In May 2025, the New Zealand Government consulted on proposed changes to the Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS). The policy objective is to make it cheaper and easier to get a licence. ACRS submitted a response that supported the overall policy objective and various aspects of the proposed changes but had serious concerns about removing the full licence test unless additional safety measures were implemented. The ACRS made several evidence-based recommendations to mitigate safety concerns and ongoing equity challenges (read the ACRS submission here).
Final policy changes were announced on the 3 February 2026. The new rules will apply from 25 January 2027. The Government also confirmed that there are no changes to licence processes and requirements for overseas drivers or senior drivers. It was announced that NZTA will review the existing learner and restricted tests.
The ACRS understands and supports the overall policy objective but is concerned that the necessary safety mitigations are not being implemented to support the decision to remove the full licence test. Further, unless additional support is provided, the changes are also unlikely to address the fundamental barriers (aside from cost) to progression through the GDLS, particularly at the learner stage, which has implications for equity and safety.
The ACRS supports aspects of the changes such as extending the zero-alcohol tolerance, stronger NZTA oversight of training providers, the revised eyesight testing requirements, and moving the hazard perception test to the restricted stage. The ACRS also strongly supports an independent evaluation after 3 years. However, the changes to the learner and restricted stages and use of a demerit point extension as a compliance incentive falls behind international evidence and best practice.
The ACRS acknowledges that there are number of operational policy decisions that need to be made, including the required number of driving hours, how supervised hours will be logged, approved courses for learners, and any changes that are required as part of the assessment review. This work will be critical to mitigating the risk of removing the full licence test and minimising unintended negative consequences from an equity perspective. The ACRS strongly encourages an evidence-based approach to inform these operational decisions and for more comprehensive change to be implemented going forward.