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To access the scheme, participating schools can book the driving test on behalf of their Gateway student(s) and cover the upfront cost, which is then reimbursed by BCITO.
Eligible licences are car (Class One) applications at any level, including restricted and full. Students are eligible for one test per year.
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BCITO Director, Greg Durkin, said the scheme was aimed at helping rangatahi get into employment.
“A valid driver’s licence is increasingly essential for securing apprenticeships in the building and construction industry, enabling workers to get to and from their job sites easily, and make pick-ups and deliveries when needed. However, the current environment is making it tougher for young people to afford some of those incidental costs [sic] which is why we are financially assisting students with driver’s licence testing.”
The Gateway programme is a government initiative run by BCITO, an organisation which provides building and construction apprenticeships nationwide. Theory is run in-class and students gain practical onsite work experience. Students can access courses across several trades including carpentry, concrete, plastering and painting. Schools sign an MoU with BCITO to access the programme for students.
In 2024, there were a total of 564 students enrolled in the programme.
The driver’s licence fee scheme was trialled in 2024. Riley Betham from Sacred Heart College was one student who accessed the trial scheme. He said it was “one less expense… to worry about”.
Betham said having the fees reimbursed motivated him to perform well on his test, and he has gained more independence and the ability to help around his household.
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