As a result of the Delta outbreak, driver licences, Warrants of Fitness, Certificates of Fitness, vehicle licences (‘regos') and licence endorsements that expired on or after July 21, 2021, will be valid until November 30, 2021, says Transport Minister Michael Wood.

'While this extension won't officially be in force until next Wednesday, I wanted to provide certainty to the public and industry that we have heard their concerns,” says Wood.

'Like last year's extension, we're providing this extension to give certainty to the public that they won't be issued infringement notices for using their vehicles appropriately during higher Alert Levels.

'Lockdown is stressful. People shouldn't have to worry about getting fined for having a recently expired WoF if driving to access essential services or as an essential worker.

'It's still the driver's responsibility to keep their vehicle roadworthy and I urge everyone to regularly check their vehicle is safe. We're asking drivers before they set off, to give it a TWIRL – check your tyres, windscreen, wipers, mirrors, indicators, look for rust, and test your lights.

'Drivers still need to be medically fit to drive, comply with relevant restrictions and conditions on their licence and obey all road rules. Any licence suspensions and disqualifications will also continue to apply.

'For people who reside outside of Auckland, I'd encourage them to check their WoFs or CoFs are up-to-date as these can be renewed at Alert Levels Two and Three. Driver licensing and testing facilities will open under Alert Level Two. People with tests already booked will be rescheduled to the earliest possible test once services resume.

'I've asked officials to look into how we can make temporary extensions more quickly in the future, so we can swiftly provide certainly if any further lockdowns are required,” says Wood.