A learners licence, driver’s licence or a provisional driver’s licence, is a limited non-driving license which is given to an individual who is still learning to drive, however has not fulfilled the minimum requirement to obtain a full driver’s licence. These types of licenses are available to those wishing to learn to drive from driving schools, who have had no previous convictions and who pass certain driving courses. It is also possible for some individuals who have never driven before to be accepted on a provisional licence.
The first requirement to get a learner’s licence is completion of a DMV approved driver safety course. This course can be taken online or at an approved driving school. Once approved, the individual will have to take a written test covering all of the areas which are covered by the safe driving courses. Passing the test gives the individual the right to sit for the practical driving examination which is also required before the issuance of the learner’s licence. Once this course has been successfully completed, the individual can apply for their learner’s licence. If the learner passes the practical driving examination, the learner has then become a licensed driver.
In addition to passing the DMV test, drivers who are applying for a learner’s licence must also hold a provisional licence or have previously held a full driving licence. Drivers under the age of eighteen will need to fulfil one year and three years of age requirements if they wish to apply for their full driver’s licence. If the drivers do not fulfill these requirements, they will be required to apply for a regular licence instead. The three years of age requirement usually applies to children who are attending school as well as those who have obtained either a CDL or an equivalent driver’s licence from another country.
There are two options that a student who wishes to apply for a learner driver’s licence in New Zealand has. They can either choose to apply directly through the Motor Vehicle Registry office, or they can go through a process called the Motor Vehicles Clearinghouse. When doing so, drivers will be required to fulfil a number of criteria. For one thing, they must provide proof of insurance and proof of registration. As well, there will be a requirement to provide a copy of their Driver’s Certificate as well as a translation of the certificate into English.
After completing the criteria of the Motor Vehicle Registry office, the application can now proceed to the Motor Vehicles Clearinghouse. At this stage, the applicant must provide all of the appropriate documentation. For example, they will need to provide a copy of the Learners Licence to the clearinghouse. They will also need to provide proof of ownership of a vehicle, a current vehicle registration and driving licence. The last item of information that needs to be supplied is the I-plate. This is provided to identify the driver and it must be the same number as on the Learners Licence.
When the process at the Motor Vehicle Clearinghouse is complete, the licence holder will receive a temporary vehicle identification number. This is an alphanumeric code which will serve as a means of verifying that the person is who they say they are. All of the information is then stored in the motor vehicle registry office. A learner driver may then book themselves onto a bus or train to their destination.