Getting new drivers on the right path

IMPORTANT GOAL: AA has invested $2.5m to ensure new learner drivers can get lessons for free in the hopes of changing driver behaviour. PHOTO/FILE

Over the course of Hawke's Bay Today's Licence to Drive series we have looked at the issues that surround getting a driver licence. So what is being done to address these issues?

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said it understands the importance of gaining a licence for a young person's freedom, independence and employment prospects.

"We also understand that the process of gaining a licence can be stressful and that the costs of gaining a licence are significant," said Andrew Knackstedt, the Agency's national media manager.

"But it is important to remember the underlying reason why more challenging practical driving tests were introduced across New Zealand three and a half years ago - road crashes are the single biggest killer of teenagers.

"The deaths and serious injuries sustained by our young people on the road represent a tragic waste of young life and young potential."

Craig Foss has echoed these sentiments, saying the Graduated Driver Licencing System (GDLS) has made the roads safer.

He said the road toll of people under 20 had nearly halved from 20 in 2010 to 11 last year following changes to the GDLS.

While this may be the case, cost was still an issue raised in this series.

Mr Knackstedt said the fees for driver testing and driver licensing services are set by Government, and are based on cost recovery - the fees cover the cost of administering the system.

VTNZ Marketing Communications Manager Jessica Nikora said the company addressed this issue by reducing its wait times for test bookings in the Hawkes Bay region to 0 - 3 days.

"Which is well below the national average. In some cases, people are able to get appointments on the same day," she said.

"This ensures that we can on most occasions provide a time that suits the applicant's requirements."

AA communications manager Liam Baldwin said it was all about safety.

"We want people to pass the test, but we also want them to be safe on the road - both for themselves and other road users," he said.

"This is vital and is exactly why we recommend professional driver training."

AA has been very proactive in addressing the cost of getting a licence - spending $2.5 million on a program that ensures any driver who has access to their program receives three free driving lesson under their Ignition programme.

"The only requirement is that they need to be new learner drivers, in that they've had their licence for two months or less," said Mr Baldwin.

"The point of the programme is to get them on the right path early."

Stuart Nash said one way forward on this issue was to look at schools.

He programs should be implemented in schools so all young people leave high school with at least their learners licence.