New driver licences

A recoverable Special Needs Grant may be made to a client to get a new driver licence when they have:

not previously had a full licence and
an immediate and essential need to get a driver licence

A payment can be made for the actual fees for applying and taking a test for a learner licence, a restricted licence, or a full licence of any class.

A Special Needs Grant is available for a client and their partner to each get a learner licence, restricted licence, and a full licence.

Clients can apply for a Special Needs Grant to cover the costs of the:

initial test fee covering 2 tests (the initial test and 1 re-sit), and
re-sit test fee for any additional tests

Note the re-sit fee only applies for Class 1 (car) drivers who have failed to pass their driver licence test twice.

Generally, only 1 payment each can be made to a client and their partner per licence category in a 52-week period. MSD can use discretion to grant more than 1 Special Needs Grant in a 52-week period if the client has exceptional circumstances.

Essential need

An essential need exists if MSD is satisfied it is necessary for the client to get a driver licence:

to participate in a required activity to improve their work readiness at least once every fortnight
to apply for employment when a driver licence is an essential requirement
to undertake an available employment opportunity
when they, or any member of their immediate family have a disability, and needs help with transport to undertake their daily living activities (including receiving treatment for the disability, or undertaking education or employment) or
for any other special reason

When considering if a driver licence is necessary, MSD must consider the:

availability and suitability of public transport and any other transport options and
circumstances of the client and their immediate family

Actual fees

Special Need Grants for a new driver licence must not be more than the actual fee payable.

Dependent children

A parent can apply on behalf of their dependent child for a Special Needs Grant to get a learner, restricted or full driver licence.

Assistance cannot be paid

A client will not qualify for a Special Needs Grant for driver licence costs if they:

are disqualified from holding or getting a driver licence or
have not renewed their driver licence before the expiry date without a good and sufficient reason.

For more information see:

Special Needs Grants Category Limits (current)

Legislation

Fees for driver licensing Schedule 2, Part 1 Land Transport (Regulatory Fee) Regulations 2023
New driver licences clause 17A.2 Special Needs Grant Welfare Programme
Restrictions on payments clause 9.1 Special Needs Grants Programme

Top