Hundreds to Resit Driving Tests After Alleged VTNZ Bribery at Auckland
More than 300 people must re-sit their driving tests after allegations that VTNZ testing officers in Auckland Highbrook accepted cash in exchange for passing applicants.
Misconduct at Highbrook Branch
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) found “serious misconduct” by five driver testing officers at the VTNZ Highbrook branch. The officers allegedly accepted payments to pass practical driving tests from 2023 onwards.
All five officers have been dismissed and their “testing officer endorsements” suspended while investigations proceed.
VTNZ has paused licence testing at the Highbrook location during the probe.
Resits and Assurance for Affected People
NZTA will contact those whose licenses were issued by those officers during the suspect period. Around 322 people must re-sit an on-road driving test free of charge to confirm their competence.
The re-testing requirement is not intended to penalize individuals but to ensure public safety on the roads.
Legal & Oversight Response
The New Zealand Police have confirmed they are investigating.
VTNZ stated it has undertaken a systems review and committed to supporting NZTA and police in the inquiry. Greg O’Connor, VTNZ country manager, emphasized zero tolerance for dishonesty.
Anyone who received a licence via the implicated branch should expect contact from NZTA. Failing or not doing the re-test may affect the validity of a licence.
It’s a reminder of the importance of integrity in licence testing—mistakes or misconduct can erode public trust and threaten road safety.
