10 Feb Cheat Sheet for Truck Licence
Did You Know That There Are Five Licensing Classes Covering Various Truck Sizes?
When it comes to licensing conditions and testing processes (identify and contact your local licensing authority here), every state and territory has its own specifications, but license classes remain the same across Sydney NSW Australia
Trucking Classes
Licensing classes of heavy vehicles are regulated by gross vehicle mass (GVM) and axle count. You will be steering small buses or trucks over 4.5 tonnes and up to 8 tonnes with a Light Rigid (LR) type certificate. There are two license types: automatic and manual. It is possible to drive variants of Isuzu N-Series 4×4 models with a vehicle license, but the heavier end of the series needs an LR or MR stamp in the pocket.
For trucks and buses over 8 tonnes and up to 15 tonnes and with two axles, such as the higher end of the series models and the lower GVM two-axle series models, a Medium Rigid (MR) class license implies that you can control the pedals. Like LR, for non-synchromesh or constant mesh manual transmission-equipped vehicles, there are different versions of this license for manual and automatic transmissions, and a ‘unconditional’ class.
A class licence for Heavy Rigid (HR) is as high as you can go in a rigid vehicle. You can drive trucks and buses over 8 tonnes GVM with three or more axles and a maximum towing weight of 9 tonnes with an HR licence. License holders in this category are given rigid series models. Again, depending on the transmission method, there are unconditional, A and B classes for this license.
A Heavy Combination (HC) license places you in heavy articulated vehicles with a truck and trailer over 9 tons or a semi-trailer with a single trailer, stepping up from rigids.
The Multi-Combination (MC) license means you can run B Doubles, Sets and Road Trains at the top end of the heavy vehicle license.
It is important to remember that a higher license class means you can also drive vehicles below that class, so that MR and LR trucks can be driven by an HR license holder, and the lot can be driven by an MC license holder.
Initial Steps
Although it may be tempting to go for the highest license you can, Payless Truck driving school , heavy vehicle All our instructor and assessor at Payless Truck Driving School, says the best choice may not be to go straight for the top GVM.
“I would suggest starting with an MR and going to the HR or the HC based on ability after 12 months or so,” we says.
“Apprenticeship is it. I don’t really agree with people going straight to HR: it’s a six-wheeler and at a maximum of 16.5 tons, it’s 23-tonnes as opposed to a four-wheeler. Before you can crawl, you’re walking.’
HC licenses require you to hold an MR or HR license for at least 12 months, with MC requiring, prior to applying, 12 months of HR or HC.
Pick Your Truck Diving Trainer
Enrolling in a Licensed Training Truck School is the perfect way to get through the Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Evaluation (HVCBA)
For all classes offered in Sydney, there are a host of courses and providers, including one-day options for those with busy schedules.
Before you select your training provider, it’s necessary to do your homework. Note, they teach an craft, not just help you pass an exam.
Ayman says, “You’re only as good as the trainer or assessor sitting next to you.”
“You want an industry-experienced instructor … someone who has been there and done it.”
Payless Truck Driving School is an approved supplier of RMS Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVCBA).
Payless Truck Driving School
OPEN 7 DAYS
0406 577 701
info@paylessdrivingschool.com.au
