Hibiscus Coast job seekers will soon have a cheaper, simpler path to a full car licence.

New figures suggest licence support is already helping more people into work.

The Ministry of Social Development’s Driver Licence Support programme has exceeded its targets.

It recorded 21,063 enrolments in the past year, ahead of a 19,000 target.

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says this matters because around 70 percent of jobs require a driver licence.

The programme began in 2023.

More than 34,000 licences have been issued since then.

Nearly 40 percent of participants are aged 18 to 24.

The overall pass rate is 82 percent.

Upston says gaining a licence is often the turning point.

It can open up shift work, traffic management roles, and jobs that involve travelling between sites.

For Hibiscus Coast residents, that is a practical barrier.

Many local roles in construction, trades, traffic management, care work, and logistics involve driving across Silverdale, Orewa, Whangaparaoa, and down the motorway to the North Shore or beyond.

Alongside the support programme, the Government has confirmed the first major changes to New Zealand’s Graduated Driver Licensing System since 2011.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the changes are designed to cut costs and complexity, while keeping road safety front and centre.

Under the new system, drivers will no longer sit a second practical test to move from restricted to a full Class 1 car licence.

For under 25s, the learner period will be 12 months.

There will be an option to reduce this back to six months by recording practice hours or completing an approved practical course.

Restricted licence periods will be 12 months for under 25s and six months for over 25s.

There is no option to reduce the restricted period with a defensive driving course.

The total cost of getting a full Class 1 licence will drop by $80.

It will fall from $362.50 to $282.50.

A zero-alcohol limit will apply to all learner and restricted drivers, regardless of age.

Eyesight screenings will be required only at first application and at renewal.

Oversight of training providers will be strengthened by NZ Transport Agency.

Most changes take effect from Saturday, January 25, 2027.

Until then, current rules remain.

The Ministry of Transport will review the impact three years after implementation, including road safety, employment, and economic outcomes.

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