The Government proposes eliminating the practical driving test for attaining a full licence, aiming to streamline the licensing process and make it more affordable, according to Transport Minister Chris Bishop.
He noted that New Zealand is an “outlier” compared to countries like Australia, which implement longer learner periods and reduced demerit thresholds instead of a practical test. The proposal, set for public consultation, includes new safety measures: a clean driving record requirement for restricted drivers, halved demerit thresholds, and a zero-alcohol limit for all learner and restricted drivers.
