Mayors Make United Call For More Driver Testing Closer To Home

Thursday, 28 August 2025, 5:43 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

There are growing calls to provide more driver testing options across Canterbury to help boost the number of young people getting their driver's license. 

Rolleston College students challenged the Canterbury Regional Transport Committee at a meeting on Thursday to consider providing a physical testing station in the area, to support the growth in the Selwyn district. 

Speaking the Local Democracy Reporting, Hurunui mayor Marie Black said the presentation was well received by the committee, as several Canterbury districts including Hurunui share the same concerns.

‘‘Members understood and supported the need for young people to have access to licensing to avoid lengthy delays, time and distance. 

‘‘These have been a barrier to achieving a full driver’s licence, and having a license empowers the young person to become independent and lawful in the their driving habits.’’ 

The committee suggested spreading the word beyond the Selwyn district, as other areas would benefit from having licensing stations closer to home, Mrs Black said. 

Obtaining a driver’s license is a challenge for Hurunui youth, who need to travel to Rangiora or Christchurch to sit their driving tests. 

Mackenzie Acting Mayor Karen Morgan said youth in her district had to travel to Timaru, Oamaru or Cromwell to sit their tests, while Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle said youth had to travel to Blenheim or Rangiora. 

It was suggested a mobile testing unit could help to overcome the challenges. 

Te Hā o Mātauranga (Learning in Kaikōura) operations lead Vicki Gulleford said a mobile testing unit would be ideal for Kaikōura, provided a testing route is approved. 

‘‘We wouldn’t need to have someone here full-time, as long as there was an approved testing route.’’

Ms Gulleford said Te Hā plans to apply for a community diver testing officer, if a new scheme is rolled out nationwide. 

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has trialled the community driver testing model in Northland, Eastern Bay of Plenty, East Coast and Hawke's Bay. 

Under the scheme, community providers can have a dedicated testing officer trained up to test local youth. 

‘‘It means there is someone who is a familiar face and it takes away the pressure of having to sit next next to someone you don’t know,’’ Ms Gulleford said. 

‘‘This is a much more calm way of sitting the test for a young person suffering from anxiety.’’ 

If the bid is successful, Ms Gulleford hoped Te Hā would be able to test young people in Blenheim, until Kaikōura gets its own testing route. 

Speaking to Local Democracy Reporting, Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said Rangiora was fortunate to have driver testing centre.

He said he supports the idea of a mobile testing unit to visit visit smaller centres. 

‘‘I know from my own experience growing up in rural community without public transport that I would never have been able to get my first job without my drivers’ licence.’’ 

An NZTA spokesperson said community driver testing officers were being rolled out on the West Coast and in the top of the South Island, and interest has been sought in other regions including Canterbury.

"These officers work with community providers to offer testing in a familiar environment, providing pastoral care for students and more flexible test times.'' 

-LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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