SureDrive Driving School

15/10/2026

If you get demerit points on your restricted car licence between 7 May 2026 and 24 January 2027, time could be added to your minimum restricted licence period on 25 January 2027.

Each time you get demerits, it will extend your restricted period by 6 months.

If you get demerits more than once, you’ll have to wait an extra 6 months each time.

This change will improve road safety for everyone by encouraging inexperienced drivers to drive safely.

If you keep a clean driving record and don’t get any demerits, you won’t have to wait any extra time.

Demerit points are issued by police officers for offences including:
- Speeding
- Drink driving
- Drug driving
- Mobile phone use.

Some things to be aware of:
- if you get demerit points after 7 May but move to your full licence before 25 January, your restricted period won’t be extended
- The extension only applies to people who are still on their restricted licence after 25 January
- Any demerit points you get before 7 May won’t affect your restricted period
- Offences that don’t incur demerit points, such as safety camera fines, won’t add time to your restricted period.

This is the first of the driver licensing system changes announced by the Government in February to start since the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2026 was signed into law earlier this month.

Several other changes to car licences start on 25 January next year:
- Drivers will no longer need to sit a practical test to move from the restricted to the full licence
- The hazard perception test will be included in the restricted practical test
- The learner period for under 25s is extending from 6 to 12 months, with an option to reduce this to 6 months by recording supervised driving hours or completing an approved practical course
- The restricted licence period for under 25s is reducing from 18 to 12 months
- Eyesight tests will no longer be needed when applying for restricted and full car and motorcycle licences.

These changes do not affect overseas licence conversions or senior drivers.

If you're progressing through the car driver licensing system this year, make sure your contact details are up-to-date so we can let you know how the changes may affect you: https://transact.nzta.govt.nz/transactions/ChangeOfAddress/entry

For more information on the changes: https://nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/getting-a-licence/proposed-changes-to-graduated-driver-licensing/moving-to-the-new-car-licence-system -demerits

For more on demerit points: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/driving-offences-and-penalties/demerit-points

Read the full rule: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2026/79/en/latest/

26/09/2026

14/05/2026

It seems driving in Mumbay is cheaper

15/02/2026

Take note

08/01/2026

26/12/2025

Automatic transmission changes gears by itself without the driver needing to operate a clutch pedal or manually select every gear. It uses a system that decides the best time to shift based on speed, throttle input, and other factors. This makes driving easier and more relaxed, especially in city traffic or long journeys, because you don’t have to think about shifting gears. Modern automatics can shift very quickly and smoothly, sometimes faster than a human can with a manual. You simply select Drive and go, and the transmission handles everything.

Manual transmission requires the driver to operate a clutch pedal and move a gear lever to shift gears. The driver decides exactly when to change gears, which gives a direct sense of control over the power and engine behavior. When you drive a manual, you feel more involved because every gear change is a deliberate action you perform. This connection can make driving feel more engaging and rewarding for people who enjoy the mechanical side of driving.

In terms of driving feel, an automatic transmission feels smooth, effortless, and relaxed, because the car manages all shifting for you. You can focus more on steering and traffic, and less on gear changes. A manual transmission feels interactive and hands-on, because you are part of every gear change and directly influence how the car responds to your inputs. Manuals often feel more mechanically connected because you hear and feel the shifts.

For everyday use, automatic transmissions are generally more convenient. They reduce fatigue in stop-and-go traffic, and don’t require the constant clutch and gear work that manuals do. Manual transmissions are more demanding in traffic, because you must use the clutch and gear lever for every change, which can become tiring. That said, manuals can be satisfying in open-road driving or performance situations where gear control matters.

In terms of performance and efficiency, modern automatics including dual-clutch systems, torque-converter automatics, and CVTs can be very efficient and often match or exceed manuals in shift speed and fuel economy because they optimize gear changes automatically. Traditional manuals can be efficient too, but their performance depends heavily on driver skill and timing of shifts.

In simple terms:
Automatic transmission easy, smooth, and convenient; no clutch or manual gear changes.
Manual transmission engaging, direct, and hands-on; driver controls every gear change.

Your choice depends on whether you want effortless, relaxed driving (automatic) or active involvement and control (manual). Both can get you where you want to go, but they make the driving experience feel very different.

26/12/2025

26/12/2025