33908 (2026). Lemauga Lydia Sosene to the Minister responsible for Ministerial Services

33908 (2026). Lemauga Lydia Sosene to the Minister responsible for Ministerial Services: Is a Minister required to hold a current driver licence in order to be allocated a self-drive vehicle, and is any check of licence status undertaken at the point of allocation or thereafter?

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon: The Ministerial Self-Drive Operational Guidelines do not require a Minister to hold a current driver licence in order to be allocated a self-drive vehicle. The Guidelines state that any holder of a current New Zealand driver licence may drive the self-drive vehicle with the permission of the Minister or entitled user, provided they comply with the conditions of their licence. The Guidelines also provide that drivers holding a current Class 1 Full or Class 1 Restricted New Zealand licence, and complying with the conditions of that licence, are automatically covered by the Department of Internal Affair’s insurance policy.