NZ needs capability-based licensing standards - NTA

The New Zealand Trucking Association (NTA) is calling for urgent, constructive action to strengthen commercial driver licensing systems, following the cancellation of hundreds of licences issued through a flawed conversion process.

While recent licence cancellations have prompted a wave of appalling behaviour, including racist commentary and social media attacks, the Association stresses that this issue is not about ethnicity, nationality, or immigration status. It is the result of a system failure which has now been acknowledged and addressed by Waka Kotahi - NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).

NTA says the conversation now needs to shift away from blame and towards capability, safety, and systems.

“This is a systems issue, not a cultural issue. We must stop turning a system failure into a racist debate. What matters now is putting in place robust processes that properly assess capability and ensure safe operations on our roads,” said NTA Chief Executive, David Boyce.

System rebuild required - capability, not paperwork

The Association is urging NZTA to introduce a more rigorous and consistent process for commercial licence conversions, particularly for drivers from non-exempt countries.

NTA recommends that the transfer process must mandate English language proficiency, a written knowledge assessment, and a practical assessment of heavy vehicle driving competency before allowing any driver to operate commercially in New Zealand.

“A licence issued on the basis of paperwork alone does not assure competency, especially for people moving into unfamiliar road conditions, legal frameworks, and heavy vehicle technologies,” David said.

Industry responsibility - operators must lift their game too

NTA emphasises that government action alone is not enough. Transport operators must take responsibility for ensuring their drivers are competent, safe, and capable — regardless of how or where they obtained a licence.

“A piece of paper is not proof of competence. Operators need robust systems that verify a driver’s capability, not just their credentials.”

The Association says that implementing a structured Safety Management System, such as TruckSafe, provides companies with the policies, procedures, and assurance mechanisms to operate safely and efficiently — including ongoing driver assessment, training, and performance monitoring.

As a suggested solution, David points to the Transport Well Chartable Trust which offer the new TruckSafe system.

“TruckSafe gives operators the systems they need to lift capability, reduce risk, and stop relying on luck or assumptions. Safety is a process, not a promise.”

Progress on remedial testing

NZTA has confirmed that affected drivers are being offered an accelerated pathway to re-sit the relevant tests by 23 January, with dedicated test sites established with VTNZ in:

• North Shore

• Wiri

• Mount Maunganui

• Palmerston North (Rangitikei Line)

• Christchurch (Jipcho Road)

Drivers have been advised to contact VTNZ directly, and testing has been set up to occur over 1–2 days.

A one-page information sheet is being given to drivers outlining the possible outcomes of the test process.

Additional safeguards introduced - TORO

NZTA has also added Condition 23 to the licences of affected drivers in the TORO and Driver Check systems. This condition indicates that a driver is disqualified from transport service driving until they have met the necessary requirements.

Employers have been contacted directly by NZTA, and information has been added to help pages explaining the condition and its implications.

Moving forward - safety, not stigma

NTA says the industry must avoid weaponising the licensing issue against specific groups, and instead focus on building high-trust, high-functioning systems that maintain public confidence and worker dignity.

“The people caught up in this are not responsible for the system failure. Many are skilled, hard-working transport professionals who want to do the right thing. Let’s fix the system, support affected drivers, and maintain a focus on safety, not shame,” David concluded.