Truck Drivers - converting licenses from exempt countries
If you are a truck driver looking to live and work in New Zealand, this info could be useful to you. New changes were recently agreed by the NZ Minister of Immigration and Transport that will help to provide support to the national infrastructure of NZ.
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:
