Christchurch teen flies to Invercargill for licence test

James Ballinger flew from Christchurch to Invercargill to sit his driver’s licence test, as no appointments were available for months in and near Christchurch. PHOTO: TONI MCDONALD

Months of waiting against a quick jaunt south — the equation was too easy for Christchurch teenager James Ballinger.

The Rolleston College pupil jumped on a plane on Tuesday night to get to Invercargill before sitting his driver’s test yesterday.

He is now fully licensed.

Invercargill had became his best option after he discovered Christchurch and surrounding regions did not have a licence test booking available for months.

"Flights worked out cheaper than driving ... and it is easier to fly down than drive," he said.

He said it was frustrating dealing with a clogged system.

"I thought this is ridiculous, it’s almost impossible to book.

"It is pretty rough considering there were some people who needed to get their licence."

He had a friend who was unable to secure a booking until March next year.

It is a scenario being played out across the country as agencies are swamped by people wanting to sit their licence.

NZTA deputy director of land transport Neil Cook said the government changing driver licence fees in October and removing fees for re-sitting tests had led to the flood of applicants.

"There was no doubt the changes have had a significant impact."

There had been a massive increase in demand for licence tests since October.

"In some parts of the country, wait times for practical driver tests were more than 90 days, with the national average of about 60 days," he said.

"We know it’s frustrating for people to have to wait, but we’re asking everyone to be patient with AA and VTNZ staff, who are doing their very best to manage increased demand by increasing capacity where possible."

AA general manager of government services Roger Venn said the AA had seen a 40% increase in demand since the law change.

Re-sits caused by unprepared people added to the congestion.

Unprepared drivers treating the test as de facto practice were affecting the wait time.

"Driving is one of the most dangerous things that most people will ever do in their normal daily life and the AA’s office advice would be to take it seriously.

"I would encourage people to have as many lessons as they need to get up to the required standard so that you’re confident to drive, and not just pass the test.