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The journey to gain a licence through our current Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS) is not the same for everyone. The current system has been in place since 1987, and while it works for most New Zealanders, for some, barriers such as: cost, language, literacy, access to a legal vehicle or a licensed adult to teach them prevent them from progressing through the system and gaining a full licence. Put yourself in the shoes of someone whose parents never got their licences, someone new to New Zealand whose first language is not English, a teenager with dyslexia or a solo parent living rurally, who has no family or friends living nearby. These are just some examples of people who, without support, face substantial hurdles in our current system. This diagram maps the journey to gain a driver licence, and how difficult the experience can be for different users. HOW PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THE M E T S Y S Passes test and is able to drive anytime with passengers Able to sit additional licence classes increasing employment options Language barrier with tester during final practical test Unprepared for test Does not know what to say English is not first language With support and quality preparation student passes practical test Increased independence - able to start accessing the many benefits of being licenced Passes test No support and insufficient preparation for practical test Testing agent too far away Unsuitable vehicle Anxious about testing and failure and costs Access to support: - driving instructor - suitable vehicle for lessons Motivated to succeed Unable to access or afford a reputable instructor and feels alone Long wait times to book for testing causing loss of motivation and other repercussions No alternative perceived to illegal driving No access to any support No licenced supervisor No funds for lessons No suitable vehicle Gains a recognised form of identity Passes theory test Limited testing centre hours Testing centre location too far away Test environment is noisy and lacks privacy Fear of failing & having to pay resit fees Tests not designed for those with language or literacy barriers Fails theory test Confidence shattered No incentive or support to resit Learners Faced with further costs Support to prepare and book theory test Peers have their licences “I want mine too” Language and literacy barriers Unaware of the process and where to start the licencing process No wifi to access GDLS information or online resources Can’t afford Licence test No support systems to navigate the barriers Travel by vehicle is considered the norm Not a regular road user Hasnt observed road safety practices Desire to drive Family understand benefits of holding licence Access to valid identification No support in obtaining valid identification Disregard for the law Whānau & community support to follow licence conditions and prepare for Full Licence practical test Completes defensive driving course - prepares for Full licence Peer normalisation of breaching licence “There’s no point in getting a full licence” Receives fines and demerit points for breach of licence conditions Loses licence Can’t afford fines Unsure of licence reinstatement process Feels misunderstood & discriminated against from negative interactions with Police & sometimes court Higher risk taking- “I don’t need to follow these rules” Risks driving unlicenced and getting caught by the Police* Can’t see the point of licencing Observes technical safe driving skills Desire to get a driving licence The journey to a drivers licence Lack of understanding of all benefits of a driver licence A hindering experience Full licence test Introduction to the Justice System * Restricted licence test Restricted licence preparation Pre - Licence phase Learners licence preparation Learners licence test A successful experience GETTING A LEARNERS LICENCE UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE OF LICENCE GETTING A RESTRICTED LICENCE LICENCE BENEFITS GETTING A FULL LICENCE Avoid criminal justice system Employability Legal identification Confidence & resilience *Please note: Introduction to the Justice System may occur at anytime along the journey Can support whānau & friends Safer roads for everyone THE DRIVING CHANGE NETWORK Access to further training Independence & access to opportunities The Driving Change Network consists of a diverse range of stakeholders that are committed to creating an equitable driver licensing system in Aotearoa. We recognise the significant barriers present in the current system and exist to provide national voice and leadership to enable positive change. To find out more about us and the mahi we do, check out our website here. Fails test Contemplates driving without licence Confidence Shattered "All too hard" Please Note: Current Community Driving Programmes are aware of these barriers. Engagement with such providers at any stage in this journey can change the path to equity and assist the user to successfully navigate the system. Driving Change is working toward this support being the norm rather than the exception when communities are able to access funding.
