Overseas driver licensing proposals released for consultation

The Land Transport Safety Authority is calling for public submissions on proposed changes to the rules for overseas driver licence holders in New Zealand.

The proposals are intended to improve the safety of overseas drivers on New Zealand roads, make the enforcement of driver licensing law easier and strengthen the integrity of New Zealand's driver licensing system.

Submissions on the proposed changes will be considered as part of the development of the Driver Licensing Amendment Rule, expected to come into force in mid-2005.

While overseas drivers account for a relatively small proportion of deaths and injuries on New Zealand roads, their involvement in crashes is increasing. In 1999 about three percent of fatal and injury crashes involved an overseas driver - by 2003 that proportion had doubled to six percent.

"It is important that overseas drivers are safe on our roads. Reducing their involvement in crashes will benefit all drivers - New Zealanders and those from overseas," said David Wright, Director of Land Transport Safety.

Eight specific changes to overseas driver licensing are proposed. Submission forms and a full list of the proposals, including background information and other details for each proposed change, are available from the LTSA website, http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/consultation/overseas-drivers/index.html or by calling 0800 699 000.

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