Truck Driver New Zealand – Drivers License Transport Sector Agreement Finalised

To provide support to the national infrastructure of New Zealand, in December 2022 a transport sector agreement was announced by the Minister of Immigration and Transport. Under this agreement, truck drivers primarily with a class 4 or 5 licence, as well as bus drivers, are eligible for a 2-year work to residence pathway. Also announced, bus drivers now have a median wage exemption to be paid $28 an hour and must meet an eligibility criterion, which is aimed at supporting New Zealand’s critical public transport industry.

Residency applications will open on 29 September 2023, subject to the 2-year work requirement being met by the applicant. This agreement is uncapped and will be reviewed after 12 months. Any migrants who are already executing their 2-year work to residence pathway will not be affected by any changes implemented from this review.

This agreement provides migrants who are truck drivers with the long-awaited clarity regarding a path to residency. These changes come post pandemic as New Zealand faces a road transport worker shortage. Migrants will need to meet the licensing requirements, along with standard immigration resident visa policy. 

Passing of a theory test is required to convert truck licences from exempt countries to New Zealand class 2-5 licences. Additionally, passing of a practical test is required if the licence has been held for less than 2 years. Licences from non-exempt countries require both a theory test and practical test to be passed before a New Zealand drivers license can be obtained. Please see the exempt countries listed below: