Driver Operator Training

Whakangungu Kaiurungi o Toi (Eastern Bay of Plenty Driver and Operator Training) was established within Toi EDA to create training and employment pathways for EBOP people working or wanting to work in a driver/operator role.

ABOUT US

Moving people and goods around efficiently is key to our region’s growth. Our primary, manufacturing and construction industries already face challenges getting enough trained drivers and machine operators. Ongoing shortages create inefficiencies and stifle growth.

We’ve joined forces with employers, trainers, and support services to create local, individual training pathways to develop the skills needed within each town across the rohe. The end goal is to assist people into sustainable employment through driver operator training.

The Driver and Operator Training team is funded through the Provincial Growth Fund to highlight EBOP job and career opportunities in driving, machine operating, and logistics.  We aim to attract more EBOP people into these jobs and industries.  Our focus under this funding stream is to assist in the creation of new training and employment pathways for EBOP people who are currently unemployed or underemployed.

We understand that for many different reasons, some within our region find it difficult to attend courses in Tauranga or Rotorua.  Our distributed model allows us to bring training to the student, rather than students travelling to the nearest city to attend a training course.

 

LICENSING ROADMAP/PROCESS

Graduated Driver License System

 

The NZ graduated driver licensing system has three levels for car and motorcycle licences (Class 1 and 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 licences may apply depending on your age and whether you attend an approved training course. You need to hold a learner licence for the class of vehicle you want to drive before you start learning to drive that vehicle. You need to have your full car licence for at least six months before you can move to a higher level of licence.

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.

 

WTR AND F

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.

 

CLASS 1 LRF

The NZ graduated driver licensing system has three levels for a car licence (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 licence, and practical driving tests to get the restricted and full licences. See the graphic below for an overview of the graduated driver licensing system. As you move from one stage to the next, you’re given a new licence, each with different requirements and more responsibilities. Normal road rules apply at all times.

 

CLASS 2 LR

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

 

CLASS 4 LF

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

 

CLASS 5 LF

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

 

CLASS 2L

This 3-Hour Learner Licence Course takes you through the theory needed to pass the Class 2 Specific questions of the learner licence.  Practice questions are provided on the course.  Students are also encouraged to self-study the general road code questions before sitting the NZTA test.

Course Cost: $150 including GST. 

Medical fees (approx. $80) and Licence Test ($93.90) costs are not included in the course fee. Refer to the NZTA page for more details. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/licensing-fees/licence-fees/

CLASS 2F

The three-day Class 2 Full Licence course fee includes theory training for unit standards 24089 (Fatigue and Logbook), 17574 (Operate a Rigid Vehicle Class 2) and a practical assessment.

A pre-requisite is that you hold your Class 2 learner’s licence (2L). If you do not have your Class 2 learner’s licence you must complete this before the start of the course. This involves a theory test and a doctor’s medical certificate.

CLASS 4F

The course fee includes theory training for unit standards 24089 (Fatigue and Logbook) if you have not passed this within the last 12 months, 17576 (Operate a Rigid Vehicle Class 4) and a practical assessment.

A pre-requisite is that you have held your Class 2 full licence (2F) for at least three months (aged over 25) or at least six months (aged under 25) and applied to NZTA for a Class 4 Learner Licence

If you do not have your Class 4 learner’s licence you must complete this before the start of the course. This involves applying at a Land Transport office.  You may require a doctor’s medical certificate if you have not recently had one.  There is no theory test for 4L.

CLASS 5F

A pre-requisite is that you have held your Class 4 full licence (4F) for at least three months (aged over 25) or at least six months (aged under 25)

If you do not have your Class 5 learner’s licence you must complete this before the start of the course. This involves sitting a theory test at an NZTA agent

WTR

This 1-day course includes the theory and practical components and includes:

W endorsement - vehicles that run on wheels that aren’t forklifts such as passenger vehicles, tractors, fire engines, trade vehicles or vehicle recovery service vehicles

T endorsement - vehicles that run on self-laying tracks

R endorsement - vehicles that run on rollers

The size weight and speed of the vehicle will be relevant to the class of licence you hold.

You need to have your full Class 1 Car licence (1F) before you can add a licence endorsement.

FORKLIFT OSH CERTIFICATE / F ENDORSEMENT

Becoming a forklift operator requires a Forklift Operators Certificate as a minimum and if driving on a road, an F endorsement on their licence. The Forklift Operators Certificate has to be refreshed every three years. You can complete one or both certifications in the same day. Half-day refresher courses are also available.

 

NZQA Unit Standards: Forklift Operator Certificate: US 10851

Operate a powered industrial lift truck. This course is the pre-requisite for people wanting to compete the Forklift ‘F’ Endorsement. F endorsement: US 18496 – To gain credit for this unit standard and obtain an F (forklift) driver licence endorsement must hold a current full class 1 (car) driver licence.

Defensive Driving

A defensive driving course can improve your driving ability and potentially cut down the amount of time spent on your class 1 restricted licence.

The course consists of four theory sessions followed by a practical assessment from a qualified instructor.

Driver Mentoring / Assessment (Building driver confidence)

We offer options to have an experienced practitioner sit with you while you drive and provide feedback to enable you to become a safer, more effective operator.  This can lead to increased driver confidence, a reduction in workplace incidents, and more effective use of your fleet.

The mentor / assessor will work with the driver to develop an individual plan to improve their skills behind the wheel.

 

Developing Training Pathways

We have worked successfully with several organisations to assist them develop individual training pathways for their clients and staff.  This sets out a plan to achieve their goals and navigate the driver licencing system to get there.

  • Enquiry Form[AW1] 

  • Enrolment Form[AW2] 

  • Scholarship Options

    For rangatahi who have job opportunities linked to the course

    Link to downloadable form

 
 

SUCCESS STORIES

Since the Driver Operator Training unit was established in 2019, we have successfully put over 300 students through a range of courses. 

 

EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PROGRAMME REAPS MAJOR BENEFITS FOR RANGATAHI

A team of 12 rangatahi from Whakatōhea Youth 2 Employment and Education programme in Ōpōtiki came to the centre and completed 10 days of intense industry skills training with Vertical Horizonz.  The programme was designed for Whakatōhea and was based on the needs of their local industry and enabled the students to experience many aspects of the industry.  While learning new technical skills, the personal confidence of the rangatahi grew with each certificate gained. The group learned some fantastic life skills and gained industry certifications that will help them into sustainable employment in Ōpōtiki. 

Over the 10 days, students learned how to operate a forklift safely, work at heights using harnesses, build a scaffold from scratch, and safely operate mobile elevated work platforms.  At the completion of the training, students were given work experience at Whakatōhea Mussels Limited where they were able to demonstrate what they had learned. The students are now employed at various businesses throughout the Ōpōtiki District.

With a recent change from a fixed venue to regional delivery model, we have delivered truck licence courses in Whakatāne, Kawerau and Minginui.  Working alongside social service providers and employers, we have placed the majority of the ten graduates into sustainable employment. Students have gone on to work in different industries across the Bay of Plenty, some in civil construction, some in horticulture and others are operating large machinery at the ports.

Recent engagements have seen us work collaboratively with iwi and training partners to develop licence training roadmaps to help their staff study and pass their learner licences and move onto truck licences and endorsements.

Course Enquiry Form

Please complete the form below to register your interest in one of our courses..