Former Opotiki College student and Boy actor James Rolleston has pleaded guilty to a dangerous driving charge over a crash that left him in a coma and a passenger injured.

Appearing in the Auckland District Court today, the 19-year-old pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing injury in relation to the July 2016 crash.

James was left in an intensive care unit for nearly a month after his car collided with a bridge near Opotiki, while his friend Kaleb Maxwell was also hurt.

He says he is especially regretful for the harm caused to Kaleb, who he describes as a good friend.

"I am grateful we both survived and have the opportunity to make something of the lives we have ahead of us, despite the fact I have a bit of recovery still ahead,” says James.

"Not everyone is that fortunate. I have learned to appreciate life a lot more and to be grateful for what I have."

He says he always intended to plead guilty, and since the accident has been working within his community to promote road safety.

"My hope is that this work, and the coverage of my story, will get other young people to take care on the roads for their own benefit and that of their friends and family.”

He will be sentenced in May.