Technical information


Publications

Approved qualified person (AQP) list (PDF)

Version: November 2023

An AQP is a person trained and appointed by the roller brake machine (RBM) manufacturer or their New Zealand agent, and approved by Waka Kotahi, to calibrate approved RBMs.

A list of approved RBMs in is the in-service VIRM inspection and premises and equipment section.

Introduction 5 Inspection premises and equipment

List of those approved by Waka Kotahi to train people in the use of RBMs.

Cardan Shaft Park Brake testing in roller brake machines (Waka Kotahi website)

Information, safety alerts , technical reports and instructional videos about maintaining Cardan shaft park brakes.

Fit and proper person guidelines

A person or organisation who is responsible for vehicle inspection and certification outcomes is appointed by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. Clause 2.5 (2) (a) of the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 includes the requirement for a person to be fit and proper. This document details those requirements.

NZ heavy vehicle brake test protocol - effective from 1 December 2022

Version: 1.4 November 2023

Like almost all other road vehicles in New Zealand, heavy vehicles are required to undergo entry inspection and a periodic safety check in the form of a certificate of fitness (CoF) inspection. Brake testing is a crucial part of this inspection given the critical role brakes play in overall vehicle safety.

Other resources

Guide to the manufacturer's park brake lever settings

Cardan shaft park brake RBM testing procedure and brake force tables

Heavy vehicle servicing: Skid plate inspection information sheet and skid plate/king pin inspection guide

Version: May 2019

King pins and skid plates need appropriate inspection and maintenance. This is especially important where the design of the skid plate makes it difficult or even impossible for inspection to be carried out. In these circumstances the potential for corrosion and eventual structural failure and resultant detachment from the towing vehicle is a significant risk.

Operators, drivers and mechanics, as well as trailer designers, certifiers and vehicle inspectors, all need to take appropriate action to ensure trailer detachment does not occur.

HVSC advisory notice: Stinger steer fifth wheel certifications by Patrick Chu (PDF)

Published: 1 February 2019

The Transport Agency has identified several ‘stinger steer’ fifth wheel vehicles, with a fifth wheel mounted significantly behind the rear axis, that have HVET and HVEC certifications issued by Patrick Chu. These certifications have been revoked due to serious safety concerns.

The HVSC advisory notice that identifies the vehicles, explains why the certifications were revoked, and explains roles and responsibilities regarding re-certifications.

Public access protocol document

Public safety health and safety guidelines for inspecting organisations and vehicle inspectors

Published August 2021

These guidelines outline the expected risk management approach to ensure a consistent customer experience for health and safety at inspecting organisations. However, every workplace is different, and each business is responsible for putting in place effective risk management for their operation.

Pamphlets/leaflets

  • Winter tyres (Waka Kotahi website)
    This leaflet gives advice to vehicle owners who have winter tyres fitted to their vehicles
  • Your vehicle failed a smoky exhaust test (Waka Kotahi website)
    This pamphlet is written for vehicle owners whose vehicles have failed a WoF or CoF because of a smoky exhaust. It contains information on the causes of exhaust smoke that may help the owner have the vehicle repaired so that it can pass its WoF or CoF.
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