Time Until Next Auction:

    The Guide for Getting a Heavy Vehicle Driving Licence in Australia

    Getting ready to drive a bigger and more powerful vehicle? Learn the steps to obtaining your licence.

    Australia has a broad selection of driving licence categories. And obtaining a heavy motor vehicle driving licence can be slightly more challenging – at least as opposed to getting a standard driving licence.

    So, before you start thinking about getting your heavy vehicle driving licence, it’s important to know a couple of things. 

    For example, the application process and experience required can differ significantly between classes. The specifics of the exams also matter as each licence category may assess your abilities on particular roads, manoeuvers, legislation, etc.

    To make things easier, the following guide will take you through the three steps of acquiring your heavy vehicle driving licence.

    How to Get a Heavy Vehicle Driving Licence – The Three Steps

    Step #1. Understand the Licence Class You Want to Apply For

    The good news is that there isn’t any difference between licence classes depending on your state of residence. But when it comes to getting a heavy motor vehicle driving licence, you first need to understand the different categories.

    R-Date

    With this licence class, you can drive motor vehicles such as bikes or trikes with an engine capacity of 660mL and lower, as well as those with a power to weight ratio of 150 kW/Tonne maximum.

    To apply for this licence, you must have a learner’s permit for a minimum of 12 months if under 25 years old. If you’re over 25, you must have a learner’s permit for a minimum of six months.

    R

    The R class licence allows you to ride any motorised bike or trike. It requires one year of driving experience with an R-Date licence.

    C

    The C class licence allows drivers to drive vehicles with a maximum vehicle mass of 4.5 tonnes. Exceptions include buses that can seat over 12 people and motorised bikes and trikes.

    17 years is the minimum age requirement for the licence. If you obtain it, it will allow you to drive sedans, panel vans, small trucks, station wagons, etc.

    LR

    After driving with a class C licence for a year, a driver can apply for an LR class licence. 

    This category is for driving vehicles that weigh over 4.5 but under 8 tonnes (GVM). It includes vans, small buses, trucks, and special purpose vehicles.

    MR

    This category includes vehicles with two axles and a GVM exceeding 8 tonnes. It’s also for the towing of a single trailer, as long as the trailer’s GVM isn’t higher than 9 tonnes.

    Drivers with this licence may also tow farm implements and special purpose vehicles with 2 or 3 axles at a maximum GVM of 8 tonnes and 15 tonnes, respectively.

    HR

    To qualify for this licence, drivers must have a minimum of two years experience in class C or one year on class LR or MR vehicles.

    The category allows drivers to drive vehicles with three or more axles and GVMs over 8 tonnes. These include articulated buses with three axles and special purpose vehicles with three or more axles and GVMs above 15 tonnes.

    HC

    This category allows the licence holders to drive prime movers attached to semi-trailers and rigid motor vehicles attached to single trailers with GVMs of under 9 tonnes.

    However, it’s necessary to have possessed a valid MR or HR licence for one year to apply for this class of licence.

    MC

    The same one-year HR or HC experience is required for a class MC licence. This category allows licence holders to operate any motor vehicles or combination motor vehicles except bikes and trikes.

    Step #2. Complete the HVCBA

    Completing the HVCBA (Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment) is the main requirement for obtaining a heavy vehicle driving licence. Keep in mind that this assessment allows you to pick your trainer and preferred vehicle during the lesson times that work for you.

    In areas where the HVCBA isn’t available, candidates can take the test with a Roads and Maritime certified testing officer.

    Note that applying for the HVCBA has to be done in person. Here are the six steps involved:

    1. Submit a filled out licence application form
    2. Show proof of identity
    3. Pass an eye exam
    4. Submit a medical assessment report (as applicable)
    5. Pass a knowledge test relevant to the class of licence 
    6. Pay the fee

    It’s a relatively simple process, after which you can choose your preferred training organisation.

    Step #3. Complete the Practical Driving Test

    The practical driving test requires drivers to complete a variety of tasks. Meanwhile, the testing officer judges each task as they check it off the list. 

    While many tasks are performed at particular locations, others are assessed continuously for the entire duration of the test. These may include using the mirrors, signalling correctly, observing speed limits, ability to shift gears and use other controls. 

    Testing officers also look at the driver’s behaviour when entering traffic, keeping safe buffer zones, etc. Depending on the vehicle class, officers may also ask the candidate to perform the relevant manoeuvers.

    Only vehicles that fall into the licence class can be used in the practical driving test. While a candidate can use their own vehicle when possible, recording equipment isn’t allowed during the test. Accessories like GPS, Fleet Tracking, and such may be permitted.

    In order to pass, the driver has to score a minimum of 95%. Any action deemed unlawful and reckless will result in failure. 

    Obtaining a Heavy Motor Vehicle Driving Licence is a Complex Process

    It’s more demanding than studying and training to get a class B or C licence. Yet, it’s also more rewarding after you’ve aced the knowledge test and scored 95% or higher on the practical driving test.

    To recap, you first need to learn about the class that you’re applying for, especially vehicles that fall under it. From there, you’ll prepare for the knowledge test and gather all the documentation. And upon completion, you can finally start your practical driving training with an instructor of your choice and your preferred vehicle. 

    Obtaining your heavy motor vehicle driving licence requires work, but it’s well worth it.

    And if you’re looking for a heavy motor vehicle of your own, visit Truck Dealers Australia. We have plenty of new and pre-owned choices for you to browse.

    Back to articles