Anyone with a full car licence can hire and drive trucks that has a GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) of less than 6T.
In terms of the type of trucks we have at Heavy Trax Hire, this means that a small 3T tipper can be used with a car license, provided that the driver doesn’t exceed the 6T limit, i.e; tow a small digger while fully loaded, as this puts it over 6T combined weight.
For trucks larger than 6T GVM, different rules apply. A vehicle of this size requires a TSL (Transport Service Licence) to operate.
A TSL is explained on the NZTA website as ‘A goods service deliveries or carries goods, whether or not for hire or reward, using a motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass of 6000kg or more, including one that is ‘on hire’ to carry goods.’
The full explanation can be read here https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/transport-service-licences/goods-service-licence/
This essentially means that a truck that requires a Class 2 licence (or larger) must be operated with a TSL. The TSL that needs to be displayed in the vehicle, is that of the company delivering the load, not necessarily the owner of the vehicle.