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National | Education

Students to be given chance to earn NCEA credits for driver licences

Education Minister Hekia Parata and Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss have announced that students are to be given the opportunity to gain NCEA credits by obtaining driver licences.

Parata says, “Too many young people are missing out on jobs because they don’t have a licence and too many others are entering the courts system because they are driving without licences.”

She adds that schools as well as tertiary providers won't have to include the driving training in their curricula, however, many will find doing this makes learning more relevant to students.

“As an example a school might find that incorporating a learning module for the licence theory test into its Year 11 English programme or a Gateway programme helps to engage the interest of students.”

Students will be able to gain 2 credits towards NCEA Level 1 by passing the learner licence theory test, 4 credits towards NCEA Level 2 by earning a restricted licence and a further 2 credits towards NCEA Level 2 by gaining a full licence.

The administrative systems to support this change will take affect on April 1 next year.

Mr Foss says a key benefit that will come out of this initiative will be to open up employment opportunities for young people.

“Employers are telling us that not having a driving licence is holding many 16-24 year olds back. Removing barriers that some young people face in gaining their licence is an ongoing focus for the Government.

“One way we can help is to assist young people to obtain a licence as part of their NCEA aspirations.

“Assisting young people to undertake driver education and training will also support young drivers to become safer on our roads,” says Mr Foss.