The Government has agreed changes to the graduated driver licence system which will reduce the cost and access barriers to getting a licence and improve road safety.
The updated system will take effect from January 2027, when all licence holders move to the new settings.
The key changes include
No more full licence test.
For under 25-year-olds, the learner licence period will increase from six to 12 months. This can be reduced to six months by completing a specified number of practice hours or a driving course.
The restricted licence period will be 12 months for under 25s and six months for over 25s, with no option to reduce it with a defensive driving course.
Drivers on their restricted licence will face a further six-months on their restricted if they get any demerit points.
Eyesight checks will only be required at the first licence application and at each renewal.
All learner and restricted drivers, regardless of age, will be subject to a zero-alcohol limit.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will gain new powers to monitor and suspend driver training course providers.