Driver testing services returned to Cambridge today after a gap of seven years.
Testing also resumed in Matamata.
The move was welcomed by the Cambridge based owner of Brighteye Driving School Sheryl Moffat who said it had been difficult and costly for young drivers to get to testing sites.
Waipā mayor Jim Mylchreest said he would “happily admit” to having lobbied for the service to return.
VTNZ Operations support manager Rachael Jobson said online bookings were open for all practical driving tests at the VTNZ Cambridge site in Lake Street.
“Initially there will be one part-time driver testing officer working three days a week, but we expect to increase capacity over coming months,” she said.
VTNZ says it is working with Waipa District Council and their landlord to provide appropriate parking for test applicants.
Waiting times for testing in the Waikato region are around 25 days.
Media release
9 June 2002
Practical Driver Testing resumes in Cambridge after 7-year hiatus
VTNZ is pleased to announce that driver testing services will resume in Cambridge today after a 7-year hiatus.
Waka Kotahi reviewed driver testing services across the Waikato region in 2021. Following the completion of the review and operational considerations the decision was made to re-introduce driver testing in Cambridge and Matamata to ease pressure on the existing sites in Hamilton (at Frankton and Te Rapa), Te Awamutu, Morrinsville and Tokoroa.
Waka Kotahi has a standard review process for driver testing sites that considers what locations would provide the most benefit and relief to a region, the accessibility of testing services, and the practicality and financial viability of providing services. The viability of driver testing services is based on applicant demand, traffic volumes, the roading network and testing locations.
VTNZ Operations Support Manager Rachael Jobson said online bookings are now open for all practical driving tests at the VTNZ Cambridge vehicle inspection site at 36 Lake Street, Cambridge.
Driver licensing, including things like eye tests, will continue to be offered at AA.
“We’re thrilled we can now begin to reduce wait times in the Waikato region for people wanting to sit either their Restricted or Full licence. It also means that people who live in and around Cambridge don’t have to arrange transport to get to where they will sit their practical driving test.
“Initially there will be one part-time Driver Testing Officer working 3 days a week, but we expect to increase capacity over coming months
“Because we have tried to get Driver Testing services up and running as quickly as possible again we are continuing to work with the council and the landlord to provide convenient car parking for test applicants. However, in the meantime they will be met by our friendly concierge and guided to the place where they will need to wait for their driver testing officer,” said Ms Jobson.
Waiting times for the Waikato region are currently around 25 days.
Minister of Transport Michael Wood says the return of driver testing to Cambridge is great news for the region.
“Improving access to driver licensing not only helps to prevent fines, court and the risk of criminal penalties, it can also save lives and reduce the devastating impact which serious crashes have on communities.
“Government recently announced an investment in Budget 2022 of $86.5 million over the next four years to strengthen testing infrastructure, make it more equitable and remove barriers for people who have trouble obtaining driver licences.
“We want everyone who uses our roads to get home safely to their friends and whānau. Ensuring drivers on our roads are appropriately skilled and licenced is an important part of this,” Michael Wood said.
Waipā mayor Jim Mylchreest welcomed the re-introduction of driver testing, noting the community had waited a very long time.
“Our community has been very clear that it wants driver testing available locally and I have one hundred per cent supported that sentiment. I’ll happily admit to having lobbied Waka Kotahi pretty hard for this change,” Myclchreest said.
“In my view, not having driver testing available locally has significantly disadvantaged people, particularly young people and our older residents. So I’m pleased Waka Kotahi has come on board and that the needs of people in Cambridge have been recognised.”
