Mandatory Driving Tests Imposed on Learner Permit Holders After Four Years
The government has implemented new regulations concerning learner permits, affecting individuals who have held their permits for over four years. This initiative aims to enhance road safety by closing a longstanding loophole.
Details of the New Regulations
Under the new rules, learner permit holders will be required to pass a driving test before they can renew their permit. The new regulations will take effect on November 1, 2026. This change comes after years of discussion and delays attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased wait times for driving tests.
Renewal and Testing Requirements
- After holding a learner permit for four years, drivers must take a practical driving test.
- Current rules allow for a renewal of learner permits every two years.
- If applying for a fourth learner permit, it will only be valid for one year instead of two.
At the end of the fourth year, learners must restart the entire driving test process if they wish to continue driving. This includes:
- Taking a new theory test.
- Completing 12 lessons.
- Passing a practical driving test.
Statistics and Impact
These changes come in response to concerning statistics. As of September 2025, approximately 63,000 individuals, representing 19% of all learners, had renewed their car permits three or more times. Notably, nearly 38,000 of these drivers had yet to take a driving test, indicating a significant issue with permit renewal practices.
Neale Richmond, the junior minister for roads, confirmed that the average wait time for a B car test is currently about 10 weeks. He emphasized that seven years is sufficient for any learner to become a competent driver.
The new regulations reflect a commitment to improving road safety and ensuring that learner drivers meet necessary qualifications before obtaining full driving rights.
