Our sustainable footprint is creating ripples in the community — one driving lesson at a time
On its third year, the Puketāpapa Community Driving School continuously delivers quality and supportive environment to Aucklanders and new Kiwis prepare for the NZ driving licence test. See our power in numbers. Together, we can achieve more.
Our Power in Numbers
Enrolled Students
24% subsidised
Fully-paid & Subsidised practical driving sessions
206 overall
licence passers
since PCDS started in December 2017
Women
Youth
Migrants
Former Refugee
2020
Our Passers on Spotlight









2019
Our Passers on Spotlight













2018
Our Passers on Spotlight










case studies
Take a peek inside our world

pcds graduate -
Obedi K.
Obedi had an evening job so he was determined to get a licence. Soon after passing the theory test, he booked for 14 practice sessions with mentors George and Nick then he had two mock tests with instructor Joey. He passed the restricted test on his first try in August 2018. Then he came back for a few more lessons to prepare for the full test in June 2019.

PCDS graduate -
Hakim A.
Hakim had 6 practice sessions with mentor Anup and mock test with instructor Joey for his restricted test in 2018. In 2019 he had extra practice sessions and mock tests with instructors Shaila and Joey through the Open Road Refugee Driver Training Programme to prepare for his full test.
“I was ecstatic when I passed the test! I want to thank the instructors and mentors for their patience and understanding. Before I got my full licence, my family and I couldn’t stay out past 10pm as I had to follow the restricted licence’s conditions. When we were out at night, I constantly looked at my watch whether it’s turned 9pm yet to get off the road by 10pm. Now that I got my full licence, we can now attend gatherings with friends and stay late night until the event is over. Thank you to the PCDS staff for everything you’ve done for me as well. Really appreciated.”

PCDS GRADUATE - Fatuma H.
Fatuma had one driving assessment with instructor Shaila, eight practice sessions and three mock tests with instructors Shaila and Susan.
“I came to New Zealand on May 2013 with my family. We were very glad and welcomed when we came here. So I did my learners test in 2014 February and I passed. I did my first restricted test on June 2015 and I failed. Then I decided to take lessons form AA and A1 driving schools. And I decided to take another test and I failed. So I Failed 7 times on my other tests that I did afterwards. I then found out about PCDS. I then met MISS Aime and I took lessons from PCDS on January 2019 and then I did more practice to get more confidence. On October I took 5 more lessons with a mock test and I believed in myself and having more confidence. I tried to correct lots of my previous mistakes. I was fighting my inner instincts that I can do it and to overcome my fears. Finally the day of my test came and I was so pumped. I then was gladly happy when I was told that I PASSED MY TEST. I am happy that I took lessons from PCDS and I would advise other migrants like me to take driving lessons from PCDS. They have the best qualified instructors. And lastly just believe in yourself and go for it and that’s it’s ok to make mistakes it doesn’t make you a failure but it’s make you a fighter and I’m happy that we got a strong community that’s together thanks again.”

PCDS Graduate - Roshan A.
Roshan had eight PCDS driving sessions including a driving assessment with instructor Shaila, fice practice sessions with mentor Trevor, a mock test, and an extra lesson with instructor Joey.
“Getting a licence is important for me mainly for my job and for day-to-day life because we need to walk 45 minutes to reach the shop. To save money for car and driving test, I applied for different jobs. I got declined many times because I don’t have licence and work experience. My mum is diabetic so she can’t wait too long so I decided to get a licence as soon as possible. After two months I got a job in Meadowland but I live in Mt Roskill so I need to catch 3 buses to get there.
Thank you to all the mentors who supported and prepared me to get my overseas licence converted to NZ full licence. My success belongs to you because I drove very badly before but now I’m a good driver and passed the full licence test on first try. Thank you so much Puketapapa Community Driving School for helping a lot of people like me.”

PCDS Graduate - LULU.S.