With the appropriate support and guidance from parents, families and their peers, most young people are more likely to become good, confident drivers and respect themselves and other road users. There is a clear system of driver licensing in place in New Zealand which is aimed at providing new drivers with set rules and structures. 

this system is the: New Zealand graduated driver licensing system 

step 1 They need to learn all sections of the New Zealand Road Code. 

step 2 They then need to visit a Testing Office (AA Office) and sit a Road Code ‘scratchy test’ and get 32 out of 35 questions correct. At this point "Practice", a free plan to guide learner drivers through all the skills needed to drive safely, is recommended. The website, www.practice.co.nz provides a step by step instruction guide, a text or email quiz and after a few months, an interactive CD-ROM for spotting hazards and managing risks. 

step 3 After six months on a Learner Licence they may apply for a Restricted Licence which consists of a 20 minute practical driving test.

step 4 Once they have successfully completed the Restricted Licence Course they may apply for a full licence: ìIf under 25 after 18 months/12 months if an AA  Defensive Driving course or Street Talk course are completed If over 25 after 6 months/3 months if a defensive driving course is completed.

step 5 To get their Full Licence they must pass a practical driving test which takes approximately one hour and is designed to test their ability to recognize and respond to a range of common road hazards. You can access lots of information, and download the Road Code and other useful documents from www.landtransport.govt.nz

training and education

There are a number of driver training and education services.

Driving Instructors are listed in the Yellow Pages.

The local AA on the corner of Devonport Rd. & First Avenue, Tauranga are able to give you a list of local providers for:

Defensive Driving Courses (four sessions in class and one practical).

Street Talk Courses (four sessions in class and one practical).

Motor cycle courses.

SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk) is active in eight Western BOP secondary schools. Check out www.sadd.org.nz or contact Lynette Hines, the Road Safety Co‑ordinator (details below).

Many schools have specific driver education programmes.  Contact your local marae, school or community centre for courses in your area or contact Lynette Hines, Tauranga Road Safety Co-ordinator email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information.

More information:   www.practice.co.nz      www.landtransport.govt.nz