The government is giving a two year extension to those with learner and restricted drivers licences that are due to expire soon.

Under current rules, those with a learner or restricted car or motorcycle licences have a five year limit to move on to the next licence stage – otherwise they'll need to pass another theory test to renew their licence.

More than 144,000 drivers' time-limited licences are due to expire in the next two years – 67,000 of those will expire within the next 12 months.

Associate transport Minister Julie Anne Genter says the reprieve gives learner and restricted drivers a little more time to get their full licence, or save up to pay for the test.

'But I want to be clear that people on time-restricted licences need to take the necessary steps as soon as possible to move to a full licence,” she says.

Julie says time-limited licences make sense in theory, but is also needed to be acknowledged that people without the resources, training or support to pass the tests risk becoming unlicensed when the time is up.

'This situation points to a larger problem with our licensing system,” she says.

Over the next two years the government will be reviewing the Graduated Driver Licensing System, develop additional programmes to help disadvantaged young drivers access licensing and expand driver training in schools.

-RNZ.