National promises strict changes to Learner, Restricted drivers

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 6:11p.m.

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If National wins the election it is going to introduce tough new rules for people sitting their Learner and Restricted licences.

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15 Nov 2011 07:02a.m.

Alex wrote:

@George. Everyone thinks they are a good driver and I'm sure you do too. The only thing that measures you are a competent driver is passing the full license exam to obtain your full license. Until you do that I cannot take your last post seriously.

12 Nov 2011 12:45p.m.

George wrote:

Another ridiculous and pointless measure from Steven Joyce, Minister of Trivial Pursuits - who, by the way, has TWO criminal convictions for careless driving. I will admit it: I am one of those sitting on a restricted licence. However, I generally comply with its terms (I might occasionally drop my sister at her school or something, but that would usually be the extent of it) and am always as courteous as possible on the road. I have yet to receive a speeding ticket. Having a different coloured plastic card does NOT make you a better driver! How many times have you been cut off by aggressive, middle-aged men who swerve across lanes without indicating? I am willing to bet you most of these drivers have full licences! The problem on our roads is one of attitude, not of licencing. Furthermore, I am willing to bet you that most of those 200,000 drivers on learner's or restricted licences are one of the following: a) Those who just have a learner's licence for ID - as a driver's licence is the de-facto form of photo identification in NZ - people are unlikely to carry around their passports everywhere with them! This could be solved by the introduction of a proper non-driving photo ID card, also supplied by the government for those who need it. b) Those who got their restricted in high school, but then moved away e.g. to a flat for university and beyond, and just don't need to drive much - especially those living in central areas or those with good public transport e.g. a lot of central Wellington. Why would these people having a full licence make them any safer? They still drive just as infrequently! As for the police's "random" checks? I think there's a slogan on a Tui billboard that appropriately describes how "random" they are. "Yeah, right."

12 Nov 2011 10:01a.m.

Chris wrote:

@Matt, your statement about the age & crash statistics is completely false. http://bit.ly/tBM4TB - The 15-24 age group is massively overrepresented in all road accident statistics. Getting a licence to pilot a potentially lethal vehicle in New Zealand is far easier and cheaper than many countries. Look to Aus, UK, Germany etc, the cost is much higher and rules are stricter. Driving is a privilege not a right. These changes proposed by National are insufficient.