By Chris Daniels
transport reporter
Driver licensing is in chaos across the country, as fully booked testing stations turn away thousands of people wanting to sit their licence tests.
The Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA), which administers the tests, says that until the Government sorts out its plans to privatise licence issuing
from May 1, it would be irresponsible to accept any more bookings.
In Auckland alone, tests are fully booked this month and next.
Those wanting slots in May are being refused them across the country.
A commercial driving educator, Graeme Poole, said truck drivers were being turned away from testing stations by staff who did not know what was going on.
"It's a sham," he said. "These people rely on their licences and tests. This should have been sorted out at least six months ago."
The LTSA says it is turning people away because it still does not know if the Government will change licence criteria as part of the privatisation.
Its general manager (operations), Rob Martyn, says testing stations have been processing three times the usual number of drivers with people rushing in, thinking rules could tighten soon.
Under the proposed changes young people will not be able to get a full driver's licence until they are aged 18. At present they can gain a full licence by 16 if they take the fastest route.
The Government is expected to make an announcement next month, and organisations such as the Automobile Association are poised to take over testing.
AA spokesman Geordie Cassin said it was no secret the AA had tendered for the job of "transport service delivery agent."
The New Zealand Herald understands the AA has won the contract to provide all driver licensing and registration from Taupo north, although Mr Cassin would not confirm this.
"The responsibility for a seamless transition is with the LTSA," he said.
"Whoever the parties are who take over from May 1, they cannot take action till everything has been completed and they are officially responsible for doing it.
"Until that time, the ultimate responsibility lies with the Government department supposed to be doing it - the LTSA."
Mr Cassin said the AA could provide a one-stop shop for motorists wanting to register and license themselves and their cars.
A spokesman for the Minister of Transport, Maurice Williamson, said last night that he could not contact his minister for comment.
