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How Does New Zealand's Driving Test Compare To Other Countries
The government is proposing major changes to New Zealand's driver licence systems for the first time in 14 years.
The proposed changes would drop the second practical test to get a full licence, reduce the number of required eyesight tests and impose harsher rules for drivers on learners and restricted licences.
"Internationally, we are an outlier in requiring a practical driving test when going from a restricted licence to full," Transport Minister Chris Bishop said.
"Other countries such as Australia require those on restricted licences to have longer learner periods, reduced demerit thresholds, or mandatory practice hours."
The government is also mulling whether to impose a minimum requirement for practice hours for drivers, recommended by AA.
AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen said it was easier to get a licence in New Zealand than in any of the developed countries the AA looked at. So, lets see how New Zealand's new licence regime compares to other countries.
How does New Zealand's driver licence tests compare to other countries?
In New Zealand, you can apply for a learner licence if you are 16 years old or older. You will sit a theory test, then, if you pass, you can learn to drive with a supervisor present and 'L' plates displayed on the car.
Once you have held your learner licence for at least six months, you can take your practical test.
If you pass, you will receive a restricted licence which allows you to drive with limitations on when you can drive and if you can have passengers.
If you are under 25 you must have held your restricted licence for a minimum of 18 months which reduces to 12 months if you complete the AA Driver's Seat Defensive Driving Course, before you can go for your full licence test. That reduces to a minimum of six months and three months, respectively, for those over aged 25.
To receive a full licence, Kiwi drivers must pass a second practical driving test - this is the test the government is looking to axe.
Drivers in New Zealand are also required to undergo an eyesight test before their learner, restricted and full driving tests.
In Australia, the rules for obtaining a licence differ slightly depending on the state.
Like New Zealand, in Australia you must be over 16 to begin the process of obtaining a full driver's licence, except for Australian Capital Territory which requires drivers to be over 15 years and nine months. In the United Kingdom (UK) drivers also must be be at least 15 years and nine months old.
To receive a learners licence, Australians must pass an eyesight test and theory test. After passing the test, drivers will receive a learner's permit. When driving on a learner's permit, drivers must have a supervisor with a full licence present, display 'L' plates on the front and back of the car. There are also other rules for learner drivers such as never driving over 90km/h, no towing vehicles and no alcohol in their system.
In the UK, there is also a theory test, including a hazard perception test, and eyesight test. Just like Australia and New Zealand, new UK drivers must be supervised when driving and display 'L' plates. In Northern Ireland, the speed limit for learner drivers is 45 miles (roughly 72km) per hour, while the rest of the UK speed limits are the same for all drivers.
The next step in Australia is to get a provisional licence known as 'Red Ps'. To sit your provisional licence test, if you are under the age of 25, you must hold your learner's permit for at least 12 months, while if you are 25 or over you must hold your learner's permit for at least six months. You also must complete a minimum number of supervised driving experience, however, the number of hours required is different in each state.
After passing a Practical Driving Assessment (PDA), Australian drivers receive their Red Ps which they hold for one year. After a year, they receive a Green P or P2.
After six months of holding a Green P licence, drivers will be eligible for a full licence. Unlike New Zealand, there is no second practical test.
In the UK, after passing the practical test, new drivers can learn how to drive with a supervisor present. You must put an 'L' plate on the front and back of your vehicle. In Wales, they use a 'D' plate instead.
New drivers in the UK can book their practical test once they have passed their theory test. There's no minimum number of lessons you must have done before you book and take your test. There is also an eyesight test.
Upon successful completion of the driving test, you'll be issued a full UK driver's licence. Drivers who have just passed the test can display optional 'P' plates on their car which show other drivers you are less experienced on the roads.
Consultation on the New Zealand government's proposed changes opens on Tuesday on the Ministry of Transport's website, and closes on 9 June.
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