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Class 5 Licence NZ: The Guide for Heavy Combination Drivers
A Class 5 is the top truck licence in NZ, and it unlocks the best-paid driving work. Here is how to get one.
5 min read
A Class 5 licence is the top of the heavy vehicle ladder in New Zealand. It lets you drive the largest combination vehicles on the road, and it unlocks some of the best-paid driving work in the country. For serious truck drivers, it is the licence worth working towards.
Here is what a Class 5 covers, how to get one, and the work it opens up.
What a Class 5 Licence Covers
A Class 5 licence lets you drive heavy combination vehicles over 25,000 kilograms. These are the big rigs: truck and trailer units, articulated trucks, and the heavy transport you see moving freight up and down the country.
Who Can Apply
A Class 5 builds on a Class 4, so you generally need to have held your Class 4 for a set period first and meet the heavy vehicle medical standards. The step-by-step path through Class 2, then Class 4, then Class 5 exists so drivers gain real experience before handling the largest vehicles.
The Steps to Get It
You pass a Class 5 theory test for your learner licence, build your skills on heavy combination vehicles, and pass a practical assessment for your full licence. Because these vehicles are demanding to drive, an approved training course is a common and sensible route.
Cost and Timeframes
As with the other heavy licences, you will pay test and licence fees plus any training costs, so the total varies with your path. Confirm the current requirements and fees on the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency website before you commit.
The Work a Class 5 Unlocks
A Class 5 opens the door to long-haul, bulk transport, and heavy freight roles, which are among the best-paid driving jobs going. At Unite Recruit we place Class 5 drivers into strong roles, so reaching the top licence can pay off quickly.
