Need advice about a driver licence?
What happens if anyone drives on the road without being properly licensed at the time?
Driving on any public road without being properly licensed, and not carrying your licence with you, is an offence. The penalties for doing so are expensive. Worse still, if you are involved in an accident, even if it’s not your fault, the car owner’s insurance company is likely to decline liability.
Our son is leaving school. What’s the process for him to get a drivers licence?
It’s a three-stage process taking at least two years administered on behalf of the NZ Transport Agency, by both the AA (Automobile Association) and VTNZ (Vehicle Testing NZ). First step is to read and understand the NZ Road Code, then apply for a learner’s licence which will allow him to drive on the road, under the supervision of a fully licensed driver, and with L plates displayed front and rear.
After at least six months, he can apply for a Restricted Licence entailing a practical test. If granted, he can drive unsupervised between the hours 5am to 10pm, but with no passengers. Otherwise a fully licensed supervisor is still
Citizen’s Advice Bureau
required. And after at least a further 18 months (12 if successfully attended an approved advance driving course) and passing a further practical test, a full licence should be issued.
Are there any car insurance issues for young drivers?
Being under 25 presents a challenge but it’s one that car insurers will deal with and there are plenty of ways for insurance to be structured. You should expect to pay a higher insurance premium and your excess (what you pay yourself) is likely to be quite a bit higher.
When do I have to renew my driver’s licence
You need to review your licence every 10 years. From ages 75, 80, and every two years thereafter, medical and vision certifications are required.
I’ve heard mention of demerit points?
As a driver you can receive demerit points, for certain driving offences and if you accumulate 100 or more points in a two-period, your licence could be suspended for three months during which you cannot drive on any road. Demerit points remain on your record for two years.
What are the penalties for being caught over the limit drink driving?
It will depend on whether you cooperated with the police during alcohol or drug testing, how much over the limit you were, whether anyone was hurt as a result of your driving while under the influence of alcohol (or drugs), and whether it is your first offence. It will generally be a combination of suspension of your driving licence (or disqualification) for a period of time, a fine, and possibly a prison sentence.
Are there differences between suspension and disqualification for a driving offence?
Both of these are penalties for committing a driving offence. Suspension is what happens to your driver licence — you are unable to use it for a period of time. Disqualification is what happens to you — if you have a driver licence it is suspended for a period of time (the disqualification period). If you don’t have a licence you won’t be able to get one during the disqualification period. In both cases the effect is that you must hand in your driver licence
(to the police, the court or an NZ Transport Agency office) and are not allowed to drive for a specified period of time.
I’ve been disqualified from driving for six months. I’ve heard I can apply for a limited licence?
Also known as a ‘work licence’, a limited licence might be granted, after an initial stand down period of 28 days, if your disqualification or suspension would cause extreme or undue hardship to you or another person. For example if you have a business as an owner/driver, or if you have a disabled relative who is unable to go to hospital appointments without you to drive them. This is not available if your disqualification was a repeat alcohol/drug driving offence. Lawyers specialise in this work, but you can make the application yourself which entails firstly applying to the court attaching supporting sworn affidavits from others stating precisely why, where and when you need to drive. If the court order is granted, you can complete and submit the NZ Transport Authority’s application for a limited licence and pay the required fee. Once you receive your limited licence, you may drive, but strictly within the terms stated on the licence. Always carry your limited licence and court order with you when driving. Any traffic offences or driving outside the terms of the limited licence is likely to see it revoked.
How do I get my driver’s licence back after suspension or disqualification?
If your licence has been suspended (other than for a 28-day roadside suspension), or you’ve been disqualified by the court, you will need to apply at a drivers licensing agent (AA or VTNZ in Napier) for your licence to be reinstated and a new licence issued. Your old licence will have been cancelled.
If you drive before your licence has been reinstated, you risk the vehicle being impounded, regardless of whether or not you are its owner. ■ For more information, contact us at the Napier Citizens Advice Bureau, 126 Hastings St., (above the BNZ, Napier), open 9am-4pm weekdays and 9.30am11am on Saturdays. Phone 06 8359664, call free on 0800 367 222 or email anytime to napier@cab. org.nz. No appointment necessary. We are here to help and confidentiality is assured.