NZ Driver Licensing (1998) Ltd - the sole company contracted to conduct driving tests – should lose its contract with the government, says the car review website dogandlemon.com.
Dogandlemon.com editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says:
“There is clear evidence that NZ Driver Licensing is deliberately failing a high percentage of learner drivers, regardless of their ability. This is totally unacceptable.”
NZ Driver Licensing has conducted 27,568 tests since the tougher standards were introduced in February but has passed just 12,123 drivers.
Learner drivers who fail the first test have to resit the test, at a cost of $88 per test.
It has now been revealed that NZ Driver Licensing has an internal quota system that appears to require its instructors to fail a high percentage of learners.
Clive Matthew-Wilson says:
“The whole affair raises of number of disturbing issues:
- Why was a single private company given a monopoly contract to issue driver’s licenses?
- How was NZ Driver Licensing chosen?
- Were normal Government tendering processes used?
- What links does NZ Driver Licensing have with the government?
I have no idea, but without full public disclosure, it’s impossible not to view the whole affair with deep concern.”
“The public needs to have confidence that driver license tests are based on ability alone. NZ Driver Licensing has failed the test of public confidence and should therefore have its contract with the government revoked.”
