New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Road Transport (Heavy Vehicle Operator) (Level 3)
Other Engineering
A course by
NorthTec
Gain the qualifications and practical skills to become a heavy vehicle operator in the commercial road transport industry, learning about regulations, safety, vehicle operation, route planning, and cargo management.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Available in 4 locations
It will take a total of 22 weeks
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Comply with road transport regulations and health and safety obligations
Ensure the safety of yourself, vehicle, other road users, and the public as a heavy vehicle operator through regulatory compliance.
Demonstrate safe and fuel-efficient heavy vehicle driving skills
Perform required heavy rigid vehicle or heavy vehicle combination driving manoeuvres and tasks with a focus on safety and efficiency.
Complete comprehensive route planning
Utilise appropriate navigation technology to plan routes that meet regulatory obligations and public safety needs.
What You're Signing Up For
This programme prepares students for a career in commercial road transport by developing the technical, safety, and planning competencies needed for operating heavy vehicles. Delivered with regional support by NorthTec and in partnership with Open Polytechnic, participants learn to safely drive heavy vehicles, comply with regulatory standards, plan and navigate freight journeys, communicate with customers, and understand vehicle mechanics and safe loading. The qualification is designed to upskill those beyond basic license requirements, emphasising safe, fuel-efficient, and effective freight and passenger movement.
Course Content
- Commercial road transport regulatory environment and health and safety obligations
- Safe and fuel-efficient heavy vehicle driving
- Driving manoeuvres and tasks for rigid and combination heavy vehicles
- Comprehensive route planning using navigation technology
- Effective communication with customers, clients, and colleagues
- Heavy vehicle mechanical and electronic systems
- Loading, restraint, and unloading principles and procedures
What you need to know first
At least 16 years old at programme commencement
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level
Physically able to complete programme-specific outcomes
Full New Zealand Driver Licence for the required NZTA period (3 or 6 months)
NCEA Level 1 in English and Mathematics, or equivalent skill
IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band lower than 5, or accepted international equivalence (for non-native English speakers)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Commercial Road Transport
Logistics
Freight
Public Transportation
Future employment opportunities might be
Heavy Truck Driver
Linehaul Driver
Delivery Driver
Distributor
Courier/Delivery Agent
Parcel Contractor
Postal Deliverer
Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details