Y•Drive Driving School

26/08/2026

A licence can open a job to so many new opportunities 🚗🎉

We're super proud of Nina for getting her licence! She had to catch the bus each week to make it to her lessons, but stayed determined to reach her goal. Nina has a job opportunity waiting in Wellington, with getting her licence the final piece of the puzzle.

Now she has achieved her licence and is ready to start the new job and begin an exciting new chapter 👏

24/08/2026

📢Give us 20 minutes and we will put you in the draw to win 1 of 15 $100 Prezzy Cards!

Your voice matters!

Our Y youth survey is open right now for young people aged 12 to 24 years old, living in the Ashburton, Timaru, Waitaki, Waimate or Mackenzie Districts.

This is your opportunity to share you insights into what it is like to live, work and go to school in your district. This anonymous survey is designed to ensure that your feedback is shared with the people who can make informed decisions on how to shape our regions though a youth lens.

Follow the link below to complete the survey and be into win!
👉https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Youthsurvey26

Complete the survey fully, leave us your name and details and we will put you in the draw to win 1 of 15 $100 Prezzy Cards.

The Y Youth Survey - because Your Voice Matters

17/08/2026

Freedom starts with a licence. 🌟

Build your confidence behind the wheel, learn from patient instructors, and get test-ready with expert guidance.

We're opening doors for learners in Oamaru, Timaru, and Ashburton. Let's get you on the road!

05/08/2026

🚗 How well do you really know the road rules?

New AA research found that most NZ drivers wouldn't score more than 70% on a basic road rules test, with many struggling with roundabouts, cycle lanes, bus lanes, and passing cyclists safely.

Road rules change over time, so keeping your knowledge up to date is just as important as your driving skills.

Whether you've been driving for 1 year or 40, a road rules refresher can help keep you, your passengers, and other road users safe.

Book a refresher lesson with us and drive with confidence!

31/07/2026

Congratulations to Gracie, Aereata and Silas who all passed their restricted test yesterday.

What an awesome achievement and we're proud to have been part of your journey. All your hard work, practice and determination has paid off!

Thinking about getting your licence? Get in touch with us and let us help you build the skills and confidence to succeed 🚗.

30/07/2026

From 25 January 2027 you will no longer need to sit a test to get a full driver licence. You’ll graduate from your restricted to full licence if you keep a clean driving record while on your restricted licence.

The length of time you'll be on your restricted will extend by 6 months each time you get any demerit points.

For people under 25, the learner period will extend to 12 months. You'll be able to reduce the learner period to 6 months by completing an approved practical course or recording supervised driving hours. Additionally, the default restricted licence period is reducing from 18 to 12 months. You can still get a full licence by age 17-and-a-half if you reduce your learner period.

People over 25 will still have minimum learner and restricted periods of 6 months each. There will no longer be the option to reduce their minimum restricted period to 3 months by completing a course.

All current licence holders will move to the new system on 25 January 2027. This means learner and restricted drivers will be subject to the new licence periods and rules from this date.

The current system still applies until 25 January 2027. Until then, you still need to sit a full licence test if you want to graduate from a restricted licence to a full licence.

09/07/2026

Mānawatia a Matariki! 🌟

Matariki is a time where we can gather together to remember the year that has passed, to celebrate the present and plan for the year ahead.

It is also a time to remember our loved ones who are no longer here with us and to celebrate with our family and friends.

The team at the Y wishes you a safe and happy long weekend (and hope you stay dry)! We will be closed this Friday and reopening on Monday.

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

Here's some driving tips to keep in mind during this very rainy week.

✅ Increase your following distance. The four second rule applies to following distance on wet roads and in poor visibility. Stopping distances increase in wet compared to dry conditions, so giving yourself extra time and space, can help to avoid accidents.

✅ Turn on your headlights. Having your headlights on makes you more visible to oncoming traffic and also activates your rear tail for drivers behind you.

✅ Make sure to adjust your windscreen wipers to the correct frequency for the amount of rain. Proper adjustment maintains maximum visibility.