What happens to driver knowledge over time? (2026)
Overview
This report explores how driver knowledge changes over time as road environments and vehicle technologies evolve. It considers whether knowledge gaps emerge and how driver knowledge can be reinforced across the driving life course.
A mixed-methods approach was used, including a targeted literature review, analysis of historical changes to New Zealand road rules and signs, a national driver knowledge survey, and workshops with subject matter experts and drivers.
Key findings
- There was little evidence of an overall loss of driver knowledge with time spent holding a licence.
- Lower knowledge was more evident for newer rules, less common traffic control devices, and complex or changing driving scenarios. This suggests that gaps are more strongly linked to exposure and change than the passing of time.
- Lower knowledge was more evident among overseas licence holders and New Zealand drivers who had lived overseas.
- Very low knowledge scores were associated with higher self-reported crash risk.
- Applied knowledge and driving attitudes appear to have greater safety implications than knowledge alone.
Recommendations
Based on the findings, the authors of the report recommend scaled, targeted interventions rather than broad knowledge-based re-testing, especially for:
- drivers approaching licence renewal
- overseas licence holders and returning New Zealand residents
- groups exposed to major rule or network changes.
Driver Competency and Knowledge Over Time - Final Report (Feb 2026)
Driver Competency and Knowledge Over Time - Infographic Summary (Feb 2026)
Page last updated: 16 April 2026