“A driver licence opens the door to opportunities like jobs, training, and much more. We know some people face barriers accessing the driver licence system,” Mutton said.
“Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is leading a cross-agency Driver Licensing Improvement Programme to develop solutions to improve access and equity and the new Community Driver Testing Officer in Kaikohe is part of that solution.”
CDTOs are also from their local community. In Kaikohe, they will work for the Te Kotahitanga e Mahi Kaha Trust to test driver’s licence programme participants for a Class 1 licence.
“They are a familiar friendly face which is really helpful for people sitting their driver test who might face hurdles in getting there,” Mutton said.
“Having more trained and licensed drivers makes our roads safer for everyone.”
Far North District Council Kahika (Mayor) Moko Tepania said a community driver testing officer would be a game-changer for the residents of Kaikohe.
“I am so excited to see a return of practical driving tests to our township,” Tepania said.
“A driver’s licence opens so many pathways for job and training opportunities, and not being able to sit practical tests in Kaikohe has presented additional unfair challenges for those striving to get ahead.
“I can’t wait to see the successes of this move for our people.”
Te Kotahitanga e Mahi Kaha Trust CEO Billie Jo Hohepa-Ropiha said she was proud of her kaimahi (staff) who had passed the rigorous CDTO qualification.
“Their skills will enable more local people to be licensed, which is a great thing for everyone,” Hohepa-Ropiha said.
“It is a crime to drive without a licence, and penalties are very high for our rangatahi who are already battling with a raft of social and economic barriers in their lives.
“If Te Kotahitanga e Mahi Kaha can play our part in reducing this by focusing on our Māori youth in the Kaikohe region, then that is our mission!”
VTNZ national technical manager Craig Basher said they were very pleased to work with Waka Kotahi to expand driver testing services in communities around New Zealand.
“At this stage we are committed to having a Driver Testing Officer in Kaikohe fortnightly, but we can reassess that if the demand is higher than expected,” Basher said.
“Bookings are open and I recommend that those wanting to sit their practical Class 1 Restricted or Full Licence get in quick, as new services tend to fill up quickly.”
As well as Kaikohe, Waka Kotahi and VTNZ have recently established practical driving test routes in Dargaville, Wairoa and Waipukurau.
VTNZ started offering practical driver testing to the general public from December 8, with online bookings open at nzta.govt.nz.
Practical driving tests for Te Kotahitanga e Mahi Kaha Trust programme participants will start in the next few weeks.
