Truck Licence Training

Truck Licence Guide

Getting your Class 2, 4 or 5 truck licence in New Zealand

A New Zealand truck licence opens the door to one of the country's most in-demand careers. Whether you want to drive a delivery truck around Rotorua, run a stock unit between farms, or steer a B-train down State Highway 1, Revs can take you through every stage of your heavy vehicle licence — from your first learner test to a full Class 5 combination ticket.

Truck licences in New Zealand are issued under the NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) graduated heavy vehicle system. You progress one class at a time — Class 2 for medium rigid trucks, Class 4 for heavy rigid trucks, and Class 5 for heavy combination vehicles such as semi-trailers and B-trains. To move up, you need both the right time on your previous class licence and a successful practical assessment that meets NZQA unit standard requirements.

Revs is an NZTA-approved Course Provider running Class 2, Class 4 and Class 5 courses in Rotorua and Paeroa. Every course combines in-cab practical training, the logbook and fatigue management unit, and a final assessed drive in the appropriate truck. Pass with us and you skip the standard waiting period.

Class 2 — Medium Rigid Vehicles (US 17574)

A Class 2 licence lets you drive rigid trucks with a gross vehicle mass between 6,001 kg and 18,000 kg. Most delivery trucks, light tipper trucks, smaller fuel tankers, removal trucks and "two-axle service vehicles" fall into this category. Our 3-day Class 2 course covers your learner theory, on-road truck familiarisation, gear-change technique (manual), Class 2 logbook completion, and ends with the NZQA US 17574 practical assessment — "Operate a rigid vehicle to meet the requirements for a Class 2 driver licence."

Class 4 — Heavy Rigid Vehicles (US 17576)

Class 4 is the next step up — any rigid vehicle over 18,000 kg GVM. Think large tipper trucks, big stock trucks, concrete trucks, crane trucks and most logging trucks before the trailer is added. Our Class 4 course is delivered in a heavy rigid truck, with NZQA US 17576 — "Operate a rigid vehicle to meet the requirements for a Class 4 driver licence" — as the final assessment. You'll be introduced to a heavy vehicle gear box with high and low ranges, and learn how the longer wheelbase, increased braking distances and bigger blind spots change the way you have to drive, position and reverse the vehicle.

Class 5 — Heavy Combination Vehicles (US 17577)

Class 5 is the top tier of the New Zealand truck licence ladder — semi-trailers, B-trains, log truck and trailer combinations, anything where the rear unit is articulated from the prime mover. Our Class 5 course covers Class 5 learner theory, coupling and uncoupling, off-tracking in corners, manoeuvring and reversing combinations, and the NZQA US 17577 assessment — "Operate a combination vehicle to meet the requirements for a Class 5 driver licence." A Class 5 ticket is the licence most heavy haulage, log carting and long-distance freight operators are looking for in a CV.

Fatigue management and logbook training (US 24089)

Every truck licence at Class 2 and above requires you to also complete NZQA US 24089 — "Demonstrate knowledge of fatigue management, work time and driver logbook requirements." This unit standard covers the maximum work and minimum rest hours under the Land Transport Rule, how to correctly fill in your driver logbook (paper or electronic), what counts as on-duty time, and what the penalties are for breaches. It's included in every Revs truck course at no extra charge. Once you've passed it once, it stays on your record — you don't necessarily have to repeat it when you move up to Class 4 or Class 5.