Updates to the heavy vehicle road code

This page lists any changes to The official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers since the last published edition. These changes will usually have been caused by a legislation change.

The latest version of The Official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers is 2019/2020.

For updates to our other road codes, see the relevant pages:

Updates to road code content

Page 20

In the How do I apply for a heavy vehicle learner licence? section, deleted reference to test fees.

Changed the How much does it cost? section:

How much does it cost?

Application fee

Amount

Class 2, 3 or 5 learner licence

$77.50

Class 4 learner licence

$27.10

You’ll need to pay the application fee each time you apply for a new learner licence.

The application fee includes the tests required for each stage. It’s free to change, cancel or rebook your test if you need to.

All fees include GST and are non-refundable.

Deleted this text:

  • If you have already passed the Class 2 theory test, you do not need to sit the Class 4 theory test. Also, if you are applying for a Class 5 licence and have already passed the Class 3 theory test, you do not need to sit the Class 5 theory test.

Note: this amount doesn’t include fees for re-sitting tests if you fail the first time. If you need to re-sit a test you’ll need to pay another test fee, but you won’t be charged another application fee.

If you want to change or cancel your test, you will have to pay a further fee.

Changing or cancelling your test

Where there are 2 or more complete working days between the day you change or cancel your test and the date of your appointment, you’ll need to pay a rescheduling fee of $16.40.

This covers the time and costs included when a test is cancelled or rescheduled.

Where there are less than 2 complete working days between the day you change or cancel your test and the date of your appointment, you won’t pay a rescheduling fee but you’ll need to pay another test fee.

You can apply for a refund of the first test fee paid. If the test time is filled by another person. Then the test fee may be partly refunded – a processing fee of $16.40 will be deducted.

Page 21

 

Added this text:

If you fail the test twice on the same day, you’ll need to wait 10 working days before you can sit the test again. This is to give you more time to learn the road rules, and to make sure other people also have a change to take their test.

Page 22

Added Thai language to the theory test options.

Stage 1 learner licence - updated road code content

Page 25

In the How do I apply for a full licence? section, deleted reference to test fees.

Page 26

Changed the How much does it cost? section:

How much does it cost?

Application fee

Amount

Class 2, 3, 4 or 5 full licence

$39.80

You’ll need to pay the application fee each time you apply for a new full licence.

The application fee is the same whether you sit the practical tests or present an approved heavy vehicle course certificate. It’s free to change, cancel or rebook your test if you need to.

All fees include GST and are non-refundable.

Deleted this text:

Note: the total amount doesn’t include fees for re-sitting tests if you fail the first time. If you need to re-sit a test, you will need to pay another test fee (but you won’t be charged another application fee).

If you want to change or cancel your test booking, you will have to pay a further fee. For more information see page 20.

Stage 2 full licence - updated road code content 

Page 38

Deleted reference to paying another fee if your test is cancelled.

Page 39

Deleted reference to paying another fee if your test is terminated.

On the day of your practical driving test - updated road code content 

Page 142

Added new beach and river variable speed limit signs. 

Beach and river variable speed limit signs

These speed limit signs can be used at beaches or rivers. If pedestrians are present, the speed limit is 30km/h. If there are no pedestrians, the speed limit is 60km/h.

White sign with red outline showing 60 within a red circle, then 30 within a red circle surrounded by pedestrian images

Beach and river variable speed limit signs - updated road code content

Page 345

Question withdrawn: How often do you have to renew your endorsement to carry dangerous goods?