New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Road Transport (Heavy Vehicle Operator) (Level 3)

Level 3

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Are you ready to operate heavy vehicles? The UCOL Te Pūkenga New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Road Transport (Heavy Vehicle Operator) (Level 3) programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need.

Quick info

Level: 3

Locations: UCOL Te Pūkenga Wairarapa in Masterton

Duration: 19 weeks full-time
52 weeks part-time
(See Course Hours & Duration for details)

Dates:
2024 dates TBC

Domestic Fees: *
2024 fees TBC

Scholarship info

Find out if you're eligible for fees-free study

International Fees:*
Please enquire

Additional Fees
Compulsory course costs may apply.

* Fees are indicative only, and are inclusive of the student services levy and GST (goods and services tax). The fee shown is for one year of study.

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Whether you’re an experienced heavy vehicle driver or a beginner, this programme will help enhance your driving skills. It will prepare you to be a competent and safe heavy vehicle operator, with better job prospects in a variety of industries. You’ll gain practical skills and knowledge beyond just what’s required to get your licence.

Course Hours & Duration

This programme runs for 19 weeks full-time or 52 weeks part-time including 4 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

19 hrs

In-person, online and in-work learning, plus block courses at UCOL Te Pūkenga.

Industry Experience

8 hrs

Work-integrated learning.

Study Time
20 hrs

Study in your own time. Talk to us about your options with this programme.

Career & Study Outcomes

Graduates of this qualification can, if they want, do further study with the New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Road Transport (Specialist Driver) (Level 4) programme. If you want to jump straight into work, you’ll be ready for employment as a heavy vehicle combination or heavy rigid vehicle driver in the following areas:

Fuel Driver
Log Drivers
Ground Spreading
Contracting
Civil Works
Transport Management
Transport Operations
Dairy Industry/Primary Industries

Course Information

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists of 90 credits. The courses include:

Introductory Skills (20 Credits)
Learners will develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to comply with commercial road transport rules and regulations and manage their driving performance to ensure the safety of self and others. After this course, you will be able to:

Operate a heavy vehicle in a safe and legal manner.
Apply risk reduction techniques and strategies whilst driving.
Explain the symptoms and management of health factors relating to driving performance.
Manage and perform driver responsibilities and obligations for work time, driver fatigue, and logbook requirements.

Industry Skills (20 Credits)
Learners will develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies related to legal and responsible driving and the application of basic industry practices. After this course, you will be able to:

Accurately complete documentation required to comply with legal requirements for transporting goods by road.
Conduct risk assessment and apply hazard identification procedures to meet industry requirements.
Explain the effects of dynamics on a heavy vehicle.

Vehicle Technology (15 Credits)
Learners will develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to operate a range of technological innovations on a heavy combination or rigid vehicle. After this course, you will be able to:

Describe a range of innovations and technologies that apply to heavy vehicles.
Use a range of technological systems used on heavy vehicles.
Describe heavy vehicle mechanical and electrical principles and systems.
Carry out essential checks.
Explain and demonstrate safe and fuel-efficient driving skills required for a heavy vehicle.

Professional Operator Skills (15 Credits)
Learners will develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to perform professionally in workplace contexts. After this course, you will be able to:

Communicate effectively with customers, clients, and colleagues.
Demonstrate professionalism to contribute to operational objectives.
Initiate procedures in response to emergency situations and hazardous conditions.
Provide comprehensive first aid.

Specialist Driving Skills (20 Credits)
Learners will develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to operate a heavy vehicle and forklift in a safe and legal manner. After this course, you will be able to:

Describe skills and knowledge for safely operating a forklift on the road.
Safely operate a forklift, complying with standards, procedures, rules, and codes.
Operate a heavy vehicle over 18,000 kilograms in a safe and legal manner.

Domestic Entry Requirements

NCEA Level 1 in English and Maths
OR
Equivalent skills and on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean
AND
Must hold a minimum of a New Zealand Class 2 Learner Driver’s Licence for the full-time study.
OR
Must hold a minimum of a New Zealand Class 1 Learner Driver’s Licence for a minimum of six months for the part-time study.

Refer to Waka Kotahi licencing regulations.

English Language Proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS or equivalent, including TOEFL. Contact the info centre for more details. UCOL Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL Te Pūkenga NCEA explained page.

International Entry Requirements

Due to NZTA licencing requirements, this course is not offered to international learners.

Advice & Guidance

This qualification is targeted at new or existing heavy vehicle drivers who wish to gain skills and knowledge beyond those required to be a licence holder.

Drivers Licence

To enrol into this programme learners must have held minimum of a New Zealand Class 1 Learner Driver’s Licence for a minimum of six months for the part-time study.

This qualification does not permit the holder to drive a motor vehicle on New Zealand roads without a current, relevant driver licence issued by NZTA.

Due to Class 2, 4, or 5 licencing rules, you must hold a licence for a certain amount of time - six (6) months for those under 25 years and three (3) months for those 25 years and older before progressing onto the next licence.

If a learner is disqualified from driving or has their licence suspended during the duration of the programme of study, they will not be eligible to pass the programme and this may impact their ability to re-enrol and complete the programme in the future.

Work Integrated Hours

There are 152 work integrated learning hours for this programme.

Learners need to be aware of the physical requirements for operating in a commercial road transport environment. Learners will be advised to put any special needs or requirements in writing and advise the Academic Portfolio Manager before the programme begins.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer, and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course or unit standards have already been met.

Application Checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable).

Additional Costs

While some personal protective equipment is provided by UCOL Te Pūkenga, students must supply their own overalls, wet weather gear and steel cap boots.