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

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)

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.