NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is contacting 583 drivers with dangerous goods licence endorsements who may have attended training courses that were carried out incorrectly.
The drivers hold a mix of class 2-5 licences and dangerous goods endorsements, which were attained after attending training courses and assessment provided by 2 Drive Well Ltd in the last 18 months in Palmerston North or Auckland.
2 Drive Well Ltd’s approval to offer driving licensing courses for classes 2, 4, 5 and dangerous goods endorsements is suspended while a NZTA investigation is under way.
The affected drivers will have three months to re-sit their relevant training course with another training provider to demonstrate that they have knowledge required by law for the specific licence classes or endorsements they hold.
Depending on their individual circumstances and experience, some drivers will be offered an alternative option to sit a full practical test through VTNZ.
“NZTA understands that the need to re-sit the course is inconvenient for these drivers as well as impact their businesses and customers. However, these drivers are responsible for operating some of the heaviest vehicles on the road so we have to be certain that they are adequately trained and have the knowledge and capability to manage the associated risks. The safety of all road users must take priority,” says Brett Aldridge, National Manager, Road Safety Regulation.
This is the second course provider NZTA has taken regulatory action against following an extensive audit of course providers that began last year. The approval of dangerous goods course provider Drive Smart Ltd was revoked in June this year. NZTA is now working with the heavy vehicle and driver training sectors to lift the quality and suitability of driver training courses.
NZTA contacting drivers with endorsements from suspended course provider
Note: The third paragraph of this media release was updated on 5 August 2024 to specify the licence classes under suspension. NZTA apologises to 2 Drive Well Ltd for any confusion caused.
