The government is bringing in $86.5 million in funding and supports to make it easier for people to get their driver licence, as part of this year's Budget.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Social Development and Transport Ministers Carmel Sepuloni and Michael Wood this morning announced the moves were expected to expand access to driver's licences for 64,000 New Zealanders.
The $86.5m spend over four years would improve access to testing by partnering with communities, increasing training and the number of driver testing officers, and similar supports.
Sepuloni said having a licence was a key requirement for up to 70 percent of jobs, but a big portion of the community could not access tests or training due to costs and other barriers.
"This disproportionally disadvantages Māori, Pacific peoples, sole parents and rural communities," she said.
Wood said the initiative would help reduce debts from fines for not having a licence and the related risk of getting a criminal record, and would help stabilise and expand access to driver licence support.
"Community partners play a key role in supporting people to achieve their licence, that's why we are committed to building community providers' capability and capacity to help them provide quality driving training," he said.
"Removing the barriers to driver licence training not only helps to prevent fines, court and the risk of criminal penalties, but may also save lives and reduce the devastating impact a serious crash can have on communities."
