Do I need a Transport Service Licence?

There are five different types of Transport Service Licence (TSL). If one of the statements below applies to you, you will need to hold the correct type of Transport Service Licence.

I plan to operate a Goods Vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) over 6000kg.
Apply for a Goods Vehicle Licence
I plan to drive a passenger service vehicle that carries fewer than 12 passengers.
Apply for a Small Passenger Service Licence
I plan to drive a passenger service vehicle that carries 12 or more passengers.
Apply for a Large Passenger Service Licence
I plan to operate a vehicle recovery service vehicle (for operating vehicles that carry or tow vehicles¹)
Apply for a Vehicle Recovery Service Licence
I plan to hire out vehicles to carry goods or passengers.
Apply for a Rental Service Licence

Who needs a Transport Service Licence (TSL)?

Waka Kotahi states that you require a Transport Service Licence (TSL) “to operate a goods service, large or small passenger service, vehicle recovery service or rental service.”

A TSL provides proof that you have the knowledge needed to operate any of these types of transport service safely and properly.

Waka Kotahi issues five different types of Transport Service Licence:

Goods Service Licence (for operating vehicles with a gross mass of over 6000kg)
Small Passenger Service Licence (for operating vehicles that carry 12 people or less)
Large Passenger Service Licence (for operating vehicles that carry more than 12 people)
Vehicle Recovery Service Licence (for operating vehicles that carry or tow vehicles²)
Rental Service Licence.

What a TSL Label looks like – this needs to be displayed in the vehicle you are operating. [image source]

Do I need a TSL to hire a truck from Allways Hire?

If you want to hire a truck from Allways Hire, you may require a Transport Service Licence (TSL) if the GVM of the truck you are hiring is over 6000kg.

If the truck you are hiring has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of over 6000kg and you are using it to move ‘goods’ (dirt, building materials, water etc.) then you are classed as operating a Goods Service. You will need to hold and display a Transport Service Licence in the form of a Goods Service Licence to demonstrate that you are able to do this safely and properly.

When you hire from us; we are legally required to check you have the right licence. Making sure you have the right licence before you book your hire will help you avoid any disruption or unwanted issues.

You must follow Waka Kotahi guidelines to display your TSL or GSL label correctly while operating your vehicle. You are also required to maintain a logbook every time you operate a vehicle for Transport Services or Goods Services.

You need a TSL to move goods in trucks like this Hino Tipper Truck 500 Series (Class 2)

How do I apply for a TSL or GSL?

You can apply for a TSL or GSL at your local Driver Licensing Agent. If you are applying for a GSL you will need to complete the application form and take it, along with the following:

a completed Personal details supporting an application for transport service licence [PDF, 61 KB] (TL02) form for each person that will be in control of the service
the application fee
the police vetting fee for each person that will be in control of the service
a certificate of knowledge of law and practice for a goods service.

You can find up-to-date information on current fees and charges on the Waka Kotahi website.

How long does it take to apply for a TSL?

Applying for a TSL with all documentation included and correct can take at least 20 working days. That’s why it’s important to identify sooner rather than later if you are likely to need any kind of TSL so you can get your paperwork together and receive your licence before you book your hire.

How long is a TSL or GSL valid for?

A TSL or GSL is issued for a specific timeframe, for example 5 years. If you wish to extend your licence at the end of this period you can apply for an extension before your licence expires.

I’ve got a class 2/3/4/5 licence – do I still need a Transport Service Licence to operate a truck?

Yes, even if you hold a different Class of Driver Licence you still need a valid Transport Service Licence if you are operating a truck with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of over 6000kg and you are using it to move ‘goods’ (dirt, building materials, water etc.).

What happens if I operate a vehicle without a Goods Service Licence?

If you transport goods in a vehicle with a mass of 6000kg or more without the right licence you are breaking the law. It is illegal to operate an unlicensed goods service. If you are convicted you can face a fine of up to $10,000. Repeat offences can incur fines of up to $25,000. The court may also impound vehicles used in an unlicensed service for up to 90 days (no matter who owns them).

Get your paperwork ready for your next hire.

We’ve used our website to make it extra easy to check you have the licence you need for your next hire.

Take a look at the Product Description for the piece of hire equipment you’re interested in. If you’re using it to transport goods; we’ve highlighted the need for a TSL.

The product description for each piece of equipment makes it clear if you require a TSL in order to hire.

Alternatively, if you check out the GVM of the equipment you’re hiring in the Specifications section; you will be able to see if it’s over 6000kg and therefore requires a TSL for goods transportation.

Within each listing you can check the GVM (if it’s a truck over 6000kg you will require a TSL), and the DELIVERY & INSTRUCTIONS information which will detail which kind of licence you require in order to hire.

If you don’t have the right kind of licence and need to hire straight away, remember we also have Class 1 Trucks available for hire.

Our team is always here to help you with any hire enquiry. You can contact us by email at info@allwayshire.co.nz or call us on 06 872 6774.

¹It requires a transport service licence if it isn’t exempt under the Land Transport Act (e.g. you don’t need a transport service licence to tow a friend’s car with your own in the case of a breakdown). [source: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/transport-service-licences/]

²It requires a transport service licence if it isn’t exempt under the Land Transport Act (e.g. you don’t need a transport service licence to tow a friend’s car with your own in the case of a breakdown). [source: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/transport-service-licences/]