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Updates to the Heavy vehicle road code
This page lists any updates 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.
Other update pages:
Where not to park - November 2009
The official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers, page 78
The following is a new bullet to be added to the section on where not to park.
- in any special vehicle lane, eg cycle lane, bus lane or transit lane.
Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule 2009 and the Land Transport Amendment Act 2009 - November 2009
Changes have been made to the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule 2009 and the Land Transport Amendment Act 2009. These changes came into effect on 1 November 2009.
Cellphones - The official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers, page 129
The following text replaces the information in the Cellphones section:
While you are driving, you cannot create, send, or read a text message on a mobile phone or use a hand-held mobile phone to make, receive or end a phone call. This includes accessing online services in any way.
You can, however, use your mobile phone to make, receive or terminate a telephone call while driving if the phone is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and you manipulate the phone infrequently and briefly.
You can also use a mobile phone while driving to make a 111 or *555 call if it is unsafe or impractical to pull over and stop in a safe place at the side of the road to make the call.
Driver distraction - The official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers, page 130
The following text replaces the third bullet point under Driver distractions:
- Talking on a hands free cellphone
Demerit point table - additional offences and penalties - October 2009
The official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers, page 138
The following offences have been added to the demerit points list:
| Offence | Demerit points |
|---|---|
| Operating a noisy vehicle | 25 |
| Creating excessive noise within or on a vehicle | 25 |
| Drive or ride an all terrain vehicle, motorcycle or moped without a securely fastened approved helmet | 25 |
| Drive or ride an all terrain vehicle, motorcycle or moped with a damaged etc safety helmet | 25 |
Class information - October 2009
The official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers, page 163
The following text replaces the second bullet point under Class 4 - heavy rigid vehicle:
- a combination vehicle consisting of a rigid vehicle with a GLW of more than 18,000 kg towing a light trailer (GLW of 3500 kg or less) and driven at a speed not exceeding 30 km/h
The following is a new additional bullet point under the 'in addition section' of Class 2 - medium rigid vehicle:
- a tractor with a GLW of more than 4500kg but less than 18,001 kg, if driven at a speed over 30kph.
Who can apply for a full licence - October 2009
The official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers, page 172
The first bullet needs the following text removed:
- (or 3 months if you are over 25)
Reflectors - October 2009
The official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers, page 202
The following text replaces the second sentence:
The reflectors must be at least 65 millimetres in diameter and they must be placed not more than:
Learner licence theory tests - July 2009
The following changes apply to all three versions of the Road code, in the chapter titled "Stage 1 - learner licence".
From August 2009 the learner licence theory test will move from a paper-based test to a computerised version. It is estimated that the computerised version will be compulsory at all testing agents in 2010. Talk to your driver licensing agent about which is available in your area. Both tests are explained in more detail below.
Computerised theory test
The test is made up of 35 questions. There are 25 questions about road rules and road hazards and 10 questions about safety practices that relate to the type of vehicle you are applying for a licence for (see New Zealand's driver licensing system for the different classes of licence you can apply for). The questions will appear in a random order.
All questions are multi-choice and you select the answer you think is correct by clicking on it. You can change your mind after clicking an answer but it will be locked in when you decide to move onto the next question. You will know if you have correctly answered the question before the next question displays.
To pass the test you need to get at least 32 (33 for Heavy vehicle drivers) questions right out of 35. If you get more than three questions wrong, you will need to book to take the test again at another time, and you’ll need to pay another test fee.
If you pass the test, you’ll be given a temporary learner licence, which is valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your photo driver licence in the mail.
Paper-based theory test
The test is made up of two test papers: a general paper and a specialist paper. The general paper has 25 questions about road rules and road hazards. The specialist paper contains 10 questions about safety practices that relate to the type of vehicle you are applying for a licence for (see New Zealand's driver licensing system for the different classes of licence you can apply for).
Both papers are multi-choice scratch tests, which means you should select the answer you think is correct by scratching the panel next to that answer. This will reveal either a tick, to show your answer is right, or a cross, to show your answer is wrong.
To pass the test you need to get at least 32 (33 for Heavy vehicle drivers) questions right out of 35. If you get more than three questions wrong, you will need to book to take the test again at another time, and you’ll need to pay another test fee.
If you pass the test, you’ll be given a temporary learner licence, which is valid for 21 days, to use until you receive your photo driver licence in the mail.
How should I prepare for the theory test?
Before you book your theory test, you need to be thoroughly familiar with the road rules. You will need to read and learn everything in The official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers. You will probably need to read it several times to know and understand everything you need to know to be a safe driver.
To help you learn the road rules, you can test yourself against the questions from the theory test, Learner licence theory test questions. You can test yourself and buy practice tests from www.roadcodepractice.co.nz.
Speech or language difficulties
Besides English, the computerised theory test will be available in the following languages:
- Maori
- Arabic
- Chinese (simplified and traditional)
- Korean
- Samoan
- Tongan
- Hindi
- Gujarati
- Punjabi
Paper-based theory test translations remain available only in the following languages:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Korean
- Samoan
- Tongan.
Last updated: 12 November 2009