NZ Heavy Vehicle Licence Study Guide 2026

Heavy licence classes

Licence classes depend on the gross laden weight (GLW) of a rigid vehicle, or the gross combined weight (GCW) of a vehicle and what it tows.

Class	Name	Main vehicles covered
1	Car	Vehicles up to 6000 kg GLW or GCW
2	Medium rigid	Rigid vehicles 6001 to 18,000 kg GLW; combinations up to 12,000 kg GCW; 2-axle rigid vehicles over 18,000 kg
3	Medium combination	Combinations 12,001 to 25,000 kg GCW, plus classes 1 and 2
4	Heavy rigid	Rigid vehicles over 18,000 kg GLW, plus classes 1 and 2 (not 3)
5	Heavy combination	Combinations over 25,000 kg GCW, plus classes 1 to 4

A class 2 or class 4 driver may tow a light trailer (3500 kg GLW or less) behind a rigid vehicle in that class. The trailer is not counted in the GCW.

Endorsements are extra permissions on your licence. For example, F is needed for forklifts and D for dangerous goods. You get an endorsement by passing a course with an approved provider, and the D endorsement must be retested every five years.

Getting a heavy licence

Learner class	Full licence you need first	Time held: under 25	Time held: 25 and over
2L	Class 1	6 months	6 months
3L	Class 2	6 months	3 months
4L	Class 2	6 months	3 months
5L	Class 4	6 months	3 months

The heavy vehicle theory test is a computer test at a driver licensing agent, with 35 questions. You need 33 correct. If you fail twice on the same day, you wait 10 working days. Questions come from the heavy vehicle Road Code, including the truck loading section.

As a learner, you may drive only with a supervisor who has held a full licence for that class for at least two years. To move to the full licence, hold the learner licence for six months and pass a practical test, or complete an approved course.

Work time and logbooks

Driver fatigue is a major cause of fatal crashes, so work time is limited by law.

Rule	Limit
Continuous work time	After 5½ hours, take a break of at least 30 minutes
Cumulative work day	No more than 13 hours of work time
Break between work days	At least 10 hours in a row
Cumulative work period	No more than 70 hours of work time, then at least 24 hours off

Work time includes driving, loading and unloading, maintenance, cleaning, paperwork and any other paid job. A rest break must be at least 30 minutes and free of work.

Drivers of vehicles that need a class 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence must keep a logbook, unless an exemption applies (for example, some goods vehicles working within 50 km of base). Exemptions do not remove the work time limits. Keep completed logbooks for 12 months after the last entry.

Your vehicle: CoF, size and speed

A heavy vehicle needs a current certificate of fitness (CoF). It shows that an approved inspector found the vehicle roadworthy. A CoF is usually issued for six months, but check the expiry date. The label goes inside the windscreen on the driver's side.

If the vehicle fails, you have 28 days to fix it and get it re-inspected.
Display a current licence label, an RUC licence if needed, and front and rear number plates.
Do a walk-around check at the start of each day.
If safety belts are fitted, you must wear them.

Standard limit (heavy rigid vehicle)	Value
Width, including load	2.55 m
Height above the ground	4.3 m
Length, not towing	12.6 m
Open road speed	90 km/h (lower signs still apply)

Loads and safe driving

Any load must be restrained so it cannot move when the road is bumpy, when you turn, or when you brake or speed up. Check your load before you leave and again during the trip.

Choose a low gear before a long downhill and use engine or exhaust braking so the service brakes do not overheat.
Slow down before bends. A loaded truck has a high centre of gravity and can roll over.
Allow for the rear wheels cutting in on tight turns.
Keep a bigger gap ahead; at least 4 seconds when towing or in the wet.
Check mirrors often for vehicles in your blind spots, and use a spotter when reversing.
If a low air pressure warning comes on, stop safely and find the cause.