More young Aucklanders than expected are sitting driving tests, putting pressure on testers and creating a long wait.
People wanting to sit their practical driving tests in Auckland are facing a wait of at least two months, as the Transport Agency struggles with high demand.
The nationwide average wait time for a restricted driving test is 18 days but in Auckland that has grown to 57 days.
Some driving schools have told Radio New Zealand’s Nine to Noon their students are travelling to other centres to sit their tests.
The Transport Agency says it has hired new testers, they're working overtime and at weekends, and they're trying to get on top of it.
Robyn Elston, the NZTA national delivery manager, says demand is up twenty per cent on last year. Changes were made to the licencing time limits, which means more people are trying to get their licence. And people from overseas converting their licences to New Zealand licences is also contributing to the pressure.
She says more young people are getting their licence, bucking an international trend – which is one reason behind the delay.
“Just over the last year, we’ve seen that change, particularly around young people. And we saw the growth in demand starting on October. We normally get a seasonal peak around November through February.”
Elston says that seasonal peak hasn’t dropped off.
“If you’re ready to sit your test, you want to actually go and sit it. We know the impact we’re having on people’s lives.”
She’s hoping that wait times will be back to normal by July.
Cover photo: 123RF