Quick Answer
NZ Class 2: theory 35 MCQs (80% pass) + practical 60-90 min. Cost: $137.40 application + ~$170 practical. Requires Class 1 for 6+ months. Valid for life with medical renewals (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Data last verified September 2026 from Waka Kotahi NZTA and the Heavy Vehicle Road Code.
Eligibility
- Class 1 licence: Held for 6+ months (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
- Age: 18+ (Class 2 minimum age).
- Medical: Current NZTA medical certificate.
Test format
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Theory | 35 MCQs |
| Theory duration | 60 minutes |
| Theory pass mark | 80% (28/35) |
| Practical | Pre-trip + manoeuvres + on-road |
| Practical duration | 60-90 minutes |
| Practical pass mark | Pass/Fail (critical errors = fail) |
| Application fee | $137.40 |
| Practical test fee | ~$170 |
Source: Waka Kotahi NZTA (2026).
Sample Q&A (15 questions)
Q1. What does the Class 2 licence cover?
Rigid trucks and motorhomes over 18,000 kg — and tractor units for light trailers (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Q2. What is the maximum Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) for Class 2?
Over 18,000 kg (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Q3. What is the maximum legal driving hours per day?
Up to 13 hours total driving in a 24-hour period — logbook required for fatigue management (NZTA, 2026).
Q4. What is the maximum work shift?
13 hours work with a 30-min break after 5.5 hours continuous work (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Q5. What is the purpose of a pre-trip inspection?
To identify defects before driving — brakes, tyres, lights, steering, hydraulics, leaks (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Q6. What is the legal speed limit for a heavy vehicle on the open road?
90 km/h (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Q7. What is the maximum width of a heavy vehicle?
2.55 m (standard); up to 2.6 m with vehicle permits (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Q8. What is the maximum height of a heavy vehicle?
4.3 m — bridges and overhead structures must be checked (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Q9. What is the purpose of the brake check?
To verify the air/hydraulic brakes function correctly before driving (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Q10. What is the load-securing requirement?
Loads must be secured using straps, chains, or rated restraints per the Load Anchorage Code (NZTA, 2026).
Q11. What is the purpose of the wheel chock?
To prevent vehicle movement when parked on a slope or during loading/unloading (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Q12. What is the purpose of the hazard lights?
To alert other road users of a stopped or slow-moving vehicle — especially in emergency situations (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Q13. What is the minimum following distance for a heavy vehicle?
3 seconds in good conditions; 4+ seconds in wet/icy weather (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Q14. What is the CoF (Certificate of Fitness)?
An annual safety inspection required for all heavy vehicles in NZ (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Q15. What is the RUC (Road User Charges) system?
A distance-based charge for heavy vehicles using NZ roads — separate from fuel taxes (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Pass-mark interpretation
Theory: 80% (28/35). Practical: pass/fail on pre-trip inspection, low-speed manoeuvres, on-road driving. Critical errors (e.g., safety violations) result in fail (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Where to book
Book theory test at any NZTA Licensing Centre (AA, VTNZ, VINZ). Practical test booked separately. Fee: $137.40 application + ~$170 practical (Waka Kotahi NZTA, 2026).
Resources
Use the TutorsBot entrance-exams hub for cross-cluster practice and the NZTA Heavy Vehicle Road Code for the official content. Recommended: NZQA-approved training providers.
NZ Class 2 career outlook 2026
Class 2 heavy vehicle drivers are in steady demand across NZ — freight, agriculture (dairy, horticulture), construction, and forestry. Major hubs are Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, and Christchurch.
A structured 4-week study plan: weeks 1 cover the Heavy Vehicle Road Code reading; weeks 2 cover practice theory tests; weeks 3 cover practical operating skills; weeks 4 cover final review and booking. Most candidates study 40-60 hours.
Career progression: Class 2 driver -> Class 4/5 driver -> heavy haulage specialist -> trainer -> fleet manager. NZ Class 2 drivers can earn NZD $60,000-$90,000 in year one, with senior roles exceeding NZD $100,000.
NZ Class 2 career outlook 2026
Class 2 heavy vehicle drivers are in steady demand across NZ — freight, agriculture (dairy, horticulture), construction, and forestry. Major hubs are Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, and Christchurch.
A structured 4-week study plan: weeks 1 cover the Heavy Vehicle Road Code reading; weeks 2 cover practice theory tests; weeks 3 cover practical operating skills; weeks 4 cover final review and booking. Most candidates study 40-60 hours.
Career progression: Class 2 driver -> Class 4/5 driver -> heavy haulage specialist -> trainer -> fleet manager. NZ Class 2 drivers can earn NZD $60,000-$90,000 in year one, with senior roles exceeding NZD $100,000.
NZ Class 2 career outlook 2026
Class 2 heavy vehicle drivers are in steady demand across NZ — freight, agriculture (dairy, horticulture), construction, and forestry. Major hubs are Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, and Christchurch.
A structured 4-week study plan: weeks 1 cover the Heavy Vehicle Road Code reading; weeks 2 cover practice theory tests; weeks 3 cover practical operating skills; weeks 4 cover final review and booking. Most candidates study 40-60 hours.
Career progression: Class 2 driver -> Class 4/5 driver -> heavy haulage specialist -> trainer -> fleet manager. NZ Class 2 drivers can earn NZD $60,000-$90,000 in year one, with senior roles exceeding NZD $100,000.
