NCEA driving credits up for grabs

Today's announcement came after Labour in August suggested making driver licensing part of secondary education or NCEA. Photo / iStock

School students will be able to get NCEA credits by obtaining a driver licence - and will even pick-up credits for passing a learner's theory test.

In making the announcement, Education Minister Hekia Parata said too many young people missed out on jobs because they didn't have a licence, and others found themselves before courts because they drove without a licence.

Students will gain 2 credits towards NCEA Level 1 by passing the learner licence theory test, 4 credits towards NCEA Level 2 for a restricted licence, and another 2 credits towards NCEA Level 2 for gaining a full licence.

The changes will be in place by April next year.

Ms Parata said schools would not be obliged to include driver training in their curricula, "but many will find doing so makes learning more relevant for students".

"As an example, a school might find that incorporating a learning module for the licence theory test into its Year 11 English programme...helps to engage the interest of students."

Assessing and granting licences will remain the responsibility of driver licensing agents.

Today's announcement came after Labour in August suggested making driver licensing part of secondary education or NCEA.

The party's Future of Work discussion document called for more focus on skills and knowledge, rather than subjects and exams.

Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss, who made today's announcement with Ms Parata, said employers had reported 16-24-year-olds being held back by not having a licence.

"Removing barriers that some young people face in gaining their licence is an ongoing focus for the Government."

Michael Barnett, chief executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, said the changes would help address a skills shortage in industries, such as trades and transport, where the only entry barrier was a lack of a full driver licence.

"We have worked closely with the Ministry of Education and it is great to get a result as quickly as this."