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Vehicle Testing New Zealand has confirmed police are investigating allegations of fraud by a group of driving officers at its Highbrook branch in east Auckland.
Driving instructors are alleged to have taken money in exchange for allowing people to pass their practical driving tests, thereby allowing some customers to obtain fraudulent licences.
A NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) spokesperson told the Franklin Times that five driver testing officers (DTOs) are under investigation and 322 people must re-sit tests.
“NZTA has been informed by VTNZ that the DTOs had allegedly been accepting payments to pass people taking practical driver tests since 2023,” the spokesperson said.
The five DTOs have been dismissed by VTNZ, and their testing officer endorsements have been suspended while NZTA investigates the allegations.
“VTNZ has ceased offering practical driver licence testing at its Highbrook branch. The Highbrook site remains open for other services, including WoF and CoF inspections.
“NZTA is contacting the people who were tested by these DTOs and received a driver licence during the period where fraud was suspected and requiring them to pass an on-road driving test, at no cost to them, to confirm that they have the necessary skills to continue to hold a licence.”
VTNZ responds
VTNZ Country Manager Greg O’Connor says the company “took decisive and serious action following allegations of dishonesty at one of its branches.”
“After being notified of the alleged offending at the Highbrook branch, VTNZ conducted a thorough investigation and worked with NZTA on appropriate steps.”
He says public safety is VTNZ’s highest priority.
“I want to reassure everyone that we investigated with the utmost urgency,” O’Connor says.
“VTNZ places the highest importance on the integrity of licence testing and the safety of everyone who travels on our roads.
“We have zero tolerance for dishonesty and will leave no stone unturned to uncover and eliminate any improper behaviour.”
After learning of the alleged breach, he says VTNZ took immediate steps to check systems and processes and has now reviewed its systems and evaluated any extra security measures as a precaution.
“We have confidence in our team and our processes for Driver Licence testing,” O’Connor says.
“I promise that we will take the strongest action against any employee found breaking the law and our trust.
“Anyone sitting their Driver Licence test can still have complete faith in VTNZ.”
VTNZ is now working with the New Zealand Transport Agency and New Zealand Police in the investigation.
“However, I can promise we will fully support any action taken by NZTA or Police,” O’Connor says.
“Police can confirm the matter has been referred to us and remains under investigation,” a police spokesperson said today.
Police first received a report in relation to the offending by driving instructors in May.
“At present a dedicated fraud team is reviewing the file.”
NZTA has been approached for comment.
