Government to raise driving age
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The driving age will be increased to 16 in a bid to reduce road accidents, Prime Minister John Key has confirmed.
Lifting the age from 15 to 16 has been foreshadowed by Transport Minister Steven Joyce for months.
Mr Key today said the change would go ahead as part of the Government's road safety strategy, which will be announced tomorrow.
There would be no exceptions for young people in rural communities.
It is understood the restricted driving test will also be toughened and the alcohol limit for under-20s will be cut to zero.
"The Government is likely to act on the driving age and it's more likely to be 16 than 17," Mr Key said.
The driving age was always aligned with the school leaving age and the school leaving age was now 16.
"Yes, it might cause some inconvenience for parents in rural communities but on the other side of the coin, if that means the youngster lives and doesn't die in a road fatality, that's a sacrifice that's worth making.
"The reason for looking at a change is because when we compare our accident rates in 15-19 age groups in New Zealand and Australia, what we see is a 60 per cent more fatalities and accidents in 15-19 years olds in New Zealand.
"There's a number of factors there. Driving age is one. Also making sure we have a zero tolerance for alcohol for people aged under 20. We've got to have a very clear bright line that says when you get in a car and you're under 20 you don't drink."
Mr Joyce has suggested driver locks could be put in the cars of recidivist drink drivers as another part of the strategy.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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correct but the people that are racing there cars and generally being a danger to the community are people that have been driving cars before they got there learners. So people that are aged 15 and a danger whilst driving will probably be driving with or without a licence. I think it is important to leave it at the age now so that they can at least get a little experience
I don't really think it's the driving age - it's the fact that with $10k or even less the kids in NZ can buy a pretty souped up powerful jap import - we used to live there until moving to Aussie 3 yrs ago - every Friday and Saturday night in Christchurch the streets are full of boy racers - haven't seen much of that at all since living in Aussie - could be something to do with the fact that you need a lot more than 10k to buy what is considered by boy racers to be a "cool car"
Sixteen is still too young. The driving age should be from 18 or higher. There isn't much differece between a 15 year old and a 16 year old. Raising the driving age by one year will do little to stop accidents. Surely the government know this. Why doesn't John Key stop worrying about upsetting people and just whack up the driving age to 20.
does anyone know the excact date ive been researching but only found pages like this.
Should be 18 I think.
Gee, please excuse my spelling mistakes! Don,t know where my head was! Very tired tho'! Agree with AndyC. Lunacy! My own children have nothing over 1200cc and a this stage are not interested in anything bigger. It would not be allowed anyway. So parents out there have the power to say NO to those who want a WRX, Skyline etc after all at this satge of driving it is experience they are obtaining. Start being reasponsible!
why not zero alcohol for everyone?
Reduce engine size of cars 16-20yr olds, it is lunacy that a 15yr old can jump in and drive a skyline or WRX.
I am in total agreement with a rise in the driving age. I would go so far as to say 16 is too young. There should aslo be be a restriction on the type of car learners and restriceted drives are allowed to drive. And conpulsory 3rd party insurance. What is wrong with this country that we have allowed our young to be put in such postions. Parents of young drivers must take some responsibilty for the tpye of car their child is allowed to drive. otherwise where are their heads in keeping their children safe.
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Do you cycle in Christchurch?
I think it is a great idea that it is going up to 16. I just can't imagine they people in the year below me being able to get their learners soon... I am 15 and have had my learners for a few months, so what will happen to people like me?
But i do think it is a bit ridiculous to raise it to 18, let alone 20. Not all people my age are as stupid as you may think, i just think the tests should all be much more difficult.