Agency spokesperson Andy Knackstedt puts the variance for this year's pass rates in Wellington down to the smaller number of tests compared to last year.
Mr Knackstedt says the higher pass rates are pleasing as a new practical licence tests for car drivers was introduced in 2012 and proved a challenge initially.
"The tests are more challenging and demand a higher level of practice and preparation than the previous testing regime. For that reason it was expected that pass rates would drop initially, and that they would gradually climb as people took the message onboard that more practice and preparation was required. This is what we have seen happen, in Wellington and nationally.
"For the first full month of the new restricted licence tests [March 2012], the overall national pass rate was only 38 per cent, compared to pass rates of around 80 about for the old, less challenging restricted test. In the first full year of the new tests, the national pass rate was around 50 per cent."
However, as word spread that the new test was more challenging, drivers began putting in more practice.
"As a result the pass rates have gradually climbed, to a current national pass rate of about 59 per cent."
He says the more challenging tests are part of a wider effort to improve safety and reduce crashes.
"We are pleased that novice drivers appear to be putting in more time and preparation to sit the new tests, and pass rates are gradually increasing."
Restricted licence test - pass rate
2015 - 2016
• Lower Hutt - 51 per cent - 54 per cent
• Porirua - 61 per cent - 54 per cent
• Wellington - 56 per cent - 60 per cent
Full licence test - pass rate
2015 - 2016
• Lower Hutt - 68 per cent - 65 per cent
• Porirua - 67 per cent - 78 per cent
• Wellington - 73 per cent - 69 per cent
National pass rates
• Restricted 2015 - 60 per cent
2016 - 61 per cent
• Full 2015 - 70 per cent
2016 - 68 per cent