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 METSYS
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 BENEFITSGETTING A FULL LICENCE
Avoid criminal justice system
Employability
Legal identification
Confidence & resilience
*Please note: Introduction to the Justice Systemmay occur at anytime along thejourney
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.
