Hundreds of drivers have been ordered to resit their driving tests as a criminal investigation gets under way over allegations of “potentially fraudulent activity” at a VTNZ branch. Photo / Jason Dorday
Hundreds of drivers have been ordered to resit their driving tests as a criminal investigation gets under way over allegations of “potentially fraudulent activity” at a VTNZ branch. Photo / Jason Dorday
Nearly half the drivers compelled to resit practical tests amid allegations Auckland VTNZ officers accepted bribes to pass applicants have failed the licensing requirements, the Herald can reveal.
And police investigating potential criminal activity at the Highbrook Vehicle Testing NZ branch say they have shelved the case because it isnow being handled by the Serious Fraud Office.
More than 300 drivers were ordered to resit their practical driving tests earlier this year amid allegations VTNZ officers took money in return for passing applicants.
Five testing officers were sacked after the revelations came to light. VTNZ also stopped offering driver licence testing at the Highbrook branch while investigations unfolded.
It’s alleged the officers took bribes from applicants from at least 2023.
The allegations triggered concerns that some drivers given pass marks may not have met the required standard during their practical tests.
An NZTA spokesman told the Herald the agency had required 322 people to resit driving tests after investigations found “serious misconduct” involving five driver testing officers.
All of the impacted drivers had now been contacted and told they must resit an on-road safety test by December 12.
“To date, 220 drivers have been re-tested, a further 23 have booked tests, with 75 still to book and sit a test by 12 December. Of the 220 drivers re-tested, 129 have passed and 91 have failed.”
The spokesman said the 58% pass rate was nearly identical to the overall pass rate for Class 1 full licence tests in New Zealand last year.
Five VTNZ officers at the Highbrook branch are accused of taking money in return for passing hundreds of drivers sitting their practical tests. Photo / Supplied
“NZTA has acted swiftly to require the drivers affected by this issue to sit and pass an on-road driving test in order to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills to continue to hold a licence.”
VTNZ Highbrook was still closed for driver testing, but open for other services like WoFs and CoFs, the spokesman said.
“The investigation is ongoing, and no further comment can be provided at this stage.”
Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, of Counties Manukau CIB, said police had carried out inquiries after a referral from NZTA concerning allegations of bribery.
“Through reviewing this material, we have been advised by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) they are assessing a matter of similar nature to police.
“At this stage the police case has been filed. Counties Manukau police will assist the SFO should it be required.”
An SFO spokesman confirmed the agency was “assessing a matter relating to VTNZ” after receiving an anonymous complaint.
“No further information can be given at this stage, including detail regarding the matter and whether any further action is likely to eventuate.”
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the issue was “concerning” and NZTA was keeping him regularly updated on operational actions and developments.
“In respect to the investigation, it would be inappropriate for me to comment while that work is under way.”
Alleged corruption blamed on low-wage ‘gig economy’
Road safety campaigner Clive Matthew-Wilson said alleged corruption involving VTNZ officers was likely linked to “gig economy” pay rates and employees “topping up low wages through bribery”.
“It should have been obvious from the start that low-wage employees were a high risk.
“The solution is equally obvious: ensure that these vital employees are paid sufficiently high wages to discourage the temptation to take bribes.”
Matthew-Wilson estimated that an entry-level driver’s licence testing officer could expect to earn an average salary of just over $60,000.
“That’s just over $10,000 more a year than the minimum wage.
“To put that figure in perspective, the average Aucklander would need to earn a minimum $172,000 a year to be able to afford the cheapest home.”
Matthew-Wilson believed the Government should set high minimum wages for essential community services, such as drivers’ licence testers and truck drivers, and increase penalties for corruption.
“It’s essential that the driver’s licence test is trustworthy and free from corruption. It’s also essential that truck drivers can prove that they are safe to drive.”
VTNZ defends licensing regime, says public safety top priority
VTNZ declined to comment while investigations were under way.
However, a statement in October said motorists could still have faith in the driver licensing regime and it had no tolerance for its officers committing criminal acts.
“After being notified of the alleged offending at the Highbrook branch, VTNZ conducted a thorough investigation and worked with NZTA on appropriate steps.”
O’Connor said public safety was VTNZ’s highest priority.
“VTNZ places the highest importance on the integrity of licence testing and the safety of everyone who travels on our roads.
Police have now shelved their criminal investigation which has been taken up by the Serious Fraud Office. Photo / NZTA
“We have zero tolerance for dishonesty, and will leave no stone unturned to uncover and eliminate any improper behaviour.”
O’Connor said after learning of the alleged breach, VTNZ took immediate steps to check systems and processes, and evaluate what additional security measures were needed.
