Driver testing back in town

The NZ Transport Agency has made good on its promise to restore driver licence testing to Kaitaia, with a test specifically designed for the town.

The promise was made after the decision late last year to cease testing in Kaitaia and Kaikohe, meaning candidates would have to travel to Kerikeri, in tandem with the introduction of a much more comprehensive and challenging test nationwide. The problem was the towns' lack of particular configurations, including multiple lanes, 60-80km/h speed zones and roundabouts.

NZTA spokesman Ewart Barnsley said last week that the new 'Pak 'n Save roundabout' in North Road had resolved the latter issue for Kaitaia candidates.

The plan was to provide testing, which resumed late last month, in Kaitaia two days a week on a fortnightly basis, although the frequency would be increased should demand require that.

The NZTA's regional director Auckland/Northland, Stephen Town, said earlier this year that the Kaitaia test would operate as a pilot, which could be offered in other smaller centres around the country in the future.

The decision to end testing in Kaitaia and Kaikohe sparked widespread outrage, Far North Mayor Wayne Brown saying he had told the NZTA that instead of looking for dense traffic it would be "really helpful" if it ensured that would-be drivers were competent on loose metal roads. "I also told them that all this was going to achieve would be to add to the large numbers who are already driving without a licence," Mr Brown said.

Asked last year what Kerikeri had in terms of traffic that Kaitaia did not, apart from a one-way street, Mr Town replied, "That's why we're re-thinking Kaitaia."