Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Our driver trainers are qualified driving instructors, ITO-accredited assessors and NZTA-approved providers, with extensive industry experience.
If you like the sound of being in charge of large vehicles, start the wheels turning with NorthTec’s commercial transport training. Commercial transport covers all sorts of vehicles from light and heavy trucks to buses and forklifts.
Up-skill beyond those required to be a licence holder. This programme supports the efficient, effective and safe operation of transporting goods and services by heavy road vehicle. You’ll learn about heavy vehicle driving skills, dynamics, risk reduction techniques and safe driving strategies as well as a range safe driving practices.
This qualification does not permit the holder to drive a motor vehicle on New Zealand roads without a current relevant driver licence issued by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
What you will learn
Graduates will be able to:
- comply with the commercial road transport regulatory environment and health and safety obligations as a heavy vehicle operator to ensure the safety of themselves, their vehicle, other road users, and the public; (30 credits)
- demonstrate safe and fuel-efficient driving skills and expertise, and perform driving manoeuvres and tasks for a heavy rigid vehicle or heavy vehicle combination; (35 credits)
- complete comprehensive route planning as a heavy vehicle operator using appropriate navigation technology, ensuring regulatory obligations are met and public safety is protected; (2 credits)
- communicate effectively with customers, clients, and colleagues as a heavy vehicle operator; (3 credits)
- apply knowledge of heavy vehicle mechanical and electronic principles and systems such as vehicle technology, types, and combinations, to transport freight and safely carry out essential checks. (10 credits)
- understand and apply loading, restraint, and unloading principles and procedures as a heavy vehicle operator. (10 credits)
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
To gain admission to the New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Road Transport (Heavy Vehicle Operator) (Level 3) applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must hold the appropriate Full New Zealand Driver Licence for the mandatory NZTA period (3 or 6 months);
- NCEA Level 1 in English and Mathematics, or equivalent skill.
Due to NZTA licensing requirements, no international students will be enrolled.
Applicants whose English is not their first language must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy.
The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) and funds key services for students.
Prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST, and are for domestic students only, unless otherwise stated. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
