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NZ Heavy Vehicle Theory Test Practice (Class 2–5) 2026

Heavy vehicle licences in New Zealand (classes 2 to 5) start with a learner licence and a computer theory test of 35 questions, where you need 33 right. These questions cover the licence classes and how to step up, work time and logbook rules, certificates of fitness, size and speed limits, loads and safe heavy vehicle driving.

  • Commercial vehicle
  • New Zealand
  • 60 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

The Heavy vehicle learner licence theory test (classes 2 to 5) has 35 questions. Pass mark: 33 of 35. It is run by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), through driver licensing agents. Minimum age: No separate age is stated; you need a full class 1 licence held for 6 months before class 2. Practise here for free with 60 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the NZ Heavy Vehicle Licence Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    What is the gross laden weight (GLW) limit for vehicles you can drive on a class 1 car licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 6000 kg or less

    Class 1 covers vehicles with a GLW or GCW of 6000 kg or less.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    Which licence class covers rigid vehicles with a GLW of 6001 kg to 18,000 kg?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Class 2

    Class 2 (medium rigid) covers rigid vehicles from 6001 kg to 18,000 kg GLW.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    On a class 2 licence, what is the largest combination vehicle (not a tractor and trailer) you may drive?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A GCW of 12,000 kg or less

    Class 2 includes combination vehicles with a gross combined weight of 12,000 kg or less.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    A rigid truck has 2 axles and a GLW over 18,000 kg. Which is the lowest licence class that covers it?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Class 2

    Class 2 includes rigid vehicles with 2 axles and a GLW over 18,000 kg.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Which licence class covers combination vehicles with a GCW of 12,001 kg to 25,000 kg?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Class 3

    Class 3 (medium combination) covers combinations from 12,001 kg to 25,000 kg GCW.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    Which licence class covers rigid vehicles with a GLW over 18,000 kg (other than 2-axle ones)?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Class 4

    Class 4 (heavy rigid) covers rigid vehicles, including tractors, with a GLW over 18,000 kg.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    Which licence class covers combination vehicles with a GCW over 25,000 kg?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Class 5

    Class 5 (heavy combination) covers combinations over 25,000 kg GCW and all vehicles in classes 1 to 4.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    A class 4 licence lets you drive vehicles in which other classes?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Classes 1 and 2, but not class 3

    Class 4 covers classes 1 and 2 but not class 3 combination vehicles.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    What is a "light trailer" for heavy licence classes?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A trailer with a GLW of 3500 kg or less

    A class 2 or 4 holder may tow a light trailer (3500 kg GLW or less) behind a rigid vehicle in that class.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    What does GCW mean?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Gross combined weight of a vehicle and what it is towing

    Combination vehicle limits are set by gross combined weight (GCW).

  11. Question 11 of 25

    Which endorsement do you need to drive a forklift on a road?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. F

    An F endorsement is needed for forklifts.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    How often must a dangerous goods (D) endorsement be renewed by retesting?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Every 5 years

    The D endorsement must be retested every five years.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    How do you get an endorsement such as D (dangerous goods)?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Pass a course run by an approved course provider

    Endorsements need an appropriate course from an approved provider.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    What licence must you hold before you can apply for a class 2 learner licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A full class 1 licence

    You need a full class 1 (car) licence before applying for class 2.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    How long must you have held a full class 1 licence before getting a class 2 learner licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. At least 6 months

    NZTA lists a current full class 1 licence held for 6 months for class 2L.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    You are 22. How long must you hold a full class 2 licence before a class 4 learner licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 6 months

    Under 25s need a full class 2 licence for 6 months; drivers 25 and over need it for 3 months.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    You are 30. How long must you hold a full class 2 licence before a class 3 learner licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 3 months

    Drivers aged 25 and over need a full class 2 licence for 3 months before class 3L.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    Which full licence must you hold before you can get a class 5 learner licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Class 4

    A class 5 learner licence needs a full class 4 licence (6 months if under 25, 3 months if 25 or over).

  19. Question 19 of 25

    How many questions are in a heavy vehicle learner licence theory test?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 35

    Heavy vehicle theory tests are computer tests with 35 multiple-choice questions.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    How many questions must you get right to pass a heavy vehicle learner theory test?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 33

    Heavy vehicle theory tests need 33 out of 35, a higher mark than the car test (32).

  21. Question 21 of 25

    You hold a heavy learner licence. Who may supervise you?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A driver who has held a full licence for that class for at least 2 years

    Your supervisor must have held a full NZ licence for the class you are learning for at least two years.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    How long must you hold a heavy learner licence before a practical test for the full licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. At least 6 months, unless you do an approved course

    You need the learner licence for 6 months before the practical test, or you can complete an approved course instead.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    Which section of the heavy vehicle road code do heavy licence theory questions also come from?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The truck loading section

    The heavy vehicle test includes questions from the truck loading section.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    You plan to run a goods business using a vehicle over 6000 kg. What will you probably need?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A transport service licence

    If you operate a vehicle over 6000 kg you will probably need a transport service licence.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    What is the most continuous work time allowed before you must take a rest break?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 5½ hours

    After 5½ hours of work time you must take a break of at least 30 minutes.

What to know before the test

  • Heavy vehicle theory tests have 35 multiple-choice questions, and you need 33 correct to pass, one more than the car test.
  • You need a full class 1 licence before you can apply for a class 2 learner licence. Classes 3 and 4 build on a full class 2, and class 5 on a full class 4.
  • Drivers aged 25 and over need to hold the lower full licence for 3 months before the next learner class; under-25s need 6 months.
  • A heavy learner must be supervised by someone who has held a full licence for that class for at least two years.
  • Work time rules: a 30-minute break after 5½ hours, no more than 13 hours in a work day, at least 10 hours off between days, and a 24-hour break after 70 hours.
  • Heavy licence theory questions also come from the truck loading section of the heavy vehicle Road Code.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the NZ heavy vehicle theory test?

There are 35 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 33 correct to pass.

Which heavy licence classes have a theory test?

NZTA's heavy vehicle Road Code includes theory test questions for class 2, 3 and 5 learner licences. Check with your driver licensing agent for your class.

What is the difference between class 2, 3, 4 and 5?

Class 2 is medium rigid (6001 to 18,000 kg GLW), class 3 is medium combination (12,001 to 25,000 kg GCW), class 4 is heavy rigid (over 18,000 kg GLW) and class 5 is heavy combination (over 25,000 kg GCW).

Is there a time limit on the heavy vehicle theory test?

We could not find an official time limit on the NZTA pages we checked, so our mock exam is not timed.

How do I move from a heavy learner licence to a full licence?

Hold the learner licence for at least six months and pass a practical test, or complete an approved course for that class.

Sources

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