Submission on GDLS: Requirements for supervised driving hours for time reduction

August 2026

The AA supports the intent of requiring learner drivers to complete supervised driving hours before being able to reduce their learner licence period. However, the AA believes the proposed system needs to be strengthened to ensure it delivers meaningful safety benefits and maintains public confidence.

The AA has numerous recommendations to ensure the supervised hours pathway is not simply a compliance exercise, but a genuine opportunity to improve novice driver safety.

The system should encourage meaningful practice, support good supervision, incentivise professional instruction, provide a trusted validation system, and avoid placing unreasonable demands or risks on frontline licensing staff.

AA's submission on GDLS: Requirements for supervised driving hours for time reduction

Submission on Proposed changes to modernise NZTA services

August 2026

The AA broadly supports modernising New Zealand’s driver licensing and vehicle compliance systems where changes improve convenience, reduce duplication and maintain public confidence.

The submission supports digital driver licences as an optional alternative to physical licences but with serious questions around safeguards to prevent people who lose their licence continuing to appear to have one.

We support the use of RealMe verified identity for online licensing transactions, stronger checks for some overseas licence conversions, electronic temporary licences, and electronic alternatives to physical vehicle licences and labels.

However, the AA considers that these changes must be implemented carefully, with physical alternatives retained, strong privacy and security safeguards, clear operational guidance, and practical protections for people who are unable or unwilling to rely solely on digital services.

The AA strongly opposes moving the current learner licence theory test online, due to concerns it would weaken test integrity and undermine road safety.

We also urge NZTA to ensure that any move away from physical WoF and vehicle licence labels is supported by a robust, multi-channel reminder system and ongoing monitoring of compliance rates.

AA’s submission on Proposed changes to modernise NZTA services

Submission on Warkworth to Te Hana tolling proposal

April 2026

The AA has supported a toll being used to help meet the construction costs of a new highway north of Auckland, and is satisfied there is a genuinely feasible untolled alternative route available to motorists who do not wish to pay a toll. 

AA's submission on the Warkworth to Te Hana tolling proposal

Heavy Vehicle Productivity 

March 2026

The AA agrees with proposals made in Phase 2 of the Heavy Vehicle Productivity regulatory reforms, which aim to reduce unnecessary compliance while maintaining safety. 

Read the AA's submission on the proposal for Heavy Vehicle Productivity

Lane Use Improvements

March 2026

The AA supports proposed lane use reforms, aimed at better protecting vulnerable road users, improving public transport reliability, and supporting safer, more predictable travel for road users.

Read the AA's submission on the Lane Use Improvements 

EECA 2026-2027 Levy Consultation

March 2026

The AA supported some aspects of proposals for use of the Petroleum or Engine Fuel Monitoring (PEFM) Levy that motorists pay when purchasing fuel. 

Read the AA's submission on the EECA 2026-07 levy funding proposal

Clean Car  Standards Review 

January 2026

The AA supports the continuation of a mandatory Clean Car Standard as a tool for reducing transport emissions and improving fleet efficiency. However, the AA considers the current emissions targets too aggressive for New Zealand’s market conditions and supports retaining the recently amended Standard with more realistic targets and penalties that avoid unnecessary cost increases for motorists.

Read the AA's submission on the Clean Car Standards Review