VTNZ as we know it today started its life in 1994 as a State Owned Enterprise following a review of the Ministry of Transport. Within five short years it had grown to 52 stations.
VTNZ was privatised in 1999 and the Motor Trade Association purchased the company. VTNZ used to be known by its full name, Vehicle Testing New Zealand and chose to re-brand to the much more succinct VTNZ in 2004.