The Beehive building

Improving access to driver licences for better employment, wellbeing and safety outcomes – Budget 2022

We want to support people facing barriers to getting a driver licence by funding quality support and improved access to testing.

Government is investing $86.486 million over four years to support up to 64,000 people to gain a driver licence.

This multi-agency initiative will support people most disadvantaged by barriers to driver licences to progress through the driver licensing system. It will increase access to jobs (70 percent require licences) and services, improve road safety outcomes, address industry workforce demand (e.g. in the primary, construction, and care sectors) and reduce debt from fines and the related risk of criminalisation.

  • The multi-agency funding covers costs for:
    • implementation of a nationwide MSD funding framework for contracting driver licence support for effective programmes and partnerships at a regional level
    • development of a joined-up system with referral pathways, including a public directory connecting eligible individuals with the support they need, and cooperation between providers and relevant agencies, i.e. Waka Kotahi, Police and courts
    • provision of mobile theory testing and practical testing in suitable areas where these services are not currently available
    • training for community providers to offer quality driver training alongside their existing strong relational and mentoring competencies
    • educational resources – including multi-lingual and accessible formats.
  • Targeted support will improve Māori access to driver licences to address systemic disadvantage in the current system and improve access to services and employment. This initiative will support existing providers who offer by Māori for Māori support and aims to increase sector capacity to provide culturally responsive driver training.
  • The support provided will depend on an individual’s need, but may include access to lessons and driver training; mentoring; literacy support; funds to cover test costs and access to a suitable vehicle during training and testing.
  • Changes are to be developed in consultation with the community and the sector – including testing and training providers, iwi, Māori and Pacific providers, and providers who meet the needs of specific populations such as ethnic communities and youth.

Costs (operating)

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

2025/26 & outyears

Total

-

$16.162 million

$20.619 million

$24.544 million

$25.161 million

$86.486 million