Class 5 Licence Course
Class 5 Heavy Truck Licence
Take the final step in heavy vehicle licensing with our Class 5 truck licence course. This accelerated programme prepares you to operate heavy combination vehicles (truck and trailer) with a gross combined weight of more than 25,000kg. With expert support, practical training, and NZQA-recognised credits, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to drive the biggest rigs on New Zealand roads.
Course Details
Price: $1,400 + GST
Truck Hire: $550 + GST approx.
Duration: 3-4 Days Total
Location: Palmerston North (or off-site by arrangement)
Unit Standard: US24089 (Level 3, 5 credits), US17577 (Level 4, 8 credits)
Note: This course can be delivered nationwide. Travel & disbursements may apply.
Tutor Credentials:
At AllTrain, your training is delivered by experienced and qualified instructors. For courses that lead to NZQA credits, assessments are carried out by registered contract assessors on behalf of MITO. All assessments meet national standards and are reported to NZQA to ensure quality and compliance.
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Unsure if this is the right course for you or have a question?
About This Course
A Class 5 licence in NZ qualifies you to drive heavy combination vehicles (truck and trailer units). This is the highest level of truck licence available and opens doors to advanced driving careers.
Day 1 – Class 5 Learner Licence
(½ day)
Prepares you for the VTNZ theory test for heavy combination vehicles.
Covers road rules, legal obligations, and safety requirements.
Day 2 – Logbook Training (US24089)
(1 day)
Causes, symptoms, and effects of fatigue
Work time limits, rest requirements, and penalties
Completing and presenting accurate logbook entries
Note: If you already hold a valid logbook certificate (within the last 12 months), this step may not be required.
Day 3–4 – Class 5 Licence Assessment (US17577)
(½ day theory + 2–3 hour drive)
Night driving hazards and risk reduction strategies
Safe loading, stability, and penalties for unsafe practices
Connecting a trailer securely to the prime mover
Pre-use walk-around inspection of combination vehicles
On-road driving (urban, rural, and highway conditions)
Reversing manoeuvres (straight line + 90° turn)
Parking, uncoupling, and securing both truck and trailer
Final practical drive and assessment (may run on Day 4 depending on scheduling)
By the end of the course, you’ll be fully prepared to sit your Class 5 truck licence test and confident driving a heavy rigid vehicle on New Zealand roads.
What You Get
Comprehensive Class 5 theory and practical training
NZQA-recognised credits on completion
NZTA-approved instructors with real-world expertise
Small group sizes for focused learning
Option to supply your own vehicle or hire a Class 5 truck (additional fee applies)
Important to Know
You must already hold a Class 5 Learner Licence. To get this, you need to:
Hold a Class 4 licence for at least 6 months (or 3 months if over 25)
Visit VTNZ or AA, pay the fee, and complete medical requirements
A current DL9 medical certificate is required for the Learner Licence
The initial Learner Licence cost is included in course fees (resits at your own cost)
Once you pass, you’ll need to apply at VTNZ or AA to have your Class 5 licence added (extra fee applies)
It is preferred that you supply your own heavy combination vehicle for the assessment, loaded to a minimum of 50% tare weight
Class 5 Licence FAQs
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A Class 5 licence allows you to drive heavy combination vehicles (truck and trailer) with a gross combined weight of more than 25,000kg.
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Usually 3–4 days, depending on whether you already hold your Learners or Logbook.
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Understand the rules and responsibilities for holding a Class 5 heavy truck licence in New Zealand.
Demonstrate knowledge of fatigue management, work time, and logbooks (US24089).
Safely operate a heavy combination vehicle across day and night, in urban, rural, and highway conditions (US17577).
Connect and disconnect trailers safely and securely.
Carry out full pre-drive inspections, hazard assessments, reversing manoeuvres, and secure shutdown procedures.
Complete compliant logbook entries for real-world driving.
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US24089 (Logbook & Fatigue Management, 5 credits)
US17577 (Operate a heavy combination vehicle, 8 credits)
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New Zealand licences progress as Class 1 (car), Class 2 (medium rigid truck), Class 4 (heavy rigid truck), and Class 5 (articulated truck/tractor-trailer).
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It’s preferred that you supply your own heavy combination vehicle. Truck hire is available for approx. $550 + GST.
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Class 5 is the highest truck licence in NZ — it qualifies you for the largest road freight roles.
