More than 300 drivers in New Zealand will have to re-sit their tests after Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) officers allegedly accepted bribes to pass applicants at a major Auckland testing site.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said an internal investigation uncovered “serious misconduct” involving five driver testing officers at the VTNZ Highbrook branch.
It is reported by RNZ that the officers allegedly took payments from applicants to fraudulently pass them in practical driving tests since 2023.
All five officers have been dismissed, and their testing endorsements suspended, while NZTA continues its investigation. VTNZ has also halted all driver licence testing at its Highbrook site, as per report.
It is further reported that as a result, 322 people who obtained licences during the suspected period of fraud are now required to re-sit their on-road driving tests.
An NZTA spokesperson told RNZ:
“NZTA is contacting those affected and requiring them to pass a driving test — at no cost — to confirm they have the necessary skills to continue holding their licence.”
Police have confirmed to RNZ that they are investigating the allegations.
VTNZ, New Zealand’s largest provider of driving tests, said it had taken “decisive and serious action” following the discovery, working closely with NZTA to ensure public safety and test integrity.
“VTNZ places the highest importance on the integrity of licence testing and the safety of everyone who travels on our roads,” said country manager Greg O’Connor.
“We have zero tolerance for dishonesty and will leave no stone unturned to uncover and eliminate any improper behaviour.”
O’Connor said the company had reviewed its systems and was assessing additional security measures as a precaution.
“I can promise we will fully support any action taken by NZTA or NZ Police.”
The VTNZ Highbrook scandal echoes a broader, long-standing issue in New Zealand’s driver licensing system, notably the 2018 investigation that involved up to 350 licences being cancelled or drivers required to re-sit tests due to bribery and fraud.
Documents released to RNZ under the Official Information Act revealed that three men, working in customer service, data entry, and driver licensing administration, had allegedly accepted payments ranging from $500–$600 to pass standard driving tests, and up to $3,000 for heavy vehicle licences.
In 2018, RNZ reported, investigators found that some drivers were issued licences without ever sitting a practical test, and fake documents — including overseas truck licences and course certificates — were being used to obtain New Zealand heavy vehicle licences.
The investigation particularly focused on heavy vehicle licences due to heightened safety risks, prompting warnings to industry groups such as the Road Transport Forum and the Bus and Coach Association.
Briefing notes from the time highlighted a dramatic increase in applications for Indian licences, rising from 70 in 2013 to 772 in 2015, far exceeding expectations from migrant and employment trends. An independent review by KPMG subsequently identified 18 gaps and weaknesses in the system, leading NZTA to increase monitoring, tighten oversight of testing officers, and suspend or remove implicated staff.
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