Vehicle inspector applications (used light vehicles)

Overview of the application process

1. Complete training with an in-house or external provider so you’re prepared to pass a theory and practical test.
   Note: If you haven’t completed training at the time you send us your application, you must complete it before your test. We’ll contact you to arrange a date and time for your test, so you can make sure you’ve completed your training by then.
2. Get your criminal record check from the Ministry of Justice (if needed).
3. Send us a complete application form with relevant supporting documents.
4. We’ll assess your application and let you know if you meet requirements to sit a theory test.
   Note: If you’re applying for CoF B you’ll also need to send us evidence that you’ve completed roller brake machine (RBM) training before sitting the theory test.
5. Pass a theory test conducted by us.
6. Pass a practical test conducted by us.
7. If your application is successful, we’ll appoint you as a vehicle inspector.

Submitting your application

If you completed the online application we'll be in contact once we have evaluated your application – there's nothing else you need to do for now.

If you're completing the PDF application sure you've completed all sections of the form, and supplied all the supporting documents we request. If your application is incomplete, we'll send it back to you.

Email it to vehicleinspections@nzta.govt.nz or post it to:

Provider Licensing
NZ Transport Agency
Private Bag 11777
Palmerston North 4442

Requirements to become a used light entry vehicle inspector

To become a used light entry vehicle inspector (VI) you must:

• have held your appointment as a WoF VI for at least 6 months
• work for an inspecting organisation appointed for used light entry.

Note: if you work in a high-volume inspection environment and can demonstrate sufficient experience, you can ask us to waive the six-month requirement. You would still need to meet all other requirements (like training and passing the theory and practical tests) to be appointed as a used light entry VI.

Prerequisites to apply

Driver licence prerequisites

You must have a current and correct class of driver licence to drive the vehicles you want to inspect.

You must drive to the conditions imposed on your licence.

If you have a learner or restricted motorcycle licence you can only inspect motorcycles that are LAMS approved.

LAMS approved and prohibited motorcycles

Note: Where a class 5 vehicle does not have to be driven by the vehicle inspector who is conducting the inspection, the minimum class of licence to be held is a class 4 licence.

Overseas licences

If you apply with an overseas licence you must also send us:

• a clear colour copy of your overseas licence (all sides/pages)
• your international driving permit (if you have one).

Be aware that if you’re driving in New Zealand with an overseas licence, once you’ve been in New Zealand for more than 12 months (for classes 2-6), you can’t drive on your overseas licence anymore. For class 1 (car) licences, until 31 October 2026, once you’ve been in New Zealand for more than 18 months,  you can’t drive on your overseas licence anymore. You must get a New Zealand licence.

You might need to pass a theory and/or practical test to get a New Zealand licence.

If you need to pass a theory and practical test, you’ll get a New Zealand driver licence with a supervisor condition. This means you must have a supervisor with you at all times while driving, even when inspecting vehicles (until you pass your practical test).

More information is available on the NZTA website:

Driving on New Zealand roads with an overseas licence

Converting to a New Zealand driver licence

Training required

You need to complete in-house or external training to prepare for a theory and practical test.

Training should cover:

• Applicable statutory provisions and vehicle standards relating to entry certification sufficient to inspect a vehicle in accordance with the VIRM: Entry certification
• Common vehicles and their components and systems sufficient to inspect them in accordance with the:
  • VIRM: Entry certification
  • VIRM: In-service certification
• Vehicle structure, relevant to the classes of vehicle you’re applying to be appointed for.
• Identification of repairs to the classes of vehicles you’re applying to be appointed for.

Assessing your application

If your application isn't successful

We’ll propose to decline your application

If your application doesn’t meet our requirements, we’ll send you a notice proposing to decline your application. In that notice, we’ll let you know our concerns and what we’ve considered when assessing your application.

This step isn’t a final decision to decline your application. You’ll have the opportunity to make submissions (give more information) to us, which we’ll consider before we make a final decision.

We may still decline your application

If you don’t make any submissions to us, or the submissions you do make still don’t meet our requirements, we may send you a final decision declining your application.

If that happens, you have the right to appeal our decision to a district court under section 106 of the Land Transport Act 1998. Section 111 of the act and part 20, subpart 2 of the District Court Rules 2014 explain how to appeal.

If you're appointed as a vehicle inspector