NZ GRADUATED DRIVER LICENsING SYSTEM

LICENSING ROADMAP, PROCESS and systems

GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSE

 

The NZ graduated driver licensing system has three levels for car (Class 1) and motorcycle licenses (Class 6) - learner, restricted and full. Truck Classes 2,3,4 & 5 have two levels: learner and full.

To move between levels there are time restrictions, NZQA Unit Standards and tests. Reduced waiting time on licenses may apply depending on your age and whether you attend an approved training course. You need to hold a learner license for the class of vehicle you want to drive before you start learning to drive that vehicle. You also need to have your full car license for at least six months before you can move to a higher level of license.

Class 3 is for a combination vehicle weighing between 12,000kg and 25,000kg. Most people go for their Class 2 (rigid vehicle 6,000kg – 18,000kg) then progress to Class 4 (rigid vehicle >18,000kg) and then Class 5 (Combination Vehicle > 25,000kg) as there few vehicles on NZ roads that qualify as a Class 3 vehicle.

CLASS 1

The NZ graduated driver licensing system has three levels for a car license (Class 1) - learner, restricted and full. Each level has a test you must pass. There’s a Road Code theory test to get your learner license, and practical driving tests to get the restricted and full licenses. See the graphic (left) for an overview of the graduated driver licensing system. As you move from one stage to the next, you’re given a new license, each with different requirements and more responsibilities. Normal road rules apply at all times.

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CLASS 2

A Class 2 License allows you to drive a heavy rigid vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass of between 6,000kg and 18,000kg.

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CLASS 4

A Class 4 License allows you to drive a heavy rigid vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass greater than 18,000kg.

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CLASS 5

A Class 5 License allows you to drive a Combination vehicle with a Gross Combined Mass greater than 25,000kg.

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WTR & F Endorsement

To qualify for the WTR or F endorsements, you will need a full car (Class 1) licence. A Class 2 licence will allow you to operate a larger piece of equipment.

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