Driving Licence and Defensive Driving


Did you know that you could get NZQA Unit Standards for passing your driving licence? Learners and restricted.

Learners - 2 Credits @ L1

Restricted - 4 Credits @ L2

Full - 2 Credits @ L2

Here is how:

  • Print the 'Recognition of prior Learning' form

  • Complete relevant sections

  • Present the form and the original licence to Mrs Hall in the Transition Department.


Defensive Driving

The course costs approximately $155.00. This is to be paid to A1 Driving School by the student before the course begins. Lesson 1 is an introductory session and overview. Classes will then run for 8 lunchtime sessions (12.35pm - 1.25pm). You must attend every lunchtime session in order ot pass the course. There is also a practical session which is booked at your convenience.

You may still participate in a course on defensive driving skills outside school hours if you wish. There is no defensive driving course run at school in term 4 due to time constraints.

A1 Driving School also runs courses outside the College. For more information, contact them direct, either online or on 04 387 7480.

All bookings (not payment) for Defensive Driving Courses held at Wellington College, are made through the Careers Department.

Payment is made by the student direct to the course tutor.


We at Wellington College encourage safety for all of our students whether they are on their Learners or Restricted Licences, therefore we encourage you to book a Defensive Driving course using A1 Driving School.




The following information is found on aa.co.nz

Why attend a defensive driving course?

Sure, you can drive yourself on a restricted licence – but only at certain times or with an experienced driver. You can’t take younger brothers and sisters, or your friends, anywhere.

You can’t be on the road between 10pm and 5am without risking fines, demerit points or being uninsured if something happens.

It’s for your own safety, but wouldn’t it be great to slash 6 months off this time? Students who attend a defensive driving course are 10% more likely to pass their driving test the first time.

Learner licence holders -

Doing the course while you have your learner licence will help you pass your restricted licence test as it includes a one hour in-car session and develops your driving skills - students who have attended a DDC are more likely to pass their restricted test on their first try. You’ll be able to attend a defensive driving course once you’ve had your learner licence and have had some driving experience.

If you complete a DDC while on your learner or restricted licence, this will enable you to reduce the time you're required to spend on your restricted licence by 6 months.

Restricted licence holders -

Students who have attended a DDC are 10% more likely to pass their full licence test on the first try. Attending also reduces the time you’ll spend on your restricted licence by 6 months - if you're over 25 the time on your restricted licence reduces from 6 months to 3 months.


The AA Drivers Education Foundation supports a wonderful resource called eDrive. This is an online resource for parents or driver supervisors, and new drivers (whether you be a Learner or Restricted). This interactive, comprehensive driver training system is a fun, modern way to learn those skills you need to be better safer drivers.


Using eDrive does NOT replace the 'Defensive Driving Course' mentioned opposite, and should you decide to try it, there is an online fee to be paid to AA. This has nothing to do with Wellington College.


This resource offers you a wonderful opportunity to be a better driver.