Young drivers Young drivers
The process of getting your driver licence sets you up to become a safe and responsible driver. There are three stages to getting your driver licence; Learner, Restricted and Full. To gain the freedom and independence that comes with getting your Full licence, you’re going to need some support. Luckily, we’ve got all the resources and advice you and your parents need to work through the different stages together.
Road crashes are the leading cause of death for New Zealanders aged 16 to 24 years. In Auckland between 2015 and 2019, road crashes resulted in the death or serious injury of 340 young drivers between the ages of 16 and 24. The most common crash factors were alcohol and speed.
Young drivers are more vulnerable to crash risk because they are still developing, both physically and mentally, and it takes time and practice to develop safe driving skills. Dangers on the road are often underestimated. That's why it's important to support young drivers with education and awareness training.
The NZ graduated licencing system has 3 stages: Learner, Restricted and Full.
At each stage, you gain a new licence with less restrictions and more responsibilities
Stage 1: Learner licence
Stage 2: Restricted licence
Stage 3: Full licence
Rules for Learner, Restricted and Full licences*
If you drive without a licence, you risk a fine of $400. Also, if you are driving outside your licence conditions and crash, your insurance may not be valid.
On your Restricted, you are 10 times more likely to crash when you have passengers than if you are driving alone. This risk increases when the passengers are a similar age to you.
If you’re under 20 years of age, there is a zero alcohol limit when driving. This means if you drive after consuming just one drink, you can be charged with drink-driving (this can also affect you the morning after a big night out).
Why should I get a Full Licence?
Safety: The licencing process is designed to make you a safe driver.
The restrictions or conditions of each licence are there to help you learn to drive and stay focussed on the skills you need, without gaining the added pressure of driving at night or with passengers in the car.
Getting a job: Getting your licence means you will go further, geographically and in your career too. Many employers now require candidates to have a driver’s licence to be able to apply for the position, even if driving isn’t a part of the job.
Independence: Having your licence means you don’t have to rely on your parents to get to work, sports or social events. You can enjoy the freedom to come and go as you please.
For further information on driver licensing, including the legal conditions of each licence stage, visit Waka Kotahi NZTA's driver licenses page or contact their driver license helpline on 0800 822 422.
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