It stands for Wheels Endorsement (W), Tracks Endorsement (T) and Roller Endorsement (R). These are endorsements put on your New Zealand Drivers Licence to show you can operate this equipment. Please note, although the endorsements don’t expire if your drivers licence remains current the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 requires the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to ensure drivers are trained AND COMPETENT and training done 10 years does not provide this. This can result in hefty fines (even prison) if a serious accident was to occur due to the driver not being competent.
What jobs could I do with a Wheels, Tracks, Roller Endorsement?
If you don’t have authority a company can say you where using it without their permission. On the flip side, just because someone has a licence doesn’t mean the company wants them to use their equipment (ie a contractor). There may be rules regarding their site and product that the contractor is not aware of. Ultimately it is the PCBU of that site that will be scrutinized in the event of an accident in regards to ensuring a safe environment is maintained. This is a step in ensuring safety.
Do I need a Drivers Licence to get WTR?
You need a Restricted or Full New Zealand Drivers Licence to complete the WTR Endorsements. You won't be able to endorse your New Zealand Drivers Licence until your restricted licence is changed over to a Full licence. You will need to convert your overseas drivers licence to a Restricted or Full New Zealand Licence before you can do these endorsements.
What is WTR?
WTR stands for Wheels Endorsement (W), Tracks Endorsement (T), Roller Endorsement (R). This covers you using this speciality machinery on the road. A tracks is known as a digger or excavator, skidsteer (with tracks), a wheels is known as a loader, skidsteer (with wheels)...although there are many varieties of machines covered under this licence.
Can I get my endorsement with a Drivers Licence from another country?
No, the Endorsement is only able to be validated on to a Full New Zealand Drivers Licence. You need to convert your licence to a New Zealand Drivers Licence first.
Can I get my endorsement with a Restricted Licence?
You are able to undergo the training towards the end of your Restricted Licence period but it is not validated until you update it on to your Full New Zealand Drivers licence.
What is the minimum age for a person to be able to gain a WTR Competency Certificate?
At least 15 years old for a worksite forklift licence - the Health and Safety Act 1995 section 56 states that no employee under the age of 15 can work with any machinery in a place of work.
Why is it important to renew my WTR Competency licence?
Your competency licence meets the Health and Safety at Work Act requirements as proof of training that you are trained and competent for the task you are doing. The higher the risk of serious harm or fatality, the more intensive the training needs to be. There are standards of training that have been created to ensure the training meets a regulated criteria. ASWEFA’s training is moderated and all instructors are individually registered to ensure this. If the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) does not ensure drivers are trained and competent they can personally be fined and held liable.
How long is the W – T – R Endorsement valid?
As long as your drivers licence remains valid it too is valid. It is transferable to your new licence when you update every 10 years.
How long is a WTR Competency Licence valid?
It is valid for 3 years.
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