When you need a pilot
- Your load crosses the centre line by 500 mm or more.
- It takes over half the road with no centre line.
- There is not enough road left for a standard motor vehicle coming the other way to pass without a significant reduction in speed.
More detail
- Also if other traffic would not get enough warning.
- Under 500 metres in daylight, the Rule lets you go without a pilot if you can travel safely without holding up other traffic (6.38). That wording covers 6.33, 6.34 and 6.35 only. It does not cover the opposing lane (6.37) or a load over 5 m wide (6.46(4)), and a pilot named on your permit is still a critical condition (6.53(b)). That is distance travelled. It is not the 500 mm centre-line measure.
Where this comes from: Rule 6.33(2), 6.37, 6.38, 6.46(4), 6.53(b)
Class 1 pilot, the advanced level
- Class 2 is the entry level. Class 1 is the advanced qualification.
- You need a Class 1 pilot for Category 3 and 4, Category 2 at night (unless an inspector has verified the vehicle’s swept path, 6.34(4)), a load over 5 m wide, and the opposing lane on a median-divided road or at a controlled intersection.
- A Class 1 pilot vehicle is substantially white, with a gross vehicle mass not over 3,500 kg, and shows an approved pilot logo.
More detail
- The operator of a pilot vehicle must be an enforcement officer, or have completed a Class 1 or Class 2 pilot driver’s course approved by the Director.
- Opposing lane on a median-divided road or at a controlled intersection also needs road controlling authority permission.
- Auckland Harbour Bridge: over 3.1 m wide needs a Class 1 pilot (Schedule 8).
- All pilot vehicles and overdimension vehicles in a convoy must be in radio communication (6.41(6)). A pilot vehicle may not carry or tow an overdimension load (6.41(3)).
- If more than one pilot is needed, the operator must name an on-road supervisor (6.30(c)).
Where this comes from: Rule 6.30, 6.34, 6.35, 6.37, 6.39, 6.41, 6.44(3); Schedule 8
Pilot courses and tests
- Load pilot driver code NZTA. Class 1 and Class 2 pilot guide and forms.
- Class 2 pilot test (ASPEQ) Book the Class 2 load pilot test.
Pilot numbers by category
| Category | Pilots |
|---|---|
| Standard | None for width |
| Category 1 | 1 Class 2 over 3.1 m wide, if over 40 km/h in daylight hours or at any speed in hours of darkness (Rule 6.33(1)). A pilot can be needed at any size (6.33(2)) |
| Category 2 | 1 Class 2 by day, 1 Class 1 + 1 Class 2 at night (2 Class 2 by day for 2C) |
| Category 3 | 1 Class 1 + 1 Class 2 at all times (1 Class 1 + 2 Class 2 at all times if rear overhang over 7 m) |
| Category 4A | 1 Class 1 + 2 Class 2 at all times, plus any permit conditions |
| Category 4B | 1 Class 1 + 2 Class 2, plus permit conditions |
Where this comes from: Rule 6.33 to 6.35. Your permit can name extra pilots, and the Rule and the permit both apply.
General information only. Not legal advice and not a permit. The Rule, your permit conditions, NZTA and road signs come first. Rules change, so check the current Rule before every move. Checked 9 Oct 2026 against the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2016, as at 6 Aug 2026. If you are unsure, ring NZTA’s permitting team on 0800 683 774.