100+ Free Class 5 Theory Test Practice Questions

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NZTA Class 3 Heavy Vehicle Theory Test - Medium Combination (New Zealand)

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Class 5 Theory Test Exam

94%

Passing Score

33/35 questions

Test Questions

Multiple-choice

$77.50

Application Fee

NZTA (includes test)

90 km/h

Heavy Vehicle Speed Limit

Open road

25,000+ kg

Allowable GCW (Class 5)

Heavy combination

20-40 hrs

Study Time

Recommended

The NZTA Class 5 heavy vehicle theory test is a 35-question multiple-choice exam requiring 33 correct answers (94%) to pass. It tests both general NZ road rules and specialist heavy combination knowledge including fifth wheel coupling, dual air brakes, Static Roll Threshold (SRT), load security under the NZ Load Restraint Code, and work time limits. A Class 5 licence allows you to drive heavy combination vehicles with a GCW over 25,000 kg. You must hold a full Class 4 licence for at least 6 months (3 months if aged 25+) before applying.

Sample Class 5 Theory Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Class 5 Theory Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What does Static Roll Threshold (SRT) measure in a heavy combination vehicle?

A.The vehicle's resistance to rolling over sideways when cornering

B.The maximum speed at which the vehicle can travel in a straight line

C.The load capacity of the trailer's suspension axles

D.The brake force distribution between the tractor and the trailer

Explanation: Static Roll Threshold (SRT) is a measure of the lateral stability of a vehicle, specifically its resistance to rolling over sideways when cornering or during sudden steering maneuvers.

2What is the maximum standard width allowed for a heavy vehicle (including its load) on New Zealand roads?

A.2.50 metres

B.2.55 metres

C.2.60 metres

D.2.70 metres

Explanation: Under the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass (VDAM), the maximum standard width for a heavy vehicle, including its load, is 2.55 metres. Collapsible mirrors and side marker lights are excluded from this measurement.

3What is the maximum standard height allowed for a heavy vehicle, including its load, on New Zealand roads?

A.4.0 metres

B.4.2 metres

C.4.3 metres

D.4.5 metres

Explanation: The maximum standard height allowed for a heavy vehicle and its load in New Zealand is 4.3 metres. Any height exceeding this requires an overdimension permit and has route restrictions.

4What is the minimum legal Static Roll Threshold (SRT) requirement for Class TD trailers (GVM over 10 tonnes) in New Zealand?

A.0.30g

B.0.35g

C.0.40g

D.0.45g

Explanation: To ensure stability and reduce rollover risk, Class TD trailers with a GVM over 10 tonnes must be certified to meet a minimum Static Roll Threshold (SRT) of 0.35g.

5Under what condition must a Class TD heavy trailer (GVM over 10 tonnes) be certified for Static Roll Threshold (SRT) compliance?

A.If the trailer has a load or body height that exceeds 2.8 metres above the ground

B.Only if it is carrying hazardous materials or chemicals

C.Only if it is operating under a High Productivity Motor Vehicle (HPMV) permit

D.If the trailer has more than three axles in its set

Explanation: Class TD heavy trailers with a GVM over 10 tonnes must be certified to meet the minimum SRT of 0.35g if they have a body or load height exceeding 2.8 metres above the ground.

6What is 'off-tracking' in a heavy combination vehicle?

A.The tendency of the trailer wheels to follow a path inside the track of the tractor's front wheels during a turn

B.The failure of the trailer's brakes to apply when the tractor brakes are activated

C.The side-to-side swinging motion of the trailer when driving on a straight highway

D.The loss of traction of the drive wheels when accelerating on a slippery road

Explanation: Off-tracking occurs during a turn when the trailer wheels do not follow the same path as the towing vehicle's wheels. The trailer cuts inside the path of the tractor, requiring the driver to swing wide on turns.

7How does increasing the height of the load affect a combination vehicle's Static Roll Threshold (SRT)?

A.It lowers the SRT, making the vehicle more likely to roll over

B.It increases the SRT, making the vehicle more stable

C.It has no effect on SRT, as long as the gross weight remains constant

D.It only affects the front axle steering weight, not the roll threshold

Explanation: A higher load raises the vehicle's center of gravity. This reduces its lateral stability, lowering the SRT and making the vehicle more prone to rolling over on curves or during sudden maneuvers.

8What is the primary cause of a trailer-jackknife in a heavy combination vehicle?

A.The trailer wheels lock up under braking while the tractor drive wheels continue to roll

B.The tractor drive wheels lock up and slide while the trailer continues to push forward

C.The steering wheels of the tractor lose traction on a sharp turn

D.The landing gear of the trailer drops down and contacts the road surface

Explanation: A trailer-push or classic jackknife is primarily caused when the tractor's drive wheels lock up and lose traction, causing the rear of the tractor to swing out as the trailer pushes it from behind.

9How does a longer trailer wheelbase affect its off-tracking during turns?

A.It increases the amount of off-tracking, making the trailer cut in more

B.It decreases the off-tracking, causing the trailer wheels to follow the tractor path closer

C.It has no effect on off-tracking, which depends only on the tractor wheelbase

D.It eliminates tyre scrub but does not affect the turning path

Explanation: A longer trailer wheelbase (the distance from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle set) increases the amount of off-tracking. This causes the trailer rear wheels to cut further inside the path of the tractor.

10What is the relationship between a trailer's Static Roll Threshold (SRT) and its maximum safe speed on a curve?

A.A lower SRT reduces the maximum safe speed, meaning the trailer will roll over at lower speeds

B.A lower SRT increases the safe speed because the trailer flexes more on curves

C.SRT only affects straight-line braking and has no relationship with curve speeds

D.The safe curve speed is determined solely by tractor weight, regardless of trailer SRT

Explanation: SRT represents a vehicle's rollover threshold. A lower SRT (e.g., 0.35g vs 0.45g) means the vehicle is less stable and will roll over at lower lateral accelerations, which directly reduces the maximum safe speed on a curve.

About the Class 5 Theory Test Exam

The NZTA Class 5 theory test is required to obtain a Class 5 learner licence for heavy combination vehicles in New Zealand. The test covers both general road rules and specialist heavy vehicle knowledge including air brakes, coupling procedures, dimensions, and work time regulations.

Questions

35 scored questions

Time Limit

30 minutes

Passing Score

33/35 (94%)

Exam Fee

Included in application fee (NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi)

Class 5 Theory Test Exam Content Outline

35%

General Road Rules

Give-way rules, speed limits, road signs, intersections, and safe driving practices

20%

Heavy combination vehicle dimensions & loading

Maximum dimensions, Static Roll Threshold (SRT), load security (NZ Load Restraint Code), and over-dimension rules

15%

Coupling & Uncoupling

Fifth wheel coupling, B-train coupling, air line connections, safety checks, and tug test

15%

Air Brake Systems

Dual air systems, compressor governors, moisture draining, low-pressure warning devices, and spring brakes

10%

Work Time & Logbooks

Work time limits, logbook rules, rest break exemptions, and record keeping

Licence & Compliance

Class 5 prerequisites, Certificate of Fitness (CoF), Road User Charges (RUC), and logbook retention

How to Pass the Class 5 Theory Test Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 33/35 (94%)
Exam length: 35 questions
Time limit: 30 minutes
Exam fee: Included in application fee

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Class 5 Theory Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the Official NZ Road Code for Heavy Vehicles thoroughly — the test draws from both general and specialist sections

2Focus on exact numbers: 33/35 to pass, 90 km/h open road limit for heavy vehicles, 4.3m maximum height, 2.55m maximum width

3Master air brake systems and coupling/uncoupling procedures — these are high-value specialist topics

4Learn work time rules precisely: 13 hours max work day, 30-minute break after 5½ hours, 10 hours rest

5Take practice tests until you consistently score 100% — the 94% pass mark leaves almost no room for error

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Class 5 heavy vehicle theory test?

The NZTA Class 5 heavy vehicle theory test consists of 35 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 33 correctly to pass, giving it a very high pass threshold of 94%. The test covers both general road rules and specialist heavy vehicle knowledge.

What do I need before I can sit the Class 5 theory test?

You must hold a full New Zealand Class 4 licence for at least 6 months (3 months if you are aged 25 or older). You will need to bring evidence of identity, a completed DL1 application form, and potentially a medical certificate to a driver licensing agent such as AA or VTNZ.

What topics does the Class 5 theory test cover?

The test covers general road rules (give-way, speed limits, signs, intersections) and specialist heavy combination topics including vehicle dimensions and loading, coupling and uncoupling procedures (fifth wheel and kingpins), air brake systems, work time and logbook rules, and vehicle safety compliance.

How much does the Class 5 learner licence cost?

The Class 5 learner licence application fee is $77.50, which includes the cost of the theory test. There are no additional fees to sit, change, or resit the theory test.

What happens after I pass the Class 5 theory test?

After passing, you receive a Class 5 learner licence. To obtain a full Class 5 licence, you can either complete an NZTA-approved Class 5 training course (fast-track option) or hold your learner licence for at least 6 months and pass a practical driving test with a testing officer.