Anyone applying for a new driver licence should school up on the changes to requirements which come into effect from Monday.
The changes affect the "evidence of identity" requirements for licence applications effective from December 1.
It means those applying for a new driver licence will be required to present an identity document that includes a photograph, or a recent photograph verified by an identity referee, a similar process to first-time passport applications.
These new requirements are being brought in at the same time as the introduction of new five-year time limits for new learner and restricted car and motorcycling licences, as part of changes to the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule.
Under the current requirements, it is possible to provide two documents without photographs to establish your identity when applying for a new driver licence. But these requirements are now outdated and do not align with the Department of Internal Affairs' evidence of identity standards.
While the primary purpose of the photo driver licence is to establish the identity of the driver at the roadside, driver licences are also widely accepted and used for purposes other than driving. The new requirements are aimed at reducing the risk of driver licences being obtained fraudulently.