The NZ Transport Agency will be able to offer more services to keep motorists moving safely when New Zealand moves to alert level 2, general manager regulatory services Kane Patena says.

“Most of our services will be up and running under alert level 2 but some will not yet be operating at full capacity, so we ask for the patience and kindness that New Zealanders have shown in recent times to continue as we step into this new phase,” Patena says.

“Driver licensing agents will reopen for over-the-counter transactions at alert level 2 and practical driving tests will resume from Monday 18 May. Physical distancing and hygiene requirements will be followed and agents and driver testing officers are committed to keeping customers safe. 

“NZTA‘s 0800 lines will be operational for the general public from Monday 18 May, but initially at a limited capacity. There are likely to be significant wait times, so please check the regularly updated frequently asked questions and other material on our website before calling to see if you can find the information you need. Some of our services are also fully available online.

Patena says NZTA‘s vehicle and driver licensing team is also processing enquiries and documents, but due to high levels of demand there may be some delays to processing when services fully resume under alert level 2.

Legislative changes announced in April temporarily extended the validity of driver licences, endorsements, warrants of fitness, certificates of fitness and other certification documents during the lockdown period, and some of the WoFs and CoFs that expired between January 1 and the lockdown have already been renewed.

“We‘ve been working closely with the inspection industry and actively monitoring capacity and volume levels, and we understand that most service providers are currently coping well. We will continue to monitor volumes with our counter agents as they reopen.

“Delivery timeframes may also be longer than normal to begin with as counter services are opening for the first time since New Zealand went into lockdown. We ask people to give service providers time to adjust to alert level 2 guidelines in their new working situation.

“Longer wait times are likely so we‘re encouraging people do use our online services whenever they can. We‘ll be prioritising transactions for people who can‘t drive without being able to renew their documents. Remember, temporary extensions remain in place so you don‘t need to stress or rush unnecessarily.” 

Covid-19 services FAQs can be found here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/about-us/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-services-update/frequently-asked-questions/