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NZTA

Understand the requirements for a NZTA licence

Understanding NZTA licence requirements

Heavy traffic road code go to:

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/

For practice tests go to:

http://www.drivingtests.nz

Stage 1 – Learner licence

Before you can apply for a heavy vehicle learner licence, you must first hold another class of licence for the required length of time. You’ll then need to apply for your learner licence at a driver licensing agent and sit any applicable theory tests.

Who can apply for a heavy vehicle learner licence?

The table below shows the licence class and experience you must have before you can apply for each class of heavy vehicle learner licence.
Licence class applied forPrerequisites
Class 2 learner licenceMust have held a full Class 1 licence for at least 6 months
Class 3 learner licenceMust have held a full Class 2 licence for at least 6 months*
Class 4 learner licenceMust have held a full Class 2 licence for at least 6 months*
Class 5 learner licenceMust have held a full Class 4 licence for at least 6 months*
* If you are aged 25 or older, you can apply for the next class of licence after 3 months or, if you successfully complete an approved ‘accelerated over 25’ course, the 3-month time requirement does not apply.

How do I apply for a heavy vehicle learner licence?

You’ll need to go to a driver licensing agent, to:

  • fill out an application form (you’ll be asked if you want your licence to identify you as an organ donor; see page 178 for more information)
  • present evidence of your identity
  • book a time to take the theory test, unless you are applying for a Class 4 licence, which does not have a theory test, or if you are applying for Class 5 and have already passed the Class 3 theory test
  • pay for the theory test (where one is required) and the learner licence application
  • meet the eyesight requirements
  • present a medical certificate
  • provide a signature
  • have your photograph taken.

Please phone or email for a price that suits all budgets.

* If you have already passed the Class 2 theory test, you do not need to sit the Class 4 theory test. Also, if you are applying for a Class 5 licence and have already passed the Class 3 theory test, you do not need to sit the Class 5 theory test.

Note: the total amount doesn’t include fees for re-sitting tests if you fail the first time. If you need to re-sit a test, you will need to pay another normal test fee, but you won’t be charged another application fee.

If you want to change or cancel your test, you will have to pay a further fee.

  • Where there are two or more complete working days (excluding weekends and public holidays) between the day you change or cancel your test and the date of your appointment, you will need to pay a rescheduling fee of $16.40.
  • This is a regulated fee to cover the time taken and costs incurred when a test is cancelled or rescheduled.
  • Where there are less than two complete working days (excluding weekends and public holidays) between the day you change or cancel your test and the date of your appointment, you will not pay a rescheduling fee but will need to pay a further test fee. This further test fee is not refundable.

You may be eligible for a refund of the first test fee paid where the cancelled test time was subsequently filled by another person. If the test fee is refunded, a processing fee of $16.40 will be deducted.

Learner licence theory tests

The learner licence theory tests are designed to test whether your knowledge of the road rules is good enough for you to drive on the road. Knowing the road rules is important for you to become a safe driver.

You will sit the theory test at a driver licensing agent’s office.

Note: you shouldn’t take anyone else with you while you are sitting the test. If you do take dependent children (under the age of eight) with you, it is at your own risk as they may distract you, which could cause you to fail the test.

Computerised theory test

The test is made up of 35 questions about road rules, road hazards and safety practices that relate to the type of vehicle licence you are applying for. The questions have a mix of multi-choice and true/false answers. You select the answer you think is most correct by clicking on it. You can change your mind after clicking an answer but it will be locked in when you decide to move on to the next question. You will know if you have correctly answered the question before the next question displays.

To pass each theory test, you need to get at least 33 questions right out of 35. If you get more than two questions wrong, you will need to book to take the test again at another time and you’ll need to pay another test fee, but not another application fee.

If you pass the test, you’ll be given a temporary learner licence, which is valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your photo driver licence in the mail.