Class 5 Theory Test case studies

Class 5 Theory Test · Put your knowledge to work in context.

The Class 5 licence is New Zealand's heaviest general driver licence class, and this theory test page is an independent study resource for candidates working towards it. It is written for drivers who already hold a lower licence class and want to move up to the class that covers the heaviest rigid trucks and combination vehicles, and for people converting an overseas truck licence who need to refresh New Zealand-specific rules. The Class 5 Theory Test case studies are 5 cases and about 2,599 words.

Overheated brakes on a long descent with a 44-tonne combination

A driver is taking a 44,000 kg six-axle semi-trailer down a 6 km descent signed at 8%, carrying a full load of bagged fertiliser. The speed limit is 90 km/h and the truck is sitting on 55 km/h.

542 words, about 3 min 2

Pre-start defect, RUC shortfall, expiring CoF and an overweight axle

and a driver is doing the pre-start check on a 2014 rigid curtain-sider with a CoF label showing expiry in three days. While draining the air tanks the driver notices a chafed air line running to the trailer coupling, with the outer casing worn through to the braid.

544 words, about 3 min 3

Card still valid, but the specialist said no driving

A 58-year-old Class 5 driver had a stent fitted after a heart attack six weeks ago. The specialist's letter says 'no driving until reviewed at three months'.

468 words, about 2 min 4

Three trucks, three drivers, and the licence classes that actually cover them

A family transport firm runs three vehicles: a rigid tipper with a gross vehicle mass of 15,500 kg, a heavy trailer it tows behind the tipper with a laden mass of 6,800 kg, and a tractor unit with a semi-trailer with a gross combined mass of 39,000 kg. The firm also has a 4,500 kg trailer that can be towed behind the tipper.

539 words, about 3 min 5

Left turn across a cyclist in the blind spot

A driver is in a 12.5 m rigid truck, 2.55 m wide, heading east in the left lane of a four-lane road at 25 km/h, approaching a signalised intersection where they intend to turn left. A short left-turn slip lane and a kerbside cycle lane run along the left of the traffic lane; there is no bike box.

506 words, about 3 min