Local AA driving instructor Malcolm Thomas also expected an influx of learner drivers seeking lessons.
"The one free lesson scheme was taken up quite well, $200 worth of free lessons has got to be taken up, really."
AA Driving School general manager Nigel Clark said the initiative, an extension of its previous one-lesson offer, aimed to help young drivers before they picked up bad habits.
He said about half of New Zealand's motorists failed their restricted licence driving test which suggested they were not adequately prepared for driving on their own.
Mr Clark said the initial lessons from professional instructors were essential to improving driving standards.
The initial free lesson, which saw 5000 new motorists take up the offer, provided parents who chose to accompany their children a better understanding of how best to provide supervised driving practice, he said.
"Learner drivers need the right combination of professional driving lessons with plenty of supervised practice between them. This ensures they develop the necessary skills and knowledge to get through every stage of the driver licence process and become safe, confident and responsible drivers."
The AA Driving School has recruited 50 more driving instructors across the country to cater for the increase.
Readers on the Rotorua Daily Post Facebook page welcomed the free lessons.
One commented "I'm a member of the AA but my kids are still too young to do this. I hope they keep this in place. This is what our young ones need."
• For more information go to www.aa.co.nz/drivers.
