Mr Te Pairi said the new test was bound to have an impact on the current pass rate.
"I think some teens who are sitting the test are still not prepared and the new test is harder for them. With the new test they really need to concentrate and focus longer."
Mr Te Pairi said he was already training drivers for the new test.
However, Allan Koller from Allan's Big Alz Driving School said he was not convinced the new tests were necessary.
"I couldn't see any real need for the change and I am not much in favour of it," he said.
New Zealand Transport Agency chief executive Geoff Dangerfield said he did not apologise for the tougher tests and the changes were about making new drivers safer.
The new test was designed to encourage learner drivers to do at least 120 hours of supervised practice before sitting for their licence.
"The more experience that drivers gain in the learner licensing phase, the less likely they are to crash when they begin driving alone," Mr Dangerfield said.
"We are doing young people no favours with a 'once over lightly' approach ... This is about making new drivers safer drivers by encouraging them to take the time to develop their skills and to build a solid and a safe foundation before they move on to the next stage of our licensing system."
New Zealand Transport Agency crash statistics show that more than 700 teenagers have died in road crashes in the past 10 years. An average of one teenager has been killed on New Zealand's roads every week in recent years.
Mr Dangerfield said road crashes were the single biggest killer of teenagers.
"That's a situation no one should accept and New Zealanders are looking for decisive action to reduce this needless waste of young life and young potential," Mr Dangerfield said.
"Raising the standard of driving required to gain a licence with harder tests is an essential part of the solution."
- Check out the NZTA/ACC online programme (www.practice.co.nz ) to help young drivers get 120 hours supervised driving before sitting the restricted test.