No powers to suspend licences of drivers who need to re
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has confirmed it lacks the legal authority to suspend the licenses of 650 drivers implicated in a testing fraud investigation. While these drivers must re-sit their practical tests, they are permitted to continue driving in the interim.
Why it matters
The situation highlights a regulatory gap in transport law regarding the immediate safety risks posed by potentially unqualified drivers.
NZTA probe forces 650 drivers to re-sit licence practical tests. Photo / 123rf
The NZ Transport Agency has confirmed it has no powers to suspend the licences of up to 650 drivers who must re-sit their tests following an investigation into driver testing officers.
RNZ earlier revealed 16 driver testing officers had been suspended with a further seven stood down following an investigation by NZTA.
The investigation relates to abnormal test results for both passenger and heavy vehicles across the country, with about 650 drivers needing to re-sit tests.
NZTA earlier confirmed the investigation will look at whether testing officers were receiving payments for passing people, and whether the officers were working together.
On Monday, an NZTA spokesperson told Checkpoint the agency would begin contacting affected drivers this week.
“Affected drivers will be required to re-sit a full practical licence test within 60 days of the notice sent to them.
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