Conducted by road safety and behavioural science experts from WSP Research, the study also identified cost and car access issues as obstacles delaying peoples' progress through licensing stages.
According to the study's findings, nearly one-third of novice drivers face challenges advancing from their learners to full licence. Anxiety was one of the study’s surprising findings - affecting people’s ability to pass licence tests and manage driving tasks - especially among those with disabilities.
To make anxiety less of an issue, WSP technical director for human factors research Jared Thomas says having a support person to help navigate the licensing system is important. So is more one-on-one time with an instructor. Reviewing testing procedures to reduce candidate anxiety is another area for improvement.
“As part of our study, we critiqued an Australian initiative called Driving Change, which highlights how community-based programs can help people worry less about navigating the licensing system and get their licence.
“A quote from Des Jones, who is a mentor in the Driving Change program is telling – he notes that, ‘It’s more than just driving. You don’t know how much value you can add to someone just by sitting next to them’.”
A new type of driver testing officer has recently been introduced in parts of Aotearoa New Zealand, says Jared.
"These community driver testing officers work with community groups, offer more flexibility around test times, and provide more pastoral support for students having difficulty progressing through the licensing system. For certain students, this kind of support can make all the difference."
NZTA says novice drivers getting stuck on their learners or restricted licence is concerning, given progressing through the licensing system at a normal pace has been shown to have safety benefits, especially for younger people. Compared with Australia, younger drivers in New Zealand aged between 15 and 24 are twice as likely to die in a road crash.
Getting a full licence at a relatively normal pace means drivers are less likely to be involved in a crash. It also improves access to employment, education and health services, and enables better connections with friends and family.
Financial constraints and limited access to learning resources, such as cars and instructors, also pose a challenge. WSP’s study identified specific groups disproportionately affected, including Māori, Pasifika, females, older individuals, and those with lower education or financial stability.
The study recommends several measures to support novice drivers, including creating a structured framework for GDLS improvements, establishing governance for evidence-based enhancements, increasing investment to assist vulnerable groups, and targeting outreach efforts toward underserved communities.
More information about the study and its findings is here on the NZTA website.
