If you’re aiming to drive larger, heavy-duty vehicles or step up in your trucking career, the Heavy Rigid (HR) truck licence is the upgrade you need. In Australia, an HR licence enables you to operate some of the biggest rigid vehicles on the road—opening opportunities in logistics, construction, public transport, and more.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting an HR truck licence in Australia, including eligibility, training, vehicle types, costs, and how to apply—based entirely on the latest state and national transport standards.
What is an HR Truck Licence?
An HR (Heavy Rigid) licence allows you to drive:
- Rigid vehicles with 3 or more axles
- Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) over 8 tonnes
- A trailer with a GVM not exceeding 9 tonnes
Examples of HR vehicles:
- Heavy rigid trucks
- Concrete agitators
- Bendy buses (not articulated)
- Large passenger or freight vehicles
Who Needs an HR Licence?
You should consider an HR licence if you want to drive:
- Cement or construction trucks
- Public transport or tour buses
- Heavy waste collection trucks
- Long-distance freight rigid vehicles
The HR licence is ideal for drivers working in construction, mining, public transport, agriculture, or heavy goods logistics.
Read More: What Can I Drive With an HR Licence?
Eligibility Requirements for HR Licence in Australia
Here’s what you need to qualify for an HR licence in most Australian states:
| Requirement | Details |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Licence Holding | Must have held a C class licence for at least 24 months |
| Medical Fitness | Medical assessment may be required if you have a condition or are over 75 |
| Residency | Must be an Australian resident or have a valid visa |
| Knowledge Test | Must pass a Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test |
| Eyesight Test | Must meet commercial vision standards |
| Training | Must complete a course with an accredited RTO |
| Driving Assessment | Must pass a practical driving test or HVCBA assessment |
At Tokhi Driving Solutions, we offer nationally accredited HR licence training in Adelaide using both automatic and Road Ranger trucks.
Types of HR Truck Licence
There are two licence options based on gearbox type:
| Licence Type | Gearbox | Suitable For |
| HR Automatic | Automatic/Synchromesh | Entry-level drivers, bus operators |
| HR Road Ranger | Manual (Crashbox) | Preferred in mining, construction, freight |
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to work in construction or long-haul freight, choose HR Road Ranger. It’s more versatile and preferred by many employers.
Steps to Get an HR Truck Licence
1. Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you’ve held a C class licence for at least 2 years.
2. Complete a Medical (if required)
You may need a commercial driver medical based on age or medical history. Download the Medical Fitness to Drive form via Austroads.
3. Study the Heavy Vehicle Handbook
Handbooks vary by state:
4. Pass the Knowledge and Eyesight Tests
Book your test via your local transport authority (e.g. Service SA, VicRoads, TMR).
5. Enrol in a Practical HR Licence Course
Enrol with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Choose automatic or Road Ranger gearbox training.
6. Complete the Final Assessment
You’ll either complete:
- A Competency-Based Assessment (CBA), or
- A driving test conducted by a government assessor (varies by state)
Read More: How to Pass Your HR Licence Test on the First Attempt
HR Licence Costs in Australia
Costs can vary by state, licence type, and training provider.
| Service | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
| Knowledge Test | $50 – $70 |
| HR Training Course (Auto) | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| HR Training (Road Ranger) | $1,500 – $2,200 |
| Medical Exam (if needed) | $100 – $150 |
| Licence Upgrade Fee | $30 – $60 |
Note: Prices may vary depending on vehicle hire, course length, and location.
HR vs MR vs LR Licence: What’s the Difference?
| Licence Type | Axles Allowed | GVM Limit | Common Vehicles |
| LR | 1 axle | Up to 8 tonnes | Minibuses, small delivery trucks |
| MR | 2 axles | Over 8 tonnes | Medium buses, removal trucks |
| HR | 3+ axles | Over 8 tonnes | Large trucks, concrete agitators |
Explore the full MR Licence requirements on our blog.
Job Opportunities with an HR Licence
Holding an HR licence makes you eligible for a range of in-demand roles across industries. According to Talent.com Insights, truck drivers in Australia can earn:
$1,072–$1,526 per week (depending on experience and location)
Common HR driver jobs:
- Concrete truck operator
- Public transport bus driver
- Freight logistics driver
- Council and waste vehicle operator
Employers often favour HR drivers with Road Ranger gearbox skills due to the complexity of some job roles.
Why Choose Tokhi Driving Solutions for HR Training?
We’re a trusted name for truck licence training in Adelaide, with years of experience helping drivers become road-ready.
Why train with us?
- Modern HR trucks (auto and Road Ranger)
- Government-accredited instructors
- Small class sizes for personalised support
- High first-time pass rate
- Competitive pricing and weekend training
Book your HR truck licence training now – Get started here
Final Thoughts
Getting an HR truck licence in Australia is a valuable investment in your career. Whether you’re aiming to drive buses, operate construction trucks, or work in logistics, this licence opens the door to bigger vehicles and better job prospects.
With expert training from Tokhi Driving Solutions, you’ll be guided through every step—from eligibility and knowledge tests to practical training and assessment.
Start your HR licence journey today — Book Your Course with Us
