Northern Motorway (SH1)

• Southbound lanes between Silverdale off ramp and Oteha Valley Road on ramp 13 January
• Silverdale southbound on ramp 13 January

Auckland Harbour Bridge (SH1)

• Curran Street northbound on ramp and Auckland Harbour Bridge northbound lanes one and two 10 - 13 January (approx 7.30pm to 5am)
• Shelly Beach Road southbound off ramp and Auckland Harbour Bridge southbound lanes one and two 10 - 11 January (approx 10pm to 3am)

Central Motorway Junction (SH1 && SH16)

• SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link 11 - 13 January

Southern Motorway (SH1)

• Symonds Street southbound on ramp 12 January
• Northbound lanes between Market Road off ramp and Gillies Avenue on ramp 11 January
• Market Road northbound off ramp 12 - 13 January
• Southbound lanes between Market Road off ramp and Greenlane on ramp 9 - 13 January (approx 11pm to 5am)
• Manukau southbound off ramp 12 January
• Great South Road northbound off ramp continuously from 6am on 4 January to 5am on 10 January
• Southbound lanes between Hill Road off ramp and Takanini on ramp 10 - 11 January
• Northbound lanes between Mill Road off ramp and Ramarama on ramp 12 January
• Mill Road northbound on ramp 12 January

Northwestern Motorway (SH16)

• Eastbound lanes between Westgate intersection and Lincoln Road on ramp 13 January
• Royal Road eastbound on ramp 13 January
• Lincoln Road eastbound off ramp 12 January
• Westbound lanes between Lincoln Road off and on ramps 11 January
• Great North Road westbound off ramp 11 January

Southwestern Motorway (SH20)

• Northbound lanes between Dominion Road off ramp and Richardson Road intersection 10 - 13 January (approx 9pm to 5am)
• Dominion Road northbound on ramp 10 - 13 January (approx 9pm to 5am)
• Southbound lanes between SH20A link and Massey Road on ramp 12 January
• Walmsley Road southbound on ramp 12 January
• Southbound lanes between Massey Road off ramp and Cavendish Drive on ramp 13 January
• Massey Road southbound on ramp 13 January
• Puhinui Road southbound on ramp 12 - 13 January
• Southbound service lane between Puhinui Road and Cavendish Drive 12 January
• Cavendish Drive northbound on ramp 9 January
• Northbound service lane between Cavendish Drive and Puhinui Road 9 January
• Northbound lanes between Lambie Drive off ramp and Cavendish Drive on ramp 9 - 11 January
• Lambie Drive northbound on ramp 9 - 11 January
• Southbound lanes between Lambie Drive off ramp and SH1 13 January
• Lambie Drive southbound on ramp 13 January

Please follow the signposted detours. The NZTA thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance. For more information call 09 5200 200.

• Mode choice as reported in the Ministry of Transport Ongoing Household Travel Survey.
• Mode use statistics as reported in the Ministry of Transport transport volumes data.
• Public transport data wizard or look in detail at bus, ferry, railbus , ferry , rail and combinedtotal mobility .
• Total mobility .
• Traffic volumes for state highways updated monthly.
• Vehicle fleet statistics– quarterly and annual statistics from the Ministry of Transport.
• Vehicle use (VKT) which is also available through the road network trends wizard .
• Walking and cycling statistics in the Ministry of Transport transport volumes data.

The Lyttelton Tunnel Bylaw covers the tunnel’s safety rules and gives the tunnel control officers the authority they need to manage the tunnel and ensure safety for all users.

The current bylaw needs to be updated to ensure it meets current needs and matches changes in other transport legislation.

The proposed changes to the tunnel bylaw are:

• A clearer policy on vehicles transporting loose material (eg sand, soil or fertiliser). These loads must be covered both before and after load delivery to reduce dust and dirt in the tunnel.

• Changing the length of road covered by the bylaw on either side of the tunnel.

• A clearer policy on access through the tunnel for dangerous goods and overdimension vehicles.

• Updating legislation references and clarifying how the bylaw relates to other legislation.

Have your say on these changes

An online feedback form will be available until the close of the consultation period (22 February 2016).

Why are we proposing these changes?

Mandatory truck and trailer load covers

Dust has become a safety and maintenance issue in the tunnel. Almost seven tonnes of dirt and dust is being removed from the tunnel every month.

While the Land Transport Act requires that vehicles secure their loads so material does not escape, it may not be clear to all users that this also applies to vehicles carrying loose bulk loads. For this reason the bylaw will now specify that all loose bulk loads be covered in a way that prevents dust or residue escaping.

Changes to the section of SH74 covered by the bylaw

On the Lyttelton side of the tunnel, the bylaw would cover State Highway 74 from the intersection of Norwich Quay and Oxford Street. The current bylaw only goes to the tunnel roundabout. The revisions that have been made to provide more readily identifiable locations and to align with the powers of the tunnel control officers.

On the Heathcote side, the area covered by the bylaw would be reduced to coincide with the old layover bay, 200 metres north of the Bridle Path Road on-ramp.

Dangerous goods and overdimension vehicles

For safety, dangerous goods and overdimension vehicles are not allowed to use the tunnel. Since the Canterbury earthquakes and resulting closure of Evans Pass and Sumner Road, the alternative routes have not been available and vehicles carrying dangerous goods have been allowed to use the tunnel during restricted hours when the tunnel can be closed to all other traffic.

Tunnel Control has been doing its best to provide access through the tunnel for dangerous goods and some over-dimension vehicles at an appropriate level, until the Evans Pass and Sumner Road route is re-opened. The revised bylaw confirms the maximum height and width limits as follows:

• Any vehicle more than 2.6m wide needs permission to enter the tunnel.

• No vehicles more than 4.27m in height can use the tunnel.

Note: There are no changes to the rules outlining what are considered dangerous goods. The Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 has been used to set the requirements for dangerous goods.

Special authorisation is required from the Tunnel Manager for vehicles carrying restricted dangerous goods and permission from a control officer for other dangerous goods.

Up to 45kg of LPG or three approved cylinders can be taken through the tunnel without any permission.

The revised bylaw is now out for formal consultation. You have until Monday 22 February to provide feedback.

The NZ Transport Agency will begin improvements in the next couple of weeks to the stretch of SH1 (Western Hills Drive) between Manse Street and Kensington Ave, including the intersection at  SH1/Kensington Avenue.

The improvements to the state highway will coincide with Whangarei District Council’s Mill Road, Nixon Street, Kensington Avenue Intersection Upgrade nearby, which is also scheduled to start in February.

People who use these roads regularly are encouraged to start planning their alternative routes now to avoid any congestion at the road work sites.

'This work is designed to improve safety for road users and reduce traffic queuing at the intersection at peak times as well as for road users and pedestrians accessing Kensington Park,' says the Agency’s Acting Northland Highway Manager, Mieszko Iwaskow.

'We’re looking forward to completing another one of the key improvement projects to give the Whangarei community and those driving through the city safer and easier access.'

The NZ Transport Agency and Whangarei District Council are working together to reduce the impacts on road users while both projects are under construction, however there will be some traffic restrictions and disruption.

“These projects are on two of the District’s busiest roads and they are physically close together. That means we will have an excellent result in about a year’s time, but we are going to go through some pain before then,” says WDC Infrastructure Services Committee Chairman Greg Martin.

Improvements to the SH1/Kensington Avenue intersection include a new roundabout and the installation of central median barriers on the state highway between Kensington Avenue and Manse Street.

The new roundabout will have a dedicated northbound lane to allow vehicles travelling north to continue without stopping. This will reduce traffic queues as well as minimising potential road noise from heavy vehicles stopping on the hill at the approach to the intersection.

A central median will also be installed along the highway between Kensington Ave and Manse Street to address the existing high crash rate when vehicles cross the centre line.

The Transport Agency’s Mieszko Iwaskow says motorists who know they’re likely to be affected by the works should start planning different routes to avoid any journey delays.

'You should also allow more time for your journeys, especially during peak periods and during busy school and sporting activity times around Kensington Park.'

• There will be restricted traffic movements at both ends of Kensington Avenue, including no right turns into Kensington Avenue from Western Hills Drive (SH1) or Kamo Road.
• Manse Street traffic will be controlled with temporary traffic signals from February until the roundabout construction at SH1/Kensington Ave is completed.
• Existing capacity will remain on the state highway throughout construction although speeds will be reduced between Kensington Avenue and Manse Street.
• People travelling from the Kamo and Tikipunga areas should consider using the Kiripaka and Mill Roads to make use of the recently opened Mill/Nixon intersection.

The Whangarei District Council works involve the continuation of the four laning of Nixon Street from Elizabeth Street to the intersection of Nixon Street, Kamo Road and Kensington Avenue. The project also includes the realignment and upgrade of the intersection to provide safer traffic movements, particularly for road users travelling between Kensington Avenue and Nixon Street. 

Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

For more information on the SH1 Kensington to Manse project you can visit the NZ Transport Agency website https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-whangarei-improvements/.

Details about the Mill Road, Nixon Street, Kensington Avenue Intersection Upgrade are on the Whangarei District Council’s website http://www.wdc.govt.nz/TrafficandTransport/RoadworksClosures/Pages/default.aspx

Have your say on the Lyttelton Tunnel Bylaw changes

Use a printable version of these questions if you prefer

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Most transactions involving your vehicle include an administration fee.

You can save time and money by completing some transactions online .

Some transactions can only be completed at  an agent and most will require ID.

More information about trade plate fees

Be Smart. Plan ahead.

We have chosen a selection of useful links to help inform your travel choices this summer.

View live traffic information for your region

Use our map to see live updates and webcams of traffic conditions in your region.

View information on planned roadworks in Wellington and Kāpiti 

For a quick outline of the major works planned for the coming week.  We’ll keep you posted on future works and have regular updates on local radio stations. 

Check out DriveLive Smart Capital

Knowing how long a trip will take you helps you plan your day and spend time doing the things you’d rather be doing, but please only check it when it’s safe to do so.

Transport for Wellington

If you want to know about more than just road conditions Transport for Wellington is for you.

View OnTheMove

Do you want to know before you hit the state highway whether there's anything that could delay your arrival at your destination?  Then the travel information service OnTheMove is for you.

Get social

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter but don't keep this sweet info to yourself. Let your friends and family know by sharing Summer Journeys information.

Be Smart. Plan ahead.

We have chosen a selection of useful links to help inform your travel choices this summer.

View a list of current and planned roadworks in Nelson

Use our map to see live updates and webcams of traffic conditions in your region.

View OnTheMove

Do you want to know before you hit the state highway whether there's anything that could delay your arrival at your destination?  Then the travel information service OnTheMove is for you.

Get social

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter but don't keep this sweet info to yourself. Let your friends and family know by sharing Summer Journeys information.

Be Smart. Plan ahead.

We have chosen a selection of useful links to help inform your travel choices this summer.

View a list of current and planned roadworks in the West Coast

Use our map to see live updates and webcams of traffic conditions in your region.

SH73 planned and current works

Work on this major project to improve safety is about to kick off with gusto. While we will do our best to keep disruption to a minimum it will be necessary to one-lane sections of SH73. 

View OnTheMove

Do you want to know before you hit the state highway whether there's anything that could delay your arrival at your destination?  Then the travel information service OnTheMove is for you.

Mingha Bluff to Rough Creek Realignment 

A short detour will be in place on SH73 from 15-22 January 2016.  

Get social

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter but don't keep this sweet info to yourself. Let your friends and family know by sharing Summer Journeys information.

Be Smart. Plan ahead.

We have chosen a selection of useful links to help inform your travel choices this summer.

View a list of current and planned roadworks in Otago 

Use our map to see live updates and webcams of traffic conditions in your region.

View OnTheMove

Do you want to know before you hit the state highway whether there's anything that could delay your arrival at your destination?  Then the travel information service OnTheMove is for you.

Get social

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter but don't keep this sweet info to yourself. Let your friends and family know by sharing Summer Journeys information.

Be Smart. Plan ahead.

We have chosen a selection of useful links to help inform your travel choices this summer.

View a list of current and planned roadworks in Southland

Use our map to see live updates and webcams of traffic conditions in your region.

View specific information about Milford Road

Travelling along Milford Road soon? Use this link to find out the current road status.

View OnTheMove

Do you want to know before you hit the state highway whether there's anything that could delay your arrival at your destination?  Then the travel information service OnTheMove is for you.

Get social

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter but don't keep this sweet info to yourself. Let your friends and family know by sharing Summer Journeys information.

If you use these Transport Agency-approved 'pro-forma’ (approved non-standard)  vehicle combination designs when applying for a high productivity motor vehicle (HPMV) permit , it will make the approval process simpler.

Pro-forma designs and your permit application

If you want to build or operate a pro-forma vehicle combination that is identified below, you will need to apply for a permit. The approval will be granted and there will not be an expiry date on the permit.

Each individual vehicle in the overlength HPMV combination must in itself meet the dimensional requirements of the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002  unless specified otherwise.

Other general conditions

Some other general conditions will also be required. The vehicle must:

• meet the dimension thresholds provided on the Transport Agency pro-forma design

• have an 'H' sign at front and rear of the vehicle combination that meets the specifications in the   Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002 – this must be displayed at all times while you are operating under the permit

• not operate on any road with a prescribed length restriction if the vehicle exceeds that restriction

• have lights at the rear of the combination – these must be of the light emitting diode (LED) type to address voltage drop

• have repeater side indicator lights placed approx midway along the side of the trailer

• only have original truck manufacturer approved modifications made to the truck frontal protection area

• have conspicuity tape in red/ white meeting DOT C-3 that outlines the shape of the vehicle from both sides and rear, or LED side marker lamps or reflectors fitted at a maximum of 2-metre intervals along the side of the vehicle as close as practical to the load bed

• have roll stability control (RSC) – all trailers must have RSC fitted and active.

Using a pro-forma design in your application

Print off the applicable vehicle design below, complete your actual vehicle dimensions and include this with your HPMV application.

Visit NZTA Truck Permit Portal for the HPMV permit application formDownload the HPMV permit application form 

Using other designs

If you want to use a longer vehicle that is not a pro-forma design, then the Transport Agency can approve the dimensional variation. However, this will be route restricted and you will need to get permission to operate from each local road controlling authority affected.

Approval of new pro-forma designs

The process for the Transport Agency-approval of a pro-forma design is for an industry group to agree a productive design that suits them and then have a report prepared by an engineering consultancy with respect to both high-speed stability and low-speed manoeuvring. The Transport Agency will then review the design and report, and if acceptable will approve the new pro-forma and update this web page.

The HPMV pro-forma designs

23-metre truck and full trailer 

Download 23-metre truck and full trailer pro-forma

23-metre truck and simple trailer (eg car transporter) 

Download 23-metre truck and simple trailer pro-forma

23-metre truck and simple trailer 8130 (eg car transporter)

Download 23-metre truck and simple trailer 8130 pro-forma

22-metre B-train 

Download 22-metre B-train pro-forma

23-metre B-train 5680 

Download 23-metre B-train 5680 pro-forma

23-metre B-train 5700

Download 23-metre B-train 5700 pro-forma

23-metre B-train long tractor 

Download 23-metre B-train long tractor pro-forma

23-metre B-train long trailer 

Download 23-metre B-train long trailer pro-forma 

23-metre log truck and full trailer 

Download 23-metre log truck and full trailer pro-forma 

19.45-metre quad semi

Download 19.45-metre quad semi pro-forma 

23-metre truck and long trailer 

23-metre truck and long trailer pro-forma 

23-metre truck and trailer long drawbar

23-metre truck and trailer long drawbar pro-forma

Pro-forma High-Productivity Motor Vehicle Permit to Exceed Length Limits

23 metre log truck and full trailer – Amendment 2014

By attaching this document to your existing high productivity motor vehicle permit for log truck and full trailer, this new 23 metre log truck and full trailer design replaces the existing design. Your existing design is now void.  Note: This does not apply to 50MAX.

New amendment 2014 proforma logging truck 23m

Who we are

Made up of the NZ Transport Agency and infrastructure consultancies Beca, Bloxam, Burnett & Olliver (BBO), Northern Civil Consulting (NCC) and Corban Consulting, the Alliance will work with stakeholders to deliver timely and tangible improvements to New Zealand roads, helping to reduce deaths and serious injuries.The Safe Roads Alliance has been established to deliver a programme of road and roadside safety improvements to the State Highway Network over six years.

The Safe Roads and Roadsides programme is one of four components of the Safe System approach which was introduced to New Zealand through Safer Journeys, the government’s strategy to guide improvements in road safety over a 10-year period.

The national programme of improvement works is overseen by the Alliance base in Hamilton while projects are managed regionally through its partner offices in Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Whangarei and Christchurch.

Our projects

The Alliance is currently working on 24 safety improvement projects across the country with construction of a number of these due to start in the first half of 2016.

Get in touch

For general enquiries

• team@saferoads.co.nz

For specific enquiries

• Andrew Scott  - Alliance Director
• Dave van Staden  - Programme Manager

Ways to get in touch

Common questions

Find answers to our most commonly asked questions.

Feedback and complaints

Call us

Our contact centres are open Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm (8am - 8pm for Tolling enquiries).  We're also open Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm for Tolling enquiries only. 

Media enquiry?

For media enquiries, talk to one of our  media team .

Making an Official Information Act request 

Find out how to make a request to the Transport Agency for information that we hold .

Our offices

Palmerston North Office

Level 3, 43 Ashley Street
Palmerston North

Private Bag 11777
Palmerston North 4442
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 6 953 6396
Fax: 64 6 953 6203

National Office

Victoria Arcade
50 Victoria Street
Private Bag 6995
Wellington 6141
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 4 894 5400
Fax: 64 4 894 6100

Whāngārei

Walton Plaza, 1st Floor
4 Albert St
Whāngārei

Private Bag 106602
Auckland 1143
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 9 430 4355
Fax: 64 9 459 6944

Please note: state highways services only from this office

Auckland

Level 11, HSBC House
1 Queen Street

Private Bag 106602
Auckland 1143
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 9 969 9800
Fax: 64 9 969 9813

Hamilton

Level 1, Deloitte Building
24 Anzac ParadeBridge Street

PO Box 973, Waikato Mail Centre
Hamilton 3240
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 7 958 7220
Fax: 64 7 957 1437

Tauranga

3rd Floor
Harrington House
32 Harington Street
Tauranga 3110

PO Box 13-055
Tauranga Central
Tauranga 3141

Telephone: 07 927 6009
Fax: 07 578 2909

Napier

Level 2, Dunvegan House 
215 Hastings Street

PO Box 740
Napier 4140
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 6 974 5520
Fax: 64 6 974 5529

Wellington

Level 9, PSIS House
20 Ballance Street

PO Box 5084, Lambton Quay
Wellington 6145
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 4 894 5200 
Fax: 64 4 894 3305

Blenheim

Marlborough Roads
Level 1, The Forum
Unit 2.4, Market Street

PO Box 1031
Blenheim 7240
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 3 520 8330
Fax: 64 3 577 5309 
Note: we do not provide licensing at this office

Christchurch

Airport Business Park, Unit C
92 Russley Road

PO Box 1479
Russley
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 3 964 2800
Fax: 64 3 964 2793

Dunedin

Level 2, AA Centre
450 Moray Place

PO Box 5245, Moray Place
Dunedin 9058
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 3 951 3009
Fax: 64 3 951 3013

To minimise disruption to drivers, the closures will be timed between 11:30pm and 7:00am when traffic is lighter.

A signposted detour will be in place and drivers are asked to follow the signposted routes while work is being carried out to ensure that this section of the motorway remains safe.

The Transport Agency thanks drivers for their patience, and apologises for any inconvenience while this important work is carried out.

Dealing with the loss of a family member or friend, can be an emotional time.  We understand that the Estate process can be complicated and confusing and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to work with us as you go through the process of dealing with their vehicles.

There are a few things we may need you to do in order to settle vehicle ‘ownership’ or outstanding motor vehicle licence fees.

In some circumstances it may be appropriate to transfer the vehicle into the care of the Executor(s)/Administrator(s) until the Will has been finalised, this will ensure that all correspondence relating to the vehicle is being dealt with.

What’s happening to the vehicle?

Keeping the vehicle

If you’re going to keep the vehicle you’ll need to change the registered person’s details. You will be required to complete a Change of Registered Person – Buyer (MR13B form).

You can do this online or at one of our agents, you’ll need ID and there’s an admin fee of $9.00.

Note: if you’re the joint owner or the joint owner has passed away you’ll need to complete the Change of Registered Person but there’s no admin fee to pay. You will need to supply evidence of death, a copy of the death certificate or the notice from a newspaper. This transaction will need to be done at an Agent or give us a call and we can advise the process.

Selling the vehicle

If the vehicle is being sold then a Change of Registered Person – Seller (MR13A form) will need to be done.

You can do this online, pick up the form at an agent and send it in or call us and we can do this over the phone.

Cancelling the vehicle

If the vehicle is no-longer road worthy and you want to cancel the vehicles registration then you’ll need to complete an Application to cancel vehicles registration (MR15 form).

You’ll have to do this at an agent as the vehicles number plates need to be handed in. There could be some outstanding licence (rego) fees to pay; you can check this by calling us.

Note: In some circumstances the number plates may not be able to be returned for example if the vehicle has been involved in an accident or fire, in cases like these the application to cancel the vehicle will need to be accompanied by a police or fire brigade report.

Exempting the vehicle from vehicle licensing

If you’re unsure what’s happening with the vehicle and it’s not going to be used on the road then it may be appropriate to put the licence (rego) on hold. You should only do this if the vehicle won’t be used for 3 months or longer.

You can do this online, at an agent or call us and we can do this over the phone. It’s free to do this online but an admin fee applies for this transaction over the phone or at one of our agents.

Fees, debt, outstanding payments

Owning a motor vehicle incurs many different fees and charges, you should check to make sure none of these are accruing or outstanding. If not paid they could end up with a debt collector or in a fine.

Vehicle licence fees

In some cases there will be motor vehicle licence fees (rego) to pay, the executor/administrator should deal with this as soon as possible to stop further fees accruing.

Road User Charges (RUC)

If the vehicle requires RUC you should check to make sure it’s current, you can do this by checking the label or giving us a call.

Tolls

If the vehicle had used a toll road it may be attached to a toll road account or there could be outstanding toll charges, you can check this by contacting Toll Roads.

Driver Licence

You’ll also want to cancel the driver licence; you can call us to arrange that.

Insurance, finance

Don’t forget to also contact the insurance company and if applicable the finance company to stop payments or update details.

Wills, probate and executors

The Citizens Advice Bureau has some excellent information or talk to your lawyer.

Through its Research Programme, the NZ Transport Agency invests in innovative and relevant research which plays a critical role in contributing to the government's goals for transport.

The results of Transport Agency research must be readily applicable to interventions that can be cost effectively applied in New Zealand in the short-to-medium term for longer term impacts. This page lists all active Transport Agency Research Programme research projects and being updated on an ongoing basis as research is completed.

For further information, you can either:

• search for reports of completed projects
• view an index of all the online reports on one page
• download a detailed spreadsheet of the published reports .

Key research areas

The projects listed below are currently active. They are arranged according to seven key research areas, namely:

• Economic development
• Activity management
• Integrated land use and transport systems
• Transport demand management
• Safety, security and public health
• Environmental impacts of land transport
• Sustainable land transport
• Performance monitoring

Proposed research topics

This  document lists the research topics proposed for 2016/172015/16 Research Programme (please note that the topics may change). 

Contact

For information on any of these projects, please contact the research organisation directly or email  research@nzta.govt.nz .

Economic development

To improve the valuation of economic benefits of land transport activities.

Activity management

To improve the performance of land transport activities and assets.

Integrated land use and transport systems

To more efficiently manage transport and integration with land use.

Transport demand management

To manage the people and freight demand for transport and provide impetus for changing transport choices.

Safety, security and public health

To improve the safety, security and public health of users, communities and the sector workforce through improvements to the land transport system.

Environmental impacts of land transport

To measure the impacts of land transport construction, operation and maintenance emissions/pollutants on the natural and built environment.

Sustainable land transport

To improve the sustainability of the land transport system.

Performance monitoring

This page tells you how to get a heavy vehicle learner licence, and important information you need to know. 

You need the right class of licence for the vehicle

You need a class 2, 3, 4 or 5 learner licence before you learn to drive heavy vehicles.

Class 2 – medium rigid vehicles
Class 3 – medium combination vehicles
Class 4 – heavy rigid vehicles
Class 5 – heavy combination vehicles.

Full details about the vehicles each class of licence covers

How long you have to hold the previous licence

You must hold a licence for a certain amount of time before you can move onto the next licence. This table tells you how long you have to wait before you get a learner licence. 

How to get a learner licence

To get your learner licence, you must apply at a  driver licensing agent . 

You will need to:

• fill out an application form  
• present evidence of your identity
• prove your eyesight meets the required standard
• present amedical certificate (if required)
• let the agent take your photo and signature
• pay the learner licence application and test fees and book a test time
• pass the learner licence theory test. 

Learner licence theory test

The learner licence theory test is a computer-based, 35-question, multi-choice test that assesses your knowledge of road rules and safe driving practices. You will need to get at least 33 questions right to pass.

Everything you need to pass the test is in The official New Zealand road code . You can buy the road code at most bookstores and driver licensing agents, or it’s available online.

More information about theory tests
Read The official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers
Practise the theory test at www.roadcodepractice.co.nz

Once you have passed your theory test, the agent will give you a temporary learner licence so you can start practising your driving. Your photo driver licence will be posted to you.

You can only drive with a supervisor

While on a learner licence you can only drive under the supervision of a licensed driver (who's held a full New Zealand licence for the same class you're driving for at least two years).

Full licence is the next step

Once you have your learner licence, you have two options. You can:

• hold the learner licence for at least six months, and then pass a practical test to get a full licence, or
• complete an approved course for that class. 

Find out more about the process to get a full licence

Download Factsheet 70: Heavy vehicle driver licences

The signs on SH2 near Windy Point are designed to warn motorists of an approaching truck and/or trailer, or large articulated vehicle.  Space is limited on these corners, and the electronic signs will flash amber and provide early notice of an approaching truck.

The Transport Agency’s Regional Performance Manager, Mark Owen says the signs are located along a stretch of highway where the angle of the corner makes it challenging for larger vehicles. “Giving motorists advance warning that a truck is approaching means any oncoming traffic can slow down and wait for the larger vehicle to safely navigate the corner,” says Mr Owen.

The signs are powered by solar energy, and automatically detect large vehicles.  There are monitoring devices located along the road that detect the height of a vehicle. As a high-sided vehicles such as a truck and trailer unit passes, the electronic warning sign further up the road flashes to warn oncoming traffic that a large vehicle is approaching the corner.

'This is a simple yet innovative measure that will make it safer to travel over the Rimutakas, and will give peace of mind to motorists and truck drivers.'

Road Transport Association Area Executive Sandy Walker has welcomed the new devices.

'With operators having to meet static rollover thresholds, it has meant longer and safer vehicles are now required to carry out everyday transport needs for their customers.

'During the initiation phase the NZ Transport Agency and Road Transport Association worked closely together monitoring vehicle behaviours and carriageway requirements on the three corners of concern.

'Trial signage and new lane marking has assisted with traffic behaviour, however electronic signage that is set off by the mass of the vehicle will greatly improve the safety for all motorists on the three corners until major works can be planned.

'Working with the Transport Agency and their team to achieve this interim result has been positive, practical, cost effective and very much appreciated by the Road Transport Association and its members'

The new signs are scheduled to be switched on tomorrow morning, just in time for Wellington Anniversary Weekend.