Heavy Vehicle Driver Training

Introduction

Before you can drive a heavy vehicle, you need to have the appropriate licence for the class of vehicle. You can then drive any class of vehicle below your licence class, with the exception of motorcycles.

Before you apply for, or upgrade a heavy vehicle licence, you need to complete the appropriate knowledge test at a service centre. Then, depending on your location, you can either pay for a heavy vehicle competency based assessment (HVCBA) from a Registered Training Organisation or pay and book the Transport for NSW (TfNSW) heavy vehicle driving test.

After completing the HVCBA or passing the driving test, you then return to a service centre for the licence.

Applying for HVCBA

 

If you choose to obtain your licence through HVCBA, you'll need to go to a Service NSW service centre in person and:

1. Provide a completed Licence Application form
2. Provide acceptable proof of identity
3. Pass an eyesight test (unless exempt)
4. Provide a medical assessment report (if applicable)
5. Pass the knowledge test for the class of licence you want to get
6. Pay the appropriate fee.

You'll then be issued with a Heavy Vehicle HVCBA Learner's Log Book, and the Guide to Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment publication. The Guide outlines the tasks you need to perform to complete the training course and the assessment. Your progress is recorded in your log book see HVCBA Learner's Log Book for more information.

You can then select a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and arrange to attend for training.

LR vehicles include:

• Small trucks with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) up to 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than nine tonnes GVM
• Buses that seat more than 12 adults including the driver and a GVM up to 8 tonnes

To apply for an LR licence, you must:

• Have held a class C licence, (except a learner licence) or equivalent for one year or more.
• Any time you've spent on a P1 licence counts, but you can't practice to drive an LR vehicle, or upgrade to an LR licence until you hold a P2 or full class C licence

Pass the LR knowledge test
Pass an eyesight test
Successfully complete HVCBA, or pass a Roads and Maritime driving test.

MR Medium Rigid

MR vehicles include:

• Trucks and buses with a GVM more than eight tonnes and two axles
• Any towed trailer must not weigh more than nine tonnes GVM.

To apply for an MR licence, you must:

• Have held a class C licence, (except a learner licence) or equivalent for one year or more.
• Any time you've spent on a P1 licence counts, but you can't practice to drive an MR vehicle, or upgrade to an MR licence until you hold a P2 or full class C licence
• Pass the MR knowledge test
• Pass an eyesight test

Successfully complete HVCBA, or pass a Roads and Maritime driving test..

HR Heavy Rigid

HR vehicles include:

• Trucks and buses with a GVM more than eight tonnes, and three or more axles
• Any towed trailer must not weigh more than nine tonnes GVM
• Bendy buses. Even though these vehicles are articulated, they're treated as rigid vehicles.

To apply for an HR licence, you must:

• Have held a class C licence, (except a learner licence) or equivalent for two years or more.
• Any time you've spent on a P1 licence counts, but you can't practice to drive an HR vehicle, or upgrade to an HR licence until you hold a P2 or full class C licence
• Pass the HR knowledge test
• Pass an eyesight test
• Successfully complete HVCBA, or pass a Roads and Maritime driving test.

Examples of Heavy Combination vehicles - prime mover and trailer with three or more axles, heavy rigid vehicle with dog trailer
HC Heavy Combination

HC vehicles include:
Articulated vehicles with three or more axles
Heavy rigid vehicle trailer combinations including unladen dolly, with three or more axles
Any towed trailer with a GVM more than nine tonnes.
To apply for an HC licence, you must:

Have held a class MR or HR licence or equivalent for one year or more. Any time you've spent on a P2 MR or HR licence counts, but you can't practice to drive an HC vehicle, or upgrade to an HC licence until you hold a full class MR or HR licence
Pass the HC knowledge test
Pass an eyesight test
Successfully complete HVCBA, or pass a Roads and Maritime driving test.

Important Links

NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook

NSW Road Users Hanbook