The Government is investing $86.5 million over four years into driver licence support to "prevent fines, court and the risk of criminal penalties" and boost job opportunities.
The funding, from Budget 2022, will see an estimated 64,000 New Zealanders benefit from improved access to driver licence testing and training, according to a pre-Budget announcement on Wednesday.
Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni said having a driver licence is a key requirement for up to 70 percent of jobs but access to training and testing due to costs and other barriers often make licences difficult to obtain.
"This disproportionately disadvantages Māori, Pacific peoples, sole parents and rural communities," Sepuloni said.
"This investment will provide targeted support for people to progress through the driver licensing system by providing high-quality lessons. Having a driver's licence is also a prerequisite for many jobs so we expect this will help get more people into work."
Transport Minister Michael Wood said the investment will help give Kiwis a better chance at employment.
He said it will allow the Ministry of Social Development and Waka Kotahi-NZ Transport Agency to "stabilise and expand access to quality driver licence support" for 64,000 New Zealanders
It will improve access to testing through initiatives that partner with communities, he said, and also boost Driver Testing Officer capability and capacity.
"Community partners play a key role in supporting people to achieve their licence, that's why we are committed to building community providers' capability and capacity to help them provide quality driving training," Wood said.
"Removing the barriers to driver licence training not only helps to prevent fines, court and the risk of criminal penalties, but may also save lives and reduce the devastating impact a serious crash can have on communities."
Sepuloni said the investment will ultimately make our roads safer.
The full Budget will be unveiled on May 19 and you can follow it live on Three and Newshub.co.nz
