New Zealand · Theory test

Class 4 licence: the heavy rigid vehicle licence

It covers rigid vehicles over 18,000 kg, including tractors, and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) calls it the heavy rigid vehicle licence. You need a full class 2 before a class 4 licence, and a full class 4 is what the class 5 learner licence asks for.

Class 2Full licence you need first
TractorsCount as rigid vehicles on class 4
Over 18,000 kgRigid vehicle weight on class 4

Read the learner licence page Free practice test

Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

What can you drive on a class 4 licence?

A full class 4 licence covers:

A rigid vehicle, including a tractor, with a gross laden weight (GLW) over 18,000 kg
A rigid vehicle over 18,000 kg GLW towing a light trailer
Any vehicle that classes 1 and 2 cover, but not class 3

The licence classes page explains light trailers and how weights are read.

See all the licence classes →

How to get a class 4 licence

First you need a full class 2 licence, held for:

Your age	Time on full class 2
Under 25	6 months
25 or over	3 months, or none after the over 25 class 4L course

Then you pass the theory test for your class 4 learner licence, and learn with a supervisor before the practical test, unless you do an approved course. The class 4 learner licence fee is lower than for classes 2, 3 and 5.

See the class 4 fees →Read about the practical test →

From class 4 to class 5

Class 5 follows, and its learner licence asks for a full class 4. Class 5 covers class 3 vehicles as well as class 4 ones.

See the class 5 licence →

Sources: NZTA and 2 more. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

Explore

Everything else, in one place

Overview Practice test Road code Cost Full licence Booking Courses

Licence classes

Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 All classes