Driver licence - your important first step

So why is getting a driver licence so important?

It’s hard to get a start in the road transport and logistics industries without one. Most employers expect you to have a driver licence if you want to start working. It also helps if you keep your licence clean of demerit points. That will really help you when it comes to applying for jobs, so drive carefully!

Getting your licence - what you need to know

The licence you need first is a full Class 1 (light motor vehicle) driver licence. To get this, you need to progress through the learners and restricted licence stages, like all drivers on the road.

You need to have held your full licence for at least six months before you can apply for the next licence (heavy vehicle Class 2). That’s why it’s important to get started on the way to a full licence while you are at school.

Class 2, 3, 4 and 5 driver licences allow you to drive bigger vehicles such as trucks, busses, cranes, forklifts and other heavy machinery. You need a Class 5 licence to drive the really big rigs. Most truck drivers hold a Class 1 licence as well as Class 2, 4 and 5.

Some jobs also require the transporting of hazardous goods. The driver needs to have completed a course in the transportation of dangerous goods before their licence can be endorsed to allow them to do so legally.

Car driver licence [NZ Transport Agency]
Trucks and other heavy vehicle licences [NZ Transport Agency]
Bus or taxi licence [NZ Transport Agency]