Driving age goes up to 16 from today

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An increase in the driving age, which takes effect today, is being seen as a way to start changing attitudes among young motorists.

Teens now have to wait until they're 16 before they can get behind the wheel.

National President of Rural Women of New Zealand Liz Evans says the older they are before they drive, the more they'll learn and understand.

"That all goes to help with improving attitudes of responsible driving and use of powerful vehicles on often very dodgy roads."

Ms Evans says many members are supportive of the extra year of experience, as rural driving is quite different to city driving.

"There's a lot of extra scenarios of road use that come into play, so we would hope that that extra year might just make the difference between life and death for some."

Ms Evans hopes the move will help parents take greater responsibility for their teenage children's whereabouts.

- Newstalk ZB