Urgency needed over licence change

Findings of a 2014 driver licensing system review are being considered this year but Tukituki Labour spokeswoman Anna Lorck says the pace needs to be picked up.

"Every month its getting worse, it needs to be a priority", she said.

In 2014, Tukituki MP and Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss announced a review which would look at modernising the licensing system by making it more customer-focused and reducing compliance costs.

Ms Lorck said: "Foss needs to pick up the pace and get the recommendations on the table soon - this is a priority for Hawke's Bay."

She said he had dug his heels in previously on the subject, but seemed to be changing tack after public pressure.

"I think he's starting to admit that there needs to be some change.

Ms Lorck said she hoped he would acknowledge the cost of the driver licensing process, including the extra costs such as lessons.

"There are 15,000 people now stuck in the system, and I struggle to see how they are going to progress in the expected two years because you need significant resources."

"I'd like to see what he's going to do about those in Wairoa and Waipukurau, I expect significant changes there."

Mr Foss said: "I am currently considering the findings of this review and any proposed changes to the law will be consulted on and progressed this year."

In 2014 Mr Foss said the fundamental elements of the system - such as the photographic driver licence and a minimum age requirement - would not be changed, Mr Foss had said.

But he hoped it could be made more user friendly and easier to understand.

"For example, the review is an opportunity to consider online licence renewals and whether the full licence test needs to evolve, given the recent changes to make the restricted test more difficult," Mr Foss said.

In December Education Minister Hekia Parata and Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss announced a new initiative which meant high school students could work toward earning NCEA credits and their driver's licences at the same time.