NZ Certificate in Commercial Road Transport (Heavy Vehicle Operator) (Level 3)

PLEASE NOTE: This programme is on hold for 2024.  Register your interest for 2025 by contacting Diana Morris, Programme Administrator, on 06 830 1057 or [email protected]

With this qualification you’ll be eligible for a wide range of employment opportunities in any industry where vehicles are driven and in areas where a range of licence classes are required, such as the transport, logging, construction and roading.

This qualification gives you the skills and knowledge to safely and competently operate rigid vehicles or heavy vehicle combinations. You will work towards gaining your Class 2 & 4 Licenses and potentially Class 5. Graduates also complete a range of driving endorsements.

The EIT | Te Pūkenga Commercial Road Transport programme is designed to take you through the licenses you need to get a job in the heavy road transport industry. You can get your Class 2, 4 and even 5 (if you meet requirements) and you get a New Zealand Certificate as well.

The road transport industry is short of qualified drivers, especially Class 5 drivers who can operate truck and trailer units. This programme is well supported by industry and students arrange work experience with local transport operators who are willing to help train the next generation of drivers. In the work experience part of the programme you travel alongside experienced drivers and help them out on the job.

The classroom sessions run by our experienced tutors give you the background knowledge you need to operate trucks safely in the modern environment.

EIT | Te Pūkenga owns its own logging truck and trailer in which you can gain experience in driving a big rig and in which you can sit your license.

The success rate for men and women in getting employment at the end of the programme is very high.

If you are looking to get into the transport industry then this is the place to start as our programme is well regarded in industry and employers seek out our graduates.

You will learn about:

• Commercial road transport legislation
• Regulation and standards
• Health and safety in the workplace
• Hazard identification and risk management
• Driver health and fatigue management
• Safe driving skills, navigation and communication
• Vehicle technology
• Loading and unloading
• Specialized vehicle operation
• Forklift
• Dangerous goods
• First Aid

If You are Under 25

• You need to have held a Class 1 Full licence for a minimum of six months.
• You can do your Class 2 Full licence immediately on this programme (you must hold a Class 2 Learner (Theory) licence prior to starting).
• If you have held your Class 2 Full licence for six months prior to the programme, you are able to gain your Class 4 licence immediately on this programme.
• If you have held a Class 4 licence for a minimum of six months, you are able to gain your Class 5 licence on this programme.

If You are 25 or Over

• You need to have held a Class 1 Full licence for a minimum of six months.
• You can do your Class 2 Full licence immediately on this programme (you must hold a Class 2 Learner (Theory) licence prior to starting).
• If you have held your Class 2 Full licence for three months, then you are able to gain your Class 4 licence immediately on this programme.
• If you have held your Class 2 Full licence for three months prior to the programme, you are able to gain your Class 4 and Class 5 licences on this programme.
• If you have held a Class 4 licence for a minimum of three months, you are able to gain your Class 5 licence on this programme.

There are a variety of driving opportunities available upon graduating depending on the class of licence achieved.

Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT | Te Pūkenga. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.

We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.

Find out more:

Hawke’s Bay Campus
Tairāwhiti Campus