The AA is welcoming the announcement that young drivers will soon spend at least 12 months on a learner license, with the opportunity to progress sooner by completing a set number of supervised practice hours or approved professional training.

The Government has revealed big changes to getting a drivers license in New Zealand that will start in January 2027.

Some of the major changes include:

  • The default learner license period becoming 12 months instead of 6
  • The removal of the test to gain a full license
  • Tougher consequences for driving offences while on a restricted license
  • A zero-alcohol limit unless a full license is held

The AA said it hoped the changes will be a positive and balanced step forward for road safety, placing greater emphasis on experience, skill development and safer driving habits before young people begin driving solo.

“The Government wanted to make it cheaper and easier for people to get to a full license and the removal of the full test will achieve that – and they have listened to the sector to introduce other changes which will hopefully lead to better prepared, safer young drivers as well,” said AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen.

Authorities will decide in coming months exactly how many hours of practice or what professional training will be required to qualify for the shorter learner period.

A recent AA Research Foundation survey found around half of drivers under 25 had less than 40 hours of practice before sitting their restricted test, with nearly one in five reporting fewer than 15 hours.

The AA said it also strongly supported the other changes of a zero-alcohol limit for learner and restricted license holders and tougher consequences for rule breaking.

In the new system, restricted license holders who commit no driving offences over 12 months will automatically gain a full license with no test required. However, if restricted drivers commit any driving offence that comes with demerit points they will have an extra 6-months added to their restricted license period. Repeat offending will result in additional 6-month extensions added.

New Zealand currently has about 90 deaths and 600 serious injuries a year from crashes where a young driver is judged to be at fault, according to Ministry of Transport data.