New Zealand · Theory test

The NZ class 5 licence: heavy combination vehicles

It’s the highest heavy vehicle class, for combination vehicles over 25,000 kg, and it covers every vehicle in classes 1 to 4 too. You work up to an NZ class 5 licence through class 2 and class 4, because its learner licence asks for a full class 4.

Class 4Full licence you need first
6 monthsOn a full class 4, if you’re under 25
Over 25,000 kgCombined weight on class 5

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 an NZ class 5 licence?

A full class 5 licence covers:

A combination vehicle with a gross combined weight (GCW) over 25,000 kg
Any vehicle that classes 1, 2, 3 and 4 cover

See all the licence classes →

Before your class 5 learner licence

You need a full class 4 licence, held for:

Your age	Time on full class 4
Under 25	6 months
25 or over	3 months, or none after the over 25 class 5L course

The path from a car licence to class 5

Each licence leads to the one after it, in this order:

A full class 1 licence
A class 2 learner licence, then a full class 2
A class 4 learner licence, then a full class 4
A class 5 learner licence, then a full class 5

Each learner licence needs a theory test, and each full licence needs a practical test or an approved course.

Read about the practical test →Read about approved courses →

The class 5 learners test

It has the same format and pass mark as the theory test for the other heavy classes, with specialist questions for class 5. The guide has the details.

See how the theory test works →Take the practice test →See where to study →

Sources: NZTA and 2 more. Checked November 2026.

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

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