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Getting your Heavy Vehicle Licence
Getting your Heavy Vehicle Licence
All Heavy Vehicle Licence classes have the same structure for their learner theory test and are based on the Official New Zealand Road Code for heavy vehicles. Find out what you need to do to kick start the Heavy Vehicle Licence process.
Know What Class of Licence You Need
The first step in applying for your Heavy Vehicle Licence is to understand the class of vehicle you wish to drive.
There are four classes of Heavy Vehicle Licenses – based on the height and weight of the individual vehicle. Heavy vehicles can be rigid (e.g. a truck) or a combination (e.g. a truck and trailer). The class is based on a rigid vehicle’s gross laden weight (GLW) or a combination vehicle’s gross combined weight (GCW).
The four classes of learner licence for heavy vehicles are:
- Class 2L: medium rigid vehicles
- Class 3L: medium combination vehicles
- Class 4L: heavy rigid vehicles
- Class 5L: heavy combination vehicles
Visit NZTA to find out more about Driver licence classes.
Pre-test checklist:
Produce your current Full Car Licence, or a temporary licence with your New Zealand Passport or photographic ID to confirm your identity. Go to our FAQs for more detail on what is an acceptable form of identification.
Have you brought your medical certificate (if required)? Have you brought your prescription glasses or contact lenses you currently wear while driving?
Payment, our branches accept cash, EFTPOS, and all major credit cards. Please note there is a 2% surcharge for all credit card payments.
Have you studied? Make sure you have reviewed the road code for heavy vehicles before taking the test. You can complete online mock tests that are similar to the test you will sit on the day.
Prepare for your Heavy Vehicle Learner Licence test in four easy steps:
Licence eligibility
If you are over 25, you must hold a current class 1 Full Licence for 6 months first before applying for a Heavy Vehicle Learner Licence.
Find out more about the conditions of your heavy vehicle learner licence at nzta.govt.nz
What happens when I pass?
- You’ll probably feel a sense of achievement – and relief! You will be issued with your temporary licence while your test is being processed and your photographic licence will be posted in the mail.
- You will be able to practice driving your heavy vehicle under the supervision of a licenced driver. It’s important to get as much practice as you need with your supervisor before booking your practical test.
- You have three to six months on your Learner Licence to practice and become a confident driver before you can sit your Heavy Vehicle Full Licence. Learn more about the next step in getting your Heavy Vehicle Licence.
When you are driving on a Learner Licence, you must be accompanied by a supervisor at all times.
A supervisor must meet the following requirements:
- Holds a current Full New Zealand driver licence for the class of vehicle you are learning to drive.
- Has held their Full New Zealand driver licence for at least two years (or where their full New Zealand licence has been held less than two years, they have held an equivalent overseas driver licence for at least two years).
- Does not have a supervisor condition on their New Zealand licence.
