Effective test preparation is crucial for building the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a driving test. It involves not only mastering the technical aspects of driving but also understanding the test format and requirements. Thorough preparation helps identify and correct potential weaknesses, reduces anxiety, and familiarizes learners with the test routes and conditions. By investing time in proper preparation, learners can improve their chances of passing the test and becoming safe, competent drivers.

PRE-TEST ASSESSMENT

Not sure if you are ready to successfully pass your practical driving test?          

Have you failed your driving practical test and lost your confidence?

There is a much higher chance of passing your practical driving test for the following reasons:'

• We cover all the different requirements of the practical test.
• The pre-test assessment can be done in the testing area, so you will be familiar with this on the day of the test.
• We can point out bad driving habits that one picks up driving their own vehicle.

Note: It is preferable to do the pre-driving test assessment in the vehicle that you are using on the day of the test.  However, our vehicles can be used if you prefer.

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Are You Ready For Your Driving Test?
Key Steps To Getting Your Drivers Licence

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR DRIVING TEST?

Are you fully prepared for your driving test? It's a step towards gaining your licence and, ultimately, independence. But it's not as simple as it used to be. Preparation and hours of practice are essential.

The Graduated Licencing System

Today's licensing process is a graduated affair, and much more difficult to pass.  You have to sit a theoretical test to gain a learner's licence then spend six months practicing your driving before sitting your restricted test. If all goes well at that stage – and the restricted test is rather difficult to pass – you are on track for your full licence test.

How long you stay on a restricted licence before doing a full licence driving test depends on your age, and whether or not you take advanced driving courses while on a restricted licence. You probably know all this. But do you know how to avoid the pitfalls that often lead to test failure?

Why You Might Fail Your Driving Test

1. reckless, dangerous or inconsiderate driving
2. the inability to carry out the testing officer's instructions due to a lack of ability
3. exceeding the speed limit
4. failure to comply with Give Way rules or signs
5. failure to comply with Stop rules or signs

KEY STEPS TO GETTING YOUR DRIVERS LICENCE

You will have to follow several steps before getting a full driving licence.
For your safety and that of other road users, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has to make sure that you possess adequate skills and experience before awarding you a full licence.

They use a system that consists of three stages, all of which you will have to go through before getting the full licence. These stages or steps are learner licence, restricted licence and full licence.

Learner Licence

For the award of this licence, you must be aged 16 and above. You will need to undergo an eye check to ensure your sight is up to par and pass a theory test.
After you get your restricted licence, you are legally allowed to drive provided you adhere to certain conditions.

These conditions are:

1. You must be in the company of a supervisor every time you are driving.
2. You can only have passengers on board with permission from your supervisor.
3. ‘L’ plates must be displayed at the rear and front of your vehicle anytime you are behind the wheel.

The licence is valid for ten years.

Restricted Licence

The minimum age at which you can acquire this licence is sixteen and a half years. This is because you need to have held your learner licence for a period of not less than six months. For this step, you are required to take a practical test in order to get the corresponding licence.

Once awarded, the restricted licence will reduce the number of restrictions imposed on learners but will still have a few of its own.

The restrictions are:

• You can only drive between the hours of 5am and 10pm after which you are required to have a supervisor accompanying you.
• You’re only allowed to drive the type of vehicle you sat your test in. If it was an automatic, then you’re only allowed to drive an automatic unless you are in the company of your supervisor.
• Passengers are not allowed unless a supervisor accompanies you.
• Spouses, parents and people to whom you are the primary caregiver are exempted.

This licence is also valid for ten years. 

Full Licence

For drivers aged below 25 years, you will have to be above 18 years of age and have had your restricted licence for at least 18 months to be eligible for the full driving licence.

Drivers aged over 25 years are only required to have held theirs for at least 6 months. This period will be slashed by half if you have an advanced driving course certificate to 12 and 3 months respectively.

The full licence is the final step and will eliminate all driving restrictions imposed before. It also allows you to drive both automatic and manual vehicles regardless of the vehicle you sat your practical test in.