classes.

The Driver Licensing Amendment Rule also includes several minor changes which will benefit the general driving population. These changes are detailed in the separate Q&A document.

For more information:

Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager, Land Transport NZ
Ph: 04 931 8829  or  021 276 3222