MP takes up issues with licence system

Labour MP Phil Twyford is expecting answers soon from Parliament about the success of the Graduated Driver Licensing System. Photo / FIle

Labour MP Phil Twyford is taking action to get to the bottom of Hawke's Bay's driver licensing issues by putting it to Parliament.

Hawke's Bay Today's recent "licence to drive" series which examined a number of issues youth faced in the current graduated driver licence system (GDLS) spurred Mr Twyford's efforts.

"It unearthed a pretty remarkable story," he said. "There's something clearly wrong with the system."

He lodged a number of questions with Parliament on Thursday and was expecting answers in the next couple of days.

Some questions asked were:

"What is the total number of learner car driver licence applications received in each financial year since 2011/12, if any, broken down by whether they were successful or unsuccessful, by region, and in total?"

"How many drivers were on their restricted car driver licence for more than 18 months in each financial year since 2011/12, if any, broken down by region and in total?"

They were expected to provide a snapshot of driver licensing issues other regions around the country were also facing to determine whether this was a regional problem or one in need of Government action.

A request was also issued to police to determine the number of drivers who had breached certain requirements while holding a learner or restricted licence.

Tukituki Labour spokeswoman Anna Lorck supported Mr Twyford and said a regional approach was needed so driver licences were more affordable and accessible to both youth and adults.

"What about allowing driver licence tests on the weekend, so people who work during the week can do it, have they thought about that?" she said.

Ms Lorck said driving was a "basic life skill that sets you on the road to independence". She believed there were too many people stuck in the system who were failing to progress to the next stage.

"Hawke's Bay is in a really strong position to lead the drive for change, but the only way things will change is if it goes through central Government."

National MP for Tukituki, Craig Foss, who is also associate transport minister, said there was a variety of reasons why people did not progress through the GDLS within the two years it was formulated to take. He said many people did not have the opportunity to practice as much as they would like while others lacked confidence to progress as soon as they were legally able.

"It's important to note that some people obtain a licence for identification purposes only," the MP also said.

He reiterated the changes made to the GDLS in 2014 were designed to encourage people to progress through the system while still giving them time to become safe, confident drivers.