New Zealand Driver Licence classes: What you can drive Download: Driver Licence Classes [PDF, 94 KB]
NZ Truck Licence Classes
If you’re going to be staying in New Zealand, it’s a good idea to convert your overseas driver licence to a New Zealand driver licence. You can only drive using an overseas driver licence for 12 months from your last date of entry into New Zealand. If you’ve been in New Zealand for more than 12 months, you won’t be able to drive on your overseas driver licence anymore. You must have a New Zealand licence.
Lets start with comparing your Overseas driver licence to an equivalent NZ driver licence classes. Below you can find a brief explanation of what NZ Driver licensing classes and system looks like:
Class 2 Truck
Class 2 – Medium Rigid Vehicle is a truck with Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of more than 6,000kg but no more than 18,000kgs. Having Class 2 License allows you to operate larger farming and earth moving machinery (excavators, front loaders ect.). Also you can operate combination vehicle (that is not a tractor/trailer combination) with a Gross Combined Mass (GCM) of not more than 12,000kg
Class 4 Truck
Class 4 – Heavy Rigid Vehicle is a truck with Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of more than 18,000kg. This is includes trucks carrying loads such as fertilizer and other bulk trucks, concrete mixer trucks, waste, refuse and recycling trucks and much more. Having Class 4 License allows you to operate larger farming and earth moving machinery (excavators, front loaders ect.). Also you can operate any vehicles covered in class 1 and 2 license.
Class 5 Truck
Class 5 – is a Heavy Combination Vehicle with Gross Combined Mass (GCM) of more than 25,000kg. This includes vehicles such as Truck and semi trailer, Truck and Full trailer, truck and B-train combination vehicles and much more. Having Class 5 license you can operate any vehicles covered in class 1, 2, 3 and 4 license.
Steps to Convert your overseas Driver licence
If you have a valid overseas heavy vehicle driver licence you can convert it to the equivalent New Zealand licence. A valid overseas driver licence means that your licence must not be suspended, disqualified or revoked in the country of issue and must be either current or expired within the last 12 months.
Study Road Code
All drivers must know the road rules, what the road signs mean and how to drive safely. To prove that you are familiar New Zealand road rules and can drive safely, you’ll have to pass a theory test. Road Code is a user-friendly guide to New Zealand’s traffic law and safe driving practices for drivers of heavy vehicles. You can purchase the Heavy vehicle road code from your local book shop or licensing station. We have developed an easy Road Code Study Guide containing all the questions and answers for you to learn road code. Click in More Info to access your Road Code study guide:
Pass Medical Test
You have to confirm that you are medically fit to operate heavy vehicles. You’ll need to present a medical certificate when applying for your Overseas Licence conversion unless you’ve provided a certificate within the last five years. A New Zealand-registered health practitioner must complete your medical certificate. This could be your usual doctor (GP) or a registered nurse. Your practitioner will have a medical certificate copies. The certificate must be no more than 60 days old. The cost varies between medical centres. For more information you can refer to this link: How to show that you are medically fit.
Collect required documents
You will need to collect following documents before you apply for your Overseas Driver Licence conversion:
- Fill out an DL5 application: Application for conversion of an overseas driver licence (DL5) [PDF,212kb].
- Present evidence of your Identity. You ll need your current overseas Driver Licence and your Passport.
- Provide a Medical Certificate. The Medical certificate must not be more than 60 days old.
- Present your overseas driver licence (and a translation if it is not in English). If your overseas driver licence or permit isn’t in English you must provide an accurate English translation when you are driving and when you want to convert your overseas licence to a New Zealand licence. Follow the link below to find NZTA Approved Translation Services providers: Approved Translators.
- Provide evidence of Validity if your licence is from India, Pakistan or Tonga. Here you can read more of how to obtain the Evidence of Validity: How to obtain Evidence of Validity.
- Provide high-quality, colour photocopies of all the original documents you’ve provided, as listed above (including any translations).
- Present a Certificate of Particulars. if your driver licence does not have a description of what your overseas driver licence categories mean, you’ ll be required to provide a certificate of particulars. Certificate of particulars not only verifies that you hold certain categories, but also provides clear indication of the weight limits of each Category licence you hold. Certificate of particulars need to be verified by your Overseas Transport Authority or Notary Lawyer.
***You must present your physical overseas driver licence at the driver licensing agent when you are applying to convert to a New Zealand licence. You can’t present your international driving permit to convert your Overseas Driver Licence.
Pass Theory Test
Take your previously collected documents to Specialist Overseas Conversion Site. Follow the link below to find the closest Overseas Conversion Site to you: Specialist Overseas Conversion Site.
Fill in (DL5) application form and apply at for your Overseas Licence Conversion and pass the Theory Test. (applications are available at any licensing station). If you would like to read or fill in the application (DL5) prior to your arrival to the Specialist Conversion Site, Follow the link below: Application for conversion of an overseas driver licence (DL5) [PDF,212kb].
The Cost to apply and sit your Theory test is: $97.80.
To pass the computer based theory test you will need to get at least 33 questions right out of 35 question. I have developed an easy study guide for you to learn a road code. Follow this link to receive your study guide: Road Code Study Guide. Once you’ve passed your Theory test, you’ll get a Temporary New Zealand driver licence with a supervisor condition. You will receive your driver licence card in your mail within 7 – 21 days. Once you’ve been issued with that licence, you can’t drive on your overseas licence anymore. You must have a supervisor with you at all times while driving. Now start thinking about Practical Driving Test.
*The New Zealand licence with Supervisor Condition over-rides your overseas driver licence, and you must only drive with a supervisor next to you in the front seat until you’ve passed your practical driving test.
Pass Practical Test
To remove a Supervisor Condition on your New Zealand Driver Licence you may need to Pass a Practical test. Some countries require similar driving skills and have similar licensing systems to New Zealand’s. These countries are considered exempt countries.
If you’re converting a truck licence from an exempt country (New Zealand classes 2-5), and you have held your Overseas Licence for more than two years, you won’t have to sit a practical driving test (unless your licence is from Hong Kong or South Korea, in which case you must pass a practical driving test).
Exempted countries are:
Australia , France, Japan, South Korea, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Belgium, Greece, Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, *Hong Kong, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, United Kindom, Finland, Italy, South Africa, United States of America.
*Hong Kong is recognized as a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
** If your licence is not from one of the countries above, then your licence is from a non-exempt country.
If your licence is from exempt country but you have not held your Overseas Licence for more than two years, you must sit a practical driving test to remove a Supervisor condition on your NZ driver Licence.
If your licence is from a non-exempt country, you must pass a practical driving test.
As you can see on diagram, you have two ways to pass your Practical Driving test:
– Pass an Approved NZTA Course. To find out information about this option and pricing: follow this link: Overseas licence Approved NZTA Course
– Pass Practical Driving test at approved licensing station. To find out information about this option and pricing follow this link: Driver Licence Conversion Practical test
Once you’ve passed your practical test one way or another, you’ll get a New Zealand driver licence without a supervisor condition.
*The New Zealand licence with Supervisor Condition over-rides your overseas driver licence, and you must only drive with a supervisor next to you in the front seat until you’ve passed your practical driving test.
Class 1
study guide
Class 2&4
study guide
Class 3&5
study guide
Overseas Licence Approved NZTA Course Information
About Course
This is a NZTA approved course is designed for individuals who are desiring to Convert Overseas Driver Licence to equivalent New Zealand Driver licence (classes 2-5) and remove Supervisor condition from the driver licence.
Course Pre-requisites
- Apply for your overseas driver licence conversion and pass theory test.
- You must have NZ equivalent driver licence (classes 2-5) with Supervisor condition.
* We can help you to pass theory test. Click “More Info” to get our SDT road code Study Guide.
Course Duration
Approved NZTA Course course is a 2 day course and it consist of theory and practical components. On the First day you will complete a Work Time and Logbook course including written assessment (Unit Standard 24089). Also, you will complete an appropriate NZ truck licence course according to your equivalent overseas licence theory training to meet NZTA requirements (classes 2-5). On the Second day You will complete a practical training followed by practical assessment to meet NZTA requirements for Operating a Heavy vehicle in New Zealand (classes 2-5).
* the duration of your practical training depends on course package you would choose when booking. We provide flexible course time tables to suit your work flow needs. Talk to your instructor to discuss your options.
Information Covered in Approved NZTA Course
Depending on what licence you converting your overseas licence to, an Approved NZTA Course consists of two Unit Standards:
Unit Standard Class 2 / Class 4 / Class 5 – Operate a Class 2|4|5 Vehicle covers following subjects:
- identify driving hazards associated with a rigid vehicle and describe measures to reduce the risks;
- understand safe loading of a rigid vehicle and driving techniques that minimize the effects of a high center of gravity;
- carry out a pre-use walk around inspection of a rigid vehicle;
- drive a rigid vehicle efficiently in different traffic and road conditions;
Unit Standard 24089 – Work Time and Logbook course covers following subjects:
- Identify causes and symptoms of fatigue, and the effects of fatigue on driving performance
- Fatigue management
- Identify the Work Time Rule and it’s requirements
- Identify Logbook Rule and it’s requirements.
- Responsibilities and Penalties for failing to maintain a driver logbook
- Complete driver Logbook entries correctly
On successful completion of this course
You will receive a NZTA course certificate to show that you successfully completed the NZTA Approved Truck licence course. You will need to fill in an Approved (DL4) Exemption form and sed it to NZTA headquarters for a Final Approval from NZTA. It takes up to 10 working days. On Successfully approved exemption application you will receive you NZ Truck licence (class 2-5) with out Supervisor condition.
* if NZTA does not approve your application due to unforeseen circumstance ( for e.g. Licence validity and verification issues, speeding/parking tickets, ect.) you will have to complete Overseas Licence conversion Practical test. additional charges will apply. SDT training does not bear any responsibility for unsuccessful application approvals. We personally suggest to all our trainees to choose Overseas Licence conversion Practical test option instead.
What is not included in the course price
- Obtaining NZ Truck licence with Supervisor condition
- NZTA or licensing agency fees.
- Eyesight & or medical certificate fees.
- Any practical training/assessment exceeding prescribed times in course plan you select. For any extra practical training/assessment are charged according to the course training package you choose (Premium or Basic).
- DL4 Exemption application of $27.20
Overseas licence Approved NZTA Course Prices
Choose your training option you are eligible to convert your licence to:
Class 2
- incl GST
Price Includes:
– NZTA Approved Work Time and Logbook course (Unit Standard 24089).
– Operate a Class 2 rigid vehicle to meet the NZTA requirements (Unit Standard 17574).
– Course study materials, tuition fees and practical training of up to 1 hour followed by Practical assessment for Class 2 full licence.
– Any additional practical training/assessment exceeding prescribed times in course plan you selected charged out at $150 Incl GST per hour.
This course designed for a person who desires to convert an Overseas Truck licence to equivalent Class 2 truck licence using NZTA Approved Course Provider Scheme.
Class 4
- incl GST
Price Includes:
– NZTA Approved Work Time and Logbook course (Unit Standard 24089).
– Operate a Class 4 Heavy Rigid vehicle to meet the NZTA requirements (Unit Standard 17576).
– Course study materials, tuition fees and practical training of up to 1 hour followed by Practical assessment for Class 4 full licence.
– Any additional practical training/assessment exceeding prescribed times in course plan you selected charged out at $200 Incl GST per hour.
This course designed for a person who desires to convert an Overseas Truck licence to equivalent Class 4 truck licence using NZTA Approved Course Provider Scheme.
Class 5
- incl GST
Pice Includes:
– Operate a Class 5 Heavy Rigid vehicle to meet the NZTA requirements (Unit Standard 17577).
– NZTA Approved Work Time and Logbook course (Unit Standard 24089).
– Course study materials, tuition fees and practical training of up to 1 hour followed by Practical assessment for Class 5 full licence.
– Any additional practical training/assessment exceeding prescribed times in course plan you selected charged out at $250 Incl GST per hour. If you need any additional Truck and trailer reversing training it is $150 incl GST an hour in our Christchurch yard.
This course designed for a person who desires to convert an Overseas Truck licence to equivalent Class 5 truck licence using NZTA Approved Course Provider Scheme.
Overseas Driver Licence Conversion Practical test
About Training
This package is designed to help you to convert your Overseas Driver Licence to an equivalent New Zealand Driver Licence and remove Supervisor Condition with out going through Approved NZTA Course and an exemption application.
Training Pre-requisites
- You’ll need to get a medical certificate (unless you have presented one to the NZTA in the last 5 years).
- You’ll need to pass theory computer test at an approved driver licensing conversion site and have a current NZ Truck licence with a Supervision condition at the back of your driver licence. We can help you to pass your theory computer test. Click “More Info” to get your SDT Road Code Study Guide.
Training Duration
The total time to complete Work Time & Logbook Online course is around 75-90 minutes to complete the course. There are 45 minutes of video split over 13 lessons. After each lesson there are between 10-25 questions to answer. Trainees can take each lesson as many times as necessary until they understand it. Each module takes just a few minutes so can be done in downtime. Once the course is completed, a certificate of course completion can be printed.
Up to 1 hours of practical training is included in the price for all classes. If you need an additional practical training it can be booked on the different date at the prices outlined in the pricing table in accordance with class licence you are converting your licence to. Once you feel confident of handling a heavy motor vehicle we will help you to book the Practical driving test on NZTA website. The Practical test fee of $59.90 is not included in the price. The remaining 1 hour of practical driving goes towards practical driving test at VTNZ licensing station.
* You have full access to all modules and lessons for 6 month to complete this course.
On successful completion of this training
You will receive your New Zealand Truck licence without Supervisor condition once you pass a Practical Driving Test. The plastic driver license card will arrive to mail box within 7-21 days. You will have access to our Work Time & Logbook Online course for 6 month from a purchase date.
Overseas licence Practical Test Prices
Choose your training option you are eligible to convert your licence to:
Class 2
Practical Test- incl GST
Price Includes:
– Work Time & Logbook Online course.
– Class 2 practical training of up to 3 hours including a Practical driving test at local VTNZ for Class 2 full licence using our truck.
– Any additional practical training/assessment exceeding prescribed times in course plan you selected charged out at $180 Incl GST per hour.
– The Practical test fees of $59.90 is not included in the price.
This course designed for a person who desires to convert an Overseas Truck licence to equivalent Class 2 truck licence using NZTA Practical Test Scheme.
Class 4
Practical Test- incl GST
Price Includes:
– Work Time & Logbook Online course.
– NZTA approved Logbook
– Class 4 practical training of up to 3 hours including Practical driving test at local VTNZ for Class 4 full licence using our truck.
– Any additional practical training/assessment exceeding prescribed times in course plan you selected charged out at $220 Incl GST per hour.
– The Practical test fees of $59.90 is not included in the price.
This course designed for a person who desires to convert an Overseas Truck licence to equivalent Class 4 truck licence using NZTA Practical Test Scheme.
Class 5
Practical Test- incl GST
Price Includes:
– Work Time & Logbook Online course.
– NZTA approved Logbook
– Class 5 practical training of up to 3 hours including Practical driving test at local VTNZ for Class 5 full licence using our truck.
– Any additional practical training/assessment exceeding prescribed times in course plan you selected charged out at $280 Incl GST per hour. If you need any additional Truck and trailer reversing training it is $180 incl GST an hour in our Christchurch yard.
– The Practical test fees of $59.90 is not included in the price.
This course designed for a person who desires to convert an Overseas Truck licence to equivalent Class 5 truck licence using NZTA Practical Test Scheme.
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