[dejoux]

Theres alot of problems with the NZ system. As soon as the government/LTSA/Police/whoever realise that its not just ppl travelling at 10ks over the speed limit that something can be done about it.

Im you enough that Ive went through the new full licence test just as it came it...Yes its reasonably difficult but its not testing relevant material. Yes I can come to a dead stop and tell someone beside me that three blocks away a cat might step out from behind a parked car but that dont mean Im a good driver.

I think theres too much emphasis on how long between each stage or licence and not enough on what you actually learn inbetween each stage. I could have passed my Full Licence on the same day I passsed my restricted if they'd let me.

Ive done every course I could have done..ie defensive driving, pro drive, been through a driving instructor etc and that hasnt really tought me alot. Ive learnt far more about car control from going in Gymkyhanas and autocrosses and learnt about reading road conditions from riding a motorbike... I consider that this is what has contributed to my drving skill today more than all those theory courses ive been through.

When I was too young to get my licence I studied up alot on all the highly skilled techniques that I thought looked good but when I actually went to try them I couldnt pull any of them off. You cant learn to drive in a class room.

Its late and I need to get to bed and this post is already too long so Im not even going to mention the state of New Zealands roads