Editorial: Costs put in road of drivers

Some Bay drivers are continuing to stay on their learner and restricted licences because it is too expensive to progress through the licensing system.

More than 5000 motorists aged from 16 to over 60 in the Western Bay are driving on learners or restricted licences.

As of May 20, nationwide 506,123 people held learner and restricted licences compared to 391,785 in June 2003.

The news comes after a Government announcement earlier this year that it plans to set a five-year time limit on learner and restricted licences. Associate Minister of Transport Michael Woodhouse says the fees associated with driving tests reflect the price of administration.

It costs $96.10 to get a learners licence; $137.00 for a restricted and $111.70 for a full licence so the cost of administering these tests is not cheap.

But the motorists we spoke to said cost was the main reason they elected not to sit their restricted or full licence.

Beni Hafoka, who has been on his restricted licence for 15 years, says the charges are too steep and just generated revenue for the Government.

Mr Woodhouse says the best way to ensure success in the system is to do the recommended 120 hours' practice before sitting the test.

Fair enough. But surely the cost can be lowered to make it less expensive for those who fail in their first attempt.

I agree that the driver licensing system must be robust to ensure people are safe on the roads but the cost must not be prohibitive.

The Government needs to review the charges associated with these tests.