The Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF; also known as free trades training) supports learners to undertake vocational education and training without fees. The TTAF covers fees until 31 December 2022.
Note: Fees may apply for training continuing after 1 January 2023 on this programme.
Turn the wheels
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.
Upskill 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:
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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)
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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)
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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)
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communicate effectively with customers, clients, and colleagues as a heavy vehicle operator; (3 credits)
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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)
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understand and apply loading, restraint, and unloading principles and procedures as a heavy vehicle operator. (10 credits)
Courses in this programme
| Courses |
Level |
Credits |
|
3001 - Introductory Skills
Aim: To enable students to comply with commercial road transport rules and regulations and manage their driving performance to ensure the safety of self and others.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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Apply risk reduction techniques and strategies while driving.
-
Explain the symptoms and management of health factors relating to driving performance.
-
Operate a heavy vehicle in a safe and legal manner.
-
Manage and perform driver responsibilities and obligations for work time, driver fatigue and logbook requirements.
|
3 |
20 |
|
3002 - Industry Skills
Aim: To enable students to apply basic industry skills as they navigate their legal responsibilities as heavy vehicle operators.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
-
Complete the documentation required to comply with the legal requirements for transporting goods by road.
-
Conduct risk assessment and apply hazard identification procedures in relation to industry requirements.
-
Identify and document the legal and safety requirements for the operation of a heavy motor vehicle for the transportation of goods by road.
-
Perform driving manoeuvres in a safe manner.
-
Explain the effects of dynamics on a heavy vehicle.
|
3 |
20 |
|
3003 - Vehicle Technology
Aim: To enable students to become familiar with the range of technological innovation and how these are used on a heavy combination or rigid vehicle.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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Describe a range of innovations and technologies that apply to heavy vehicles.
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Demonstrate the use of a range of technology systems used on heavy vehicles.
-
Apply knowledge of heavy vehicle mechanical and electrical principles and systems to safely carry out essential checks.
|
3 |
15 |
|
3004 - Professional Operator Skills
Aim: To enable students to show professional behaviours and skills, and to apply these in work placement contexts.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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Describe and apply the principles, regulations and industry standards for loading and unloading heavy vehicles.
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Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills for commercial road transport drivers.
-
Apply the professional skills as a heavy vehicle operator in a range of industry contexts.
|
3 |
15 |
|
3005 - Specialist Driving Skills
Aim: To enable students to carry out appropriate safety checks and safely operate a heavy vehicle.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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Apply the specialist skills required to operate a heavy vehicle safely.
-
Safely carry out essential checks on heavy vehicles.
-
Explain and demonstrate safe and fuel efficient driving skills required for a heavy vehicle.
-
Operate a heavy vehicle over 18,000 kilograms in a safe and legal manner.
|
3 |
20 |
Students must achieve 90 credits to be awarded this qualification.
Entry requirements
To gain admission to the New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Road Transport (Heavy Vehicle Operator) (Level 3) applicants must meet the following criteria:
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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.
Qualification gained
New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Road Transport (Heavy Vehicle Operator) (Level 3)
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. Fees are an indication, include GST and apply to domestic students only. View terms and conditions
From 1 January 2023, all NorthTec learners will be part of Te Pūkenga. Please note that these programmes of study are currently under review as part of the reform of vocational education training and may be subject to change.