In 1975, New Zealand had just over 3 million people and 1.5 million vehicles. That same year, a group of passionate driving instructors came together to form what would become the New Zealand Institute of Driver Educators (NZIDE). Fast forward to 2025, and the country now boasts over 4.7 million vehicles—and a professional body that has grown in both size and influence. This year’s NZIDE Conference marked a significant milestone: 50 years of commitment to safer roads, better drivers, and a stronger community of educators.
Held with a sense of pride and purpose, the 2025 NZIDE Conference brought together instructors, policymakers, researchers, and road safety advocates from across the country. The event was not only a celebration of the past but also a deep dive into the future of driver education in Aotearoa.
Voices from the Community: Views from some members
Gemma Scott, a Southland-based instructor and current Vice President, shared how she joined NZIDE a decade ago to gain support and knowledge as a newcomer. Today, she gives back by mentoring new instructors and serving in multiple leadership roles. “It’s about more than just driving,” she said. “It’s about building a professional community.”
Peter Sheppard, NZIDE’s Honorary CEO, has been involved since the late 1980s. With a background in the NZ Army and decades of experience in road safety, Peter emphasised the importance of maintaining international best practices and ongoing instructor development.
Mark Revill-Johnson, who joined in 2012 after retiring from the police, now serves as NZIDE President. He highlighted the value of professional development, national networking, and being a voice for the industry. “We must move away from the ‘she’ll be right’ mentality,” he said, advocating for more robust licensing requirements and school-based driver education.
Louis Eagle, a life member since 1994 and former president (1981–1987), offered a historical perspective. From launching a driving school in Christchurch in 1973 to developing the iconic blue L plate in 1980, Louis has seen the evolution of driver education firsthand. “The tougher the test, the greater the preparation,” she noted.
Conference Highlights: Insights, Innovation, and Urgency
Welcoming: A Legacy of Learning
President Mark Revill-Johnson welcomed all to the conference by reflecting on NZIDE’s journey. From Holden Kingswoods and Ford Cortinas in the 1970s to today’s hybrid Priuses, the tools may have changed, but the mission remains: “Correct attitude above all.” He emphasised the growing understanding of driver fatigue and the need for high standards in driver education.
Conference Opening: Carey Griffiths on Road Safety Realities
Former police inspector and road safety advocate Carey Griffiths delivered a powerful message. With experience spanning the NZ Police, NZTA, ACC, and Worksafe, Carey didn’t mince words: “The system fails us and fails our kids.” He criticised the political inertia that leaves effective road safety strategies sitting in drawers and called for a cultural shift in how we view road deaths.
His message was clear: “You are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts.” He championed the IAM RoadSmart programme as a way to upskill experienced drivers and reduce fatalities.
VTNZ: Behind the Wheel of Testing
Rachael Jobson and Greg Bellett from VTNZ presented sobering statistics on driving test outcomes, that we are not allowed to publish.
They highlighted the influence of parental driving habits on learner behaviour and the challenges of enforcing consequences when failed applicants simply drive off.
Greg also spoke about the importance of positive energy from instructors. “It can transform the person taking the test,” he said. “Passion and presence matter.”
Sean Campbell: The Human Factor in Crashes
From Autosense, Sean Campbell emphasised that 94% of crashes are caused by driver behaviour, not mechanical failure. His message: improving judgment, attitude, and awareness is more critical than ever.
Greg Murphy & Nathan Wallis: Driving and the Brain
This dynamic duo brought neuroscience into the driver’s seat. Nathan Wallis explained how brain development—especially in the first 1000 days of life—affects driving ability. With maturity now considered to arrive in the late 20s, young drivers are particularly vulnerable.
Their #EyesUpNZ campaign, supported by Autosense’s in-vehicle monitoring, revealed:
– 52 verified fatigue events daily
– 138 distraction events, mostly due to mobile phones
Stress, fatigue, and underdeveloped executive function all contribute to unsafe driving.
Kartina Aubrey: The Science of Sleep
Known as “The Sleep Geek,” Kartina Aubrey explored the link between sleep and road safety. From daylight saving time spikes in heart attacks to sleep disorders among truck drivers, her message was clear: fatigue is a silent killer.
NZTA: Policy, Practice, and Progress
Karina Morrow and Tony Ratima-Lane from NZTA outlined their role in advising the government and enforcing licensing standards. With only 61% of full license applicants passing on the first attempt, NZIDE questioned the logic behind proposals to remove the full test altogether.
Other key stats:
– 220 new I (instructor) endorsements issued in the past year
– 2,327 current I endorsement holders
– Record: 52 attempts to pass the driving test
Sue Tyler: Teaching Neurodiverse Learners
Australian instructor Sue Tyler shared strategies for teaching students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences. Her insights emphasised that what may appear as “bad behaviour” is often a result of processing or communication challenges.
Victoria Scott-Hall: A Teenager’s Perspective
At just 15, Victoria—daughter of two driving instructors—offered a humorous and insightful look at growing up in a driving-obsessed household. “By the time I go for my license, I’ll be more prepared than most teenagers,” she said. Her final line? “When I get my DL, I’m going to drive straight past my parents without indicating.”
NSW DTA Update: Lessons from Across the Ditch
The NSW Driver Trainers Association shared their model: 120 hours of logged driving, including 20 at night, and incentives for using professional instructors. Their challenges with cross-border inconsistencies highlighted the need for nationally aligned standards.
Deb Baker: Confrontation in the Car
Deb Baker addressed the rising tide of verbal and physical abuse faced by instructors and testers. With 1 in 4 workers experiencing daily abuse in 2025, the need for de-escalation training and support systems is more urgent than ever.
Final Reflections: A Profession with Purpose
The conference closed with a reminder from Mark Revill-Johnson: “You don’t meet many people affected by murder, but you meet plenty affected by road crashes.” The fatal five reasons people fail their tests—speed, distraction, fatigue, alcohol, and poor decision-making—are the same reasons people die on our roads.
As the author of this article and a member of NZIDE, my biggest takeaway was this: driver education is no longer just about hill starts and parallel parking. It’s about neuroscience, psychology, policy, and empathy. It’s about preparing young people for a lifetime of safe driving—and supporting the professionals who guide them.
With only 10% of I endorsement holders currently NZIDE members, the conference made a compelling case for joining. The benefits—community, mentorship, advocacy, and professional development—are clear.
Looking Ahead
As NZIDE enters its next 50 years, the road ahead is both challenging and full of opportunity. With passionate members, evidence-based strategies, and a renewed focus on the human side of driving, the Institute is well-positioned to lead the way.
Because in the end, every safe journey begins with a great teacher.
