Reports that the New Zealand Police are investigating serious misconduct involving five Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) driver testing officers is of serious concern to the Driving Change Network.

“Despite there being an effective duopoly in place with regard to practical driver licence testing in New Zealand, these allegations call into question whether we can truly trust in the system,” says Driving Change National Director Wendy Robertson.

Stuff reports that 322 people are now required to re-sit driving tests.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that those learner drivers who followed the rules and earned their licences fairly, are now being disadvantaged because of this systemic failure.”

Driving Change Network has been advocating for improved equity and competition in the practical driver licence testing system in New Zealand for many years.

“It is a huge privilege to provide these services to New Zealanders; driver licensing agents must be beyond reproach. It is high time that New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) publicly tendered for the delivery of these services, to ensure that it is subject to appropriate levels of competition.

“We want to see a truly effective driver licensing system built on education, accessibility, equity, and safety. This would include government funding to support mandatory driver education and training, particularly for those who face barriers to getting a driver licence from high-needs and rural communities.”

More information on Driving Change Network can be found at www.drivingchange.nz.

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