Facelift for Driver Licences

**Hitcher** · 29th May 2007, 12:45

Press Release by Land Transport New Zealand at 12:35 pm, 29 May 2007

New Zealand photo driver licences will have a new look from July this year.

Land Transport NZ is making several changes to driver licences to make it easier for police to positively identify drivers at the roadside, particularly at night. The changes include larger driver photos, larger text for the driver's name and other details, and a bigger box to display learner or restricted licence status.

The improvements have been made in response to feedback from police that parts of the current licence can be difficult to see clearly in poor light - in particular when checking that the photo matches the driver of a car at the roadside.

There is also a major change to the appearance of limited licences, which will now be printed on pink cards. Limited licences are granted to some suspended and disqualified drivers, allowing them to drive under strict conditions (e.g., at certain times or along specified routes). The new pink cards will be instantly recognisable to police, providing a reminder to check that the driver is complying with the conditions imposed on his or her licence.

Land Transport NZ Chief Executive Wayne Donnelly said the format of photo driver licences had not changed since they were introduced in May 1999.

"While these changes are relatively minor, the improvements are important as the effectiveness of photo licences depends on the police being able to positively identify drivers at the roadside. The changes will also make it easier for police to spot conditions imposed on drivers as a result of previous offences. The new-look licences will be a more effective tool in the drive to make our roads safer for everyone."

To see an image of the new-look licence, visit: http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/lic...k-licence.html

**Harry33** · 29th May 2007, 12:48

Great how much?

**James Deuce** · 29th May 2007, 12:49

Emma Chizit?

**Hitcher** · 29th May 2007, 12:50

Have you all spotted the differences yet? Some "facelift"...

**xwhatsit** · 29th May 2007, 12:59

Originally Posted by Jim2

[LEFT]Emma Chizit?

Steal my words!

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Have you all spotted the differences yet? Some "facelift"...

Is our police force ageing? They're releasing the `large print' versions of our licences

**WRT** · 29th May 2007, 13:49

I'm pleased to note they have also increased the size of the NZ flag, presumably to help the identify the nationality of the licence in poor light.

**Lteejay** · 29th May 2007, 13:57

Originally Posted by Harry33

Great how much?

No direct cost to the holder by the looks of it - a card is replaced with the new version when it expires or you upgrade your license

**rwh** · 29th May 2007, 19:08

I like the pink limited licence - that should be a decent deterrent for those who currently don't mind losing their licence

Richard

**sunhuntin** · 29th May 2007, 19:11

it should make it easier for others who view the license as well [bouncers, cig/alcohol shops etc] so thats a plus. i know currently i have to squint to read the dob and license numbers.

**Chrislost** · 29th May 2007, 19:20

will the card itself be bigger or just have bigger writing?
will we be upgrading to brale in a few years?

**jtzzr** · 29th May 2007, 19:33

Originally Posted by Chrislost

will the card itself be bigger or just have bigger writing?

The licence will be slightly bigger it will be a life-size cut out of you with all your details on it .p\t

**Sanx** · 29th May 2007, 19:42

I quite like this idea of colouring licences to suit different purposes. Perhaps we can have some more categories:

Shit brown - All drivers of pointless 4x4s
Blue with a marijuana emblem - westies with long hair and 70s-era Holdens
Red, with the word DANGER and the address of a good optometrist on the back - Our far-eastern friends
Black, with razor-sharp edges - Bus drivers

I'm sure they're a few more too.