Learner drivers forked out $1.7 million more in the first financial year since tough new restricted driving tests began. The tests, which began in February last year, were aimed at reducing the number of young people being killed in crashes, but many learners complained that the rules were too strict and 62 per cent failed the test in its first month.
The Herald on Sunday obtained Transport Agency figures that show the Crown entity raked in $5.68m from restricted driving test fees in the 2012/13 financial year, up 43 per cent on the previous year, when those seeking restricted licences paid $3.96m. Fees collected for full licence tests fell 16 per cent, from $6.58m to $5.48m.
The agency collects the fees and pays all costs related to the tests, including the contract for New Zealand Driver Licensing, which runs the tests. Agency spokesman Andrew Knackstedt said the fees reflect the more rigorous testing of new drivers.
Restricted licence test-goers now pay $88, up from $59 before the new tests, because the time it took to sit the test has doubled to an hour. Those aiming for a full licence pay $61, down from $86, because their test halved to half an hour under last year's changes. The learner licence test was unchanged.