In New Zealand, you can drive a light truck on a standard Class 1 (car) license, provided its Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is 4,500 kg or less and it has no more than two axles. The GVM is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle when fully loaded, including passengers, cargo, and fuel. This category includes popular models like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and similar utes (utility vehicles), along with smaller delivery vans.
The critical factor is the GVM, not the vehicle's unladen or "tare" weight. If a truck's GVM exceeds 4,500 kg, you'll need a Class 2 license, which requires additional testing. Another key restriction is the number of occupants; if the vehicle is designed to carry more than 12 people (including the driver), a passenger endorsement is needed, which is uncommon for typical light trucks.
It's also essential to understand the difference between GVM and Gross Combined Mass (GCM). Your car license allows you to tow a trailer, but the combined weight of the loaded truck and the loaded trailer (the GCM) must not exceed 6,000 kg. If you plan to tow heavy loads, you must carefully check the manufacturer's specified GCM for your specific truck model.
| Common Truck Models Eligible for a Car License in NZ | Typical GVM (kg) | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Toyota Hilux (Double Cab) | 2,980 - 3,200 | Well under the 4,500 kg limit, very popular. |
| Ford Ranger (Wildtrak) | 3,200 - 3,500 | High towing capacity; check GCM for heavy loads. |
| Nissan Navara | 2,810 - 3,050 | A common choice in the ute segment. |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (short wheelbase) | 3,000 - 3,500 | A commercial van option for a car license. |
| Isuzu D-Max (LS-U) | 2,955 - 3,200 | Known for durability and reliability. |
| Mitsubishi Triton | 2,820 - 3,050 | A competitive midsize ute model. |
| Volkswagen Amarok | 2,920 - 3,080 | Offers car-like driving dynamics. |
| Toyota Hiace (van) | 2,510 - 2,800 | A common passenger and cargo van. |
Always check the vehicle's certification label (usually found on the driver's door jamb) to confirm its exact GVM. Never rely on the model name alone, as specifications can vary between model years and trims. If you're unsure, the NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) website is the most authoritative source for license requirements.
