Driving Truck Rentals In New Zealand

Road Code & Safety Tips

Driving in New Zealand is relatively stress-free due to our significantly lower traffic volumes compared with other countries. However our rugged landscape and quickly changing weather can catch out even the most experienced drivers, especially outside of our main city centres. Combining this with driving large and unfamiliar van or truck rentals and you could have a recipe for danger if you are unprepared.

At USAVE we want our van and truck hire customers to have a great rental experience and as safety is a big priority for us we thought we’d share some driving tips. Our rental trucks and vans are easy to drive and the majority can be operated on a Class 1 licence but it’s still worth bearing in mind the following:

Truck Rental Safety Tips

  • Familiarise yourself with the controls before driving your rental truck away

  • Remember vans and trucks are much heavier than cars so increase your braking distances

  • Larger vehicles also require more room on the road and have bigger turning circles

Check out our more detailed rental truck driving safety tips.

New Zealand Road Rules

If you have recently relocated to New Zealand or are here on a group holiday using one of our minibuses, please make sure you know our road rules. Some basic points:

  • In New Zealand we drive on the LEFT-hand side of the road

  • The urban (town/city) speed limit is 50kmph (approx 30mph) unless signs indicate otherwise

  • The rural/country speed limit is 100kmph (approx 60mph) unless signs indicate otherwise

  • All drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times

  • Use of mobile phones while driving is illegal

  • When turning at traffic lights, give way to pedestrians using the crossing

  • Drivers must carry a valid New Zealand, international or internationally approved driver’s licence when operating a vehicle

View the full NZ Road Code online and check out the changes to our give way rules.

We also encourage you to plan your route in advance, take regular breaks on longer journeys and drive to the road conditions.

USAVE have a wide range of rental trucks, vans and minibuses available from Auckland, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin. View our full range of truck hire vehicles or get some friendly advice from the USAVE rental trucks team.

Tips on driving truck rentals from USAVE – helping you to keep safe on New Zealand’s roads.

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