Driving through Te Hā o Mātauranga

We provide people with the skills and knowledge to gain their learners licences, and progress through their restricted and full licences.

Driving Instructor

Thanks to the Ministry of Social Development for supporting us to train up our very own Kaikōura based, fully qualified and 'I' endorsed Driving Instructor - Joey Paterson! She teaches Learners Theory, as well as taking people for practical drives and supporting our drivers through to Blenheim for their tests. We are super pleased to have Joey as part of our team and she is available for lessons every week. Contact us on 027 201 7638 to book in with Joey.

Defensive Driving

Robby Roche completed Defensive Driver facilitator training and has been running regular workshops in Kaikōura! We have been stoked to be able to offer this service locally as the benefits from learning advanced driving skills are really important - and it knocks six months off your restricted which is always helpful!
With the upcoming changes to the driver licence system in January 2027, Defensive Driving Courses will be replaced by a new Advanced Driving Course. More information on this is yet to be released - until then, we have wrapped up our last Defensive Driving Course.

Learner Licencing

Joey runs free learners licence theory for people who are wanting to sit their licence. This teaches the theory that is needed to pass your learners. It covers all the questions that may come up, Joey will show you simple ways to remember the answers, and there will be practice tests available. 

If you are looking to book in with the AA in Kaikōura, they visit on the first Thursday and Friday of every month. Get in touch with Te Whare Putea/Heartlands to book in a slot on 03 319 7243.

Restricted and Full

Changes to the driver licence system in January 2027 may impact you sitting your full licence. More information can be found about this on the NZTA website here.
We offer a few different services for practical driving lessons to help prepare you for your restricted or full licence test;

If you are local to Kaikōura and aged 16-18, we can offer you up to 5 free driving lessons in Kaikōura, and an additional 5 free lessons in Blenheim. This is thanks to the Community Road Safety Fund.

We hold a contract with MSD supporting people to progress through the driver licence system. We can discuss the eligibility criteria with you to see if this programme may work for your circumstances.

If you are under 25, or have a community services card, lessons are $55 per lesson, or we do bulk packs of 5 lessons for $250.

If you are over 25 and do not have a community services card, lessons are $75 per lesson.

Please talk to us if you are interested in lessons, and we will try our best to find an option to best support you!

Driving Practice

We have a volunteer - Rex Stentiford - who is a driver mentor for people at Te Hā o Mātauranga. He takes people on drives for free, to support them in their driving journeys. This is a great option if you are needing to practice your driving, and get some time behind the wheel! Rex has some great skills and knowledge to pass on, so definitely get in touch to book in a drive with him.

Get in touch

Give us a call or text on 027 201 7638. Or email; driving@kaikoura.link
Feel free to pop in to Te Hā O Mātauranga at 14 Ludstone Rd to chat with one of our lovely staff.