Tougher tests working

It would appear the tougher driving tests for learner drivers are having the desired result in keeping a number of ill-prepared people from behind the wheel.

Six months after the New Zealand Transport Agency launched a new restricted licence practical driver testing regime, an increasing number of learner drivers are finding out that simply showing up is no guarantee they will pass.

NZTA figures show more than 26,000 restricted licence practical tests have been conducted under the new regime. The pass rate has risen from 38 per cent after the first month to 46 per cent, well below the 80 per cent or so that passed under the old system.

NZTA chief executive Geoff Dangerfield said the new test had been designed to improve safety by encouraging learners to clock up at least 120 hours of supervised practice before the test. Research shows drivers who complete 120 hours of supervised practice on their learner licence have a solo-driving crash rate 40 per cent lower than those who complete only 50 hours.

"We need to remember what this new test is all about - reducing needless deaths and injuries on our roads, improving the standards of learner drivers and encouraging them to take the time to develop their skills. We were doing learner drivers no favours with a 'once over lightly' approach."

Unfortunately, that "once over lightly" approach has left New Zealand with the highest road death rate in the OECD for 16- to 17-year-olds, and the fourth highest for 18- to 20-year-olds.

While the new system is clearly having an impact, there are plenty of drivers already on our roads who lack the skills and responsibility to be there.

It's a shame some of those drivers who hold full licences - in particular those convicted of drunk, dangerous or disqualified driving - can't be forced to resit their licence before they can get back on the road.

Far too many motorists view the ability to drive as a right, not a privilege. That has to change and making it harder to get a licence from the start, and even harder after you've lost it, would be a good place to begin.