What do the numbers and letters stand for on my licence?
1   A vehicle up to 4500kg's gross weight.
2   A vehicle up to 18,000kg's or any two axle vehicle or combination up to 12,000kg's.
3   Truck and trailer or combination up to 25,000kg's.
4   Any rigid vehicle.
5   Any combination of truck and trailer of any weight.
6   Motorcycle licence.      

W   Any wheeled machine (Not forklift or tractor).
T   Tracks.
R   Rollers.
F   Forklift.
D   Dangerous goods.
V   Vehicle recovery.
P   Passenger service.
O   Testing officer.
I   Driving instructor.

When do I need a drivers licence?
Any time you drive on a road with any vehicle you are expected to be licenced. The law defines a road as any place which the public has access whether of right or not.

This means that if someone has the ability to be near you while driving, then generally speaking you are on a road. Therefore you need a licence.

When operating machinery, insurance companies, ACC and OSH generally see a driver licence as a minimum qualification to use the machine.

How do you get a heavy class of licence?
You will need a learner licence for the class of licence you are wanting. You can get this through any AA agent - OR come to us and we will make it easier for you. We will give you training and organise everything for you."

Firstly you will need to have a Full Class 1 licence for at least 6 months. This can be obtained at any AA agent, VTNZ or smaller agent through New Zealand.

Once you have this give us a call. We will teach you every thing you need to know about...

• Logbooks
• Stress on the Road
• Vehicle Checks
• Load Security
• Driving

Then we will assess your knowledge. This process will normally take 2 days per licence class required.

By going through a course with AMS Group you can go to a full licence without the normal 6 month learner licence time.

We have our own trucks which we are more than happy to make available for this purpose.

When do I need to pay?
You will need to pay for your course on the first day at the beginning of the course.
You may pay by cheque; cash; EFTPOS  or credit cards

Do I need my licence on testing day?
Yes you will need your licence.

What type of foot wear will I need?
You will need enclosed strong footwear, you will not be allowed to sit your test in footwear such as jandals, sandals, bare feet, high heels etc.

What does AMS provide?
We will provide you with vehicles, machinery, personal protective equipment, a log book and training and assessment materials. Morning and afternoon tea and lunch if required.

Can I get the credits gained from this course registered with NZQA?
Yes, you will need to provide us with your hook on number and you’ll be charged $1 dollar per credit.

Does my licensing assessment include a driving lesson?
No not as a rule. We will take you for an initial drive to assess whether you will need lessons to be able to pass your assessment.

How quickly may I resit my licence?
Discuss this with your assessor, it will depend on why you need to resit.

Can I have a lesson before my course?
Yes you can. Cost of this is $150.00 per hour.

How many lessons will I need?
Until we have been out for an hour we will not be able to tell.

Can I supply my own vehicle?
Yes, but the cost will remain the same as we are required to undergo a reasonably in depth check on the vehicle.

Does AMS Group provide vehicles?
Yes, the cost is built in to the course. We have a wide range depending on the licences you are seeking. All these vehicles meet all legal requirements.

Does the vehicle have to be loaded during my test?
Yes, the vehicle must be loaded to 50% of the gross vehicle mass.

When do I get my certificate?
The certificate will be generally posted to you no later than 2 working days after the course.

What licence do I need to have before I can go on a course
Class 2 You will need a Class 2 learner licence.
Class 3 You will need a Class 3 learner licence.
Class 4 You will need a Class 4 learner licence.
Class 5 You will need a Class 5 learner licence.

Endorsements
D, F, R, T, W You must a hold a full Class 1 licence.

How do I get a Learners licence?
This can be obtained from any LTNZ licencing agent (VTNZ or AA) or you can let us take care of the whole process for you. For $895 inc GST we will sort out everything you require to sit for a class 2 licence. We will provide training, medical and learner licence fees.

How do I get a Class 1 (car) licence?
To achieve a car licence you need to get a learners licence, six months later you can get the restricted licence and eighteen months later you can get your full licence. With education this process can be shortened.

Class 1L (Learners) – You need to be 15 years of age or over and you have to pass a theory test.

Class 1R (Restricted) – You must have held your Class 1L for 6 months. To achieve the Class 1R you must sit a practical test with an LTNZ agent (VTNZ or AA). After 18 months, you will be able to obtain a Full Class 1 (Car) licence. After you have had the restricted licence for six months you can shorten the 18 months to 12 months by doing a defensive driving course.
If you are over 25 years old and over, you will have a restricted licence for six months, but this can be shortened to three months, by doing a defensive drivers course. This can be done immediately upon receiving your licence.

Class 1F (Full) – You must have held your Class 1R for the required period (see Class 1R (Restricted). Once you have successfully passed the practical test you will have your full class 1 licence.