Half of Kiwis want overseas drivers to sit driving test

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Half of Kiwis want overseas drivers to
sit test before hiring a car

Auckland, 15 March 2017. A Canstar Blue survey has revealed that 50 percent of Kiwis think that overseas drivers should have to sit a minimum standards test before they can hire a car in New Zealand.

A further 54% thought that overseas drivers were unprepared for New Zealand driving conditions.

Canstar Blue general manager, Jose George said:

“The competency of foreign drivers on New Zealand roads is a repeatedly debated subject and obviously one people feel very passionately about. But how far we should go to ensure our visitors drive safely, has divided opinion right down the middle.”

As well as thinking overseas drivers are unprepared, the survey also revealed that a quarter of Kiwis think that New Zealand road signs can be confusing.

George went on to say:

“Driving a car you’re not used to, in an area you are unfamiliar with, either at home or overseas, can be daunting. New Zealand is a country of outstanding natural beauty, but ultimately, our roads and driving conditions can be hazardous. The best thing anyone can do before setting out on a journey is read the driving tips provided by the hire companies, familiarise themselves with their vehicle and make sure they allow plenty of time for their journey.

When Kiwis drive

Even though more men than women, 43% as opposed to 26%, had hired a car in a left-hand-drive country, they were less likely to thoroughly read the terms and conditions of their hire contract (67% men, 58% of women). And, when it comes to the additional insurance offered by the hire companies, it’s women (38%, men 33%), who are more likely to take it.

Most Satisfied Customers

For the fourth year running, Apex Car Rentals has been awarded the Canstar Blue Customer Satisfaction Award.

Operating in 14 locations across New Zealand, Apex scored a maximum five stars in all but one category.

Accepting the award, Hamish Mitchell, general manager, Apex Car Rentals said:

“Apex is proud to receive this Canstar Blue award (Hire Cars) for the fourth consecutive year. This is a credit to the entire Apex team who strive to keep the customer at the heart of everything we do”

For further information regarding this survey, please click here.

ENDS

About the survey
Canstar Blue commissioned I-view to survey New Zealand consumers across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction. The outcomes reported are the results from New Zealand motorists who have hired a car within New Zealand in the last 12 months – in this case, 461 New Zealanders.

About Canstar Blue
Launched in June 2011, Canstar Blue is a customer satisfaction research and ratings business that’s core purpose is to help consumers make better purchasing decisions. Based on independent research conducted by Colmar Brunton Australia and I-view (owned by Ipsos), our aim is to act as the real voice of the consumer. To date, more than 42,000 Kiwis have rated their customer satisfaction across more than 45 different categories.
Canstar Blue is an initiative of CANSTAR. Active since 1992, CANSTAR is New Zealand and Australia’s premier research and expert ratings agency working with over 30,000 products and more than 300 brands in the financial services industry. CANSTAR is chiefly focused on helping consumers make better financial decisions.

What are the Canstar Blue ratings?
Canstar Blue researches, compares and rates products and services according to customer satisfaction across categories including banking, telecommunications, appliances, electronics, utilities and FMCG. Results are freely available to consumers who are encouraged to use the ratings as a guide to product excellence. The full range of results can be viewed at canstarblue.co.nz

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