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The AA mobile licensing unit will be back in Wellsford at the end of this month, offering young people living in the wider district the opportunity to sit their learner’s licence in a more convenient location.
It would normally visit the town six times a year, but Waka Kotahi – NZ Transport Agency pulled the unit from Wellsford last year after the decision was made to withdraw the service in November.
However, thanks to a successful campaign mounted by the Wellsford Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), the service has been reinstated.
CAB facilitator Sally Galea says a driver’s licence is a huge thing for young people in isolated areas such as Glorit, Tapora, Tomarata and Tauhoa.
“Getting a licence means they can study, get a job and help with family jobs like taking nana to the doctors,” Galea says.
The unit will be at the Wellsford Community Centre for four days: it will process learner’s licences on July 29, 30 and 31; and renew, replace and do RealMe verifications on August 1 only.
The learners days will include a free two-day course, and on the third day there will be a learners’ test ($96.10 pp) – anyone who fails the first time can sit a second time for free.
CAB has arranged a free pick-up and drop-off service to help people attend, thanks to support from Warkworth Toyota.
“We have also booked the Warkworth Toyota ute with a BBQ on the back and there will be a free sausage sizzle on the second and fourth days only. This is being done in collaboration with Ta Ha Oranga, Te Hana Marae, Warkworth Toyota, AA, Auckland Council and Waka Kotahi.
“We would like to thank Warkworth Toyota for lending us a Toyota van and BBQ ute for these four days.”
Anyone attending must be at least 16 years’ old by June 30, 2025 and will need identification.
To register, email community.wellsford@cab.org.nz or phone the Citizens Advice Bureau on (09) 423 7333. People can also register using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/49eumy4e
