NZTA-approved Class 5 heavy combination vehicle licence in Rotorua and Waikato. Articulated trucks and heavy combinations — learner licence and logbook included.
About the course
A Class 5 licence is the highest level of truck licence in New Zealand, authorising you to drive truck and trailer units and heavy combination vehicles. It opens up the full range of long-haul and heavy freight work.
Because Class 5 vehicles are highly specialised, you supply your own compliant truck loaded to the required weight. Our instructors handle everything else — theory, practical training, learner licence, logbook, and all AA fees. The course delivers NZQA Unit Standard US 17577 (Operate a combination vehicle to meet the requirements for a full class 5 driver licence) together with US 24089 (Demonstrate knowledge of fatigue management, work time and driver logbook requirements).
Investment
Inclusions
All AA licensing fees are covered in the course price — no surprise extras.
Theory preparation and support through your Class 5 learner licence assessment.
On-road practical training and preparation for your full Class 5 licence assessment, completing NZQA Unit Standard US 17577 — Operate a combination vehicle to meet the requirements for a full class 5 driver licence.
Complete NZQA Unit Standard US 24089 — Demonstrate knowledge of fatigue management, work time and driver logbook requirements. Some drivers may be exempt — contact us to find out.
Our instructors have deep experience with truck and trailer combinations and will guide you through every step.
Before you book
You must hold a full New Zealand Class 3 or Class 4 licence and have held it for at least 6 months if you are under 25, or 3 months if you are over 25.
A valid DL9 medical certificate must have been uploaded to NZTA within the last 5 years. Contact your GP to arrange one if needed.
The Class 5 truck and trailer must be loaded for the NZQA practical assessment. The total combined weight of the truck and trailer with load must be a minimum of 25,001 kg at the time of assessment. Each load deck must be loaded to at least 50% of the permitted payload.
Who needs a Class 5 licence?
A Class 5 truck licence covers heavy combination vehicles — truck and trailer units (B-trains, semi-trailers, and long-haul rigs). It's the top tier of commercial driving and commands the highest wages in the industry.
Semi-trailers and B-trains hauling general freight on NZ's major inter-city routes.
Livestock transporters, grain trailers, and large farm-produce haul combinations.
Log trucks with trailers — one of the most in-demand Class 5 roles in regional NZ.
Articulated fuel tankers, milk tankers, and bulk liquid carriers across NZ.
Oversized load combinations, construction equipment transporters, and crane trucks.
Refrigerated semi-trailers for supermarket, food service, and distribution chains.
Your pathway
Class 5 is the pinnacle of commercial driving in NZ. You need Class 2 and Class 4 first — but Revs can help you get there efficiently.
Entry point for heavy transport. Required before Class 4 training can begin.
Heavy rigid vehicles. Required before Class 5 training can begin.
Heavy combination vehicles — semi-trailers and B-trains. The highest earning commercial licence in NZ.
Questions
A Class 5 licence covers heavy combination vehicles — truck and trailer units including semi-trailers, B-trains, milk tankers, livestock carriers, refrigerated long-haul rigs, and log trucks with trailers. If it's a combination vehicle on NZ roads, it needs Class 5.
Yes — for Class 5, the customer needs to provide a compliant truck and trailer for both training and assessment. See entry requirements above for vehicle loading requirements. The course fee covers instructor time and NZTA assessment fees.
You must hold a Class 4 truck licence before you can train for Class 5. Class 4 requires Class 2 first, so the full pathway is: Class 1 → Class 2 → Class 4 → Class 5. Revs can help you at any stage of this progression.
Yes. A DL9 medical certificate is required for all heavy vehicle licences in New Zealand. Have your GP complete it before the course begins. If you already have a valid DL9 from a previous heavy licence, check with NZTA whether it is still current.
Class 5 drivers are in high demand across long-haul freight, agriculture (livestock and grain), forestry (log trucks), fuel and liquid tankers, refrigerated distribution, and heavy haulage. Class 5 is the highest commercial licence and typically earns the highest wages.
Get in touch and we'll walk you through exactly what you need.
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