New drivers are being urged to practice for their licence tests and pass on the first try - as wait times skyrocket to 90 days in some places.
It comes after the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) introduced a single fee for each stage of obtaining a driver's licence, with no cost to resit a test.
This was introduced so people holding a learner's or restricted licence for long periods of time could progress faster.
The changes have seen an increase in those getting their licences, with 27,500 people passing their learner licence test between October and November — compared with 15,000 over the same period last year.
In October and November of 2022, there were over 92,000 bookings made for driving tests. This year saw a massive increase – seeing 145,200 bookings made in the same two months.
Because of this, AA and VTNZ “have seen a massive increase in demand for driver licence tests”.
This has led to some wait times for practical tests skyrocketing to more than 90 days, with the national average being 60.
“We’re monitoring wait times closely, and our agents are working hard to mitigate the effects of this additional demand in the system,” Neil Cook, NZTA deputy director of land transport, said.
“We know it’s frustrating for people to have to wait, but we’re asking everyone to be patient with AA and VTNZ staff, who are doing their best to manage increased demand by increasing capacity where possible.”
NZTA, AA and VTNZ are urging people to practise before they sit their tests as "they’re more likely to pass and less likely to have to re-join the wait list”.
People not showing up for tests and forgetting to cancel is also compounding the issue.
“If someone fails to turn up for a test and doesn’t cancel the booking, that means the spot can’t be used by anyone else,” Cook said.
“We’re asking anyone who can’t make it to their appointment to cancel online. If there’s even a few hours’ notice, it gives someone else the opportunity to jump in and take that test slot.”
He’s encouraging drivers to frequently check the booking website — so people can book a cancelled test and reduce their time waiting.
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