Getting your MR (Medium Rigid) truck licence opens the door to a wide range of driving jobs across Australia. From local delivery trucks to passenger buses, an MR licence allows you to operate larger vehicles with confidence and gives you a strong foundation for a long-term career in transport. If you’re ready to step up from a car licence or want to move into a better-paying driving role, understanding the requirements, eligibility, training options and costs is the first step. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about getting your MR truck licence in Australia, with a focus on how the process works here in South Australia.
What is an MR Truck Licence in Australia?
An MR (Medium Rigid) truck licence is a commercial driver’s licence that allows you to legally drive medium-sized trucks and buses on Australian roads. Specifically, an MR licence lets you operate:
- Medium rigid vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) over 8 tonnes
- Vehicles with no more than 2 axles
- Some trucks, buses, freight vehicles used in local deliveries and logistics
This licence is a key stepping stone for people launching a truck driving career or upgrading from a standard car licence (Class C).
At Tokhi Driving Solutions, we help learners in Adelaide gain their MR licence with expert training from accredited instructors trained to deliver practical, job-ready skills.
Why an MR Licence Is Valuable
Adding an MR truck licence to your credentials can dramatically increase your career opportunities in industries such as:
- Freight and logistics
- Local transport and delivery
- Removalist services
- Bus and passenger services
- Trades and construction support
Compared with just having a car licence, an MR licence makes you eligible for higher-paying roles and gives you a skill set that employers in Adelaide and across South Australia actively seek.
MR Licence Eligibility — Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for an MR Truck Licence in South Australia (and most of Australia):
✔ You must be at least 18 years old
✔ You must hold a Class C (car) licence for at least 12 months
✔ You must pass either a competency-based training & assessment (CBT&A) or a practical driving test (Vehicle On Road Test/VORT)
What Does It Let You Drive?
| Licence Class | Type of Vehicles Allowed |
| LR (Light Rigid) | Rigid vehicles up to 8t GVM |
| MR (Medium Rigid) | Rigid trucks/buses over 8t GVM, max 2 axles |
| HR (Heavy Rigid) | Rigid vehicles with 3+ axles |
| HC / MC | Articulated & multi-trailer trucks |
MR Licence Conditions
An MR licence generally allows you to drive:
✔ Two-axle rigid vehicles with GVM over 8 tonnes
✔ Trucks and buses used for regional or local operations
✔ Some towing (limited by GVM rules)
Note: MR license holders cannot drive multi-trailer combinations like B-doubles — that requires an HC or MC licence.
MR Licence Requirements (Step-by-Step)
Here’s what you typically need to do in South Australia to upgrade to an MR licence:
1. Hold Your Car Licence
You must have held an Australian Class C licence for at least 12 months before applying.
2. Undergo Training or Assessment
You can choose one of two paths:
✔ Competency-Based Training & Assessment (CBT&A)
Get formal tuition and assessment with a registered instructor (recommended for most learners).
✔ Practical Driving Test (VORT)
Take a practical test with a transport authority examiner.
Both options lead to a Certificate of Competency.
3. Present Certificate to Service SA
After passing your assessment, you take your Certificate of Competency to a Service SA centre to have your licence class added, with a replacement licence fee (around $20).
MR Truck Licence Cost in Australia
Costs vary across Australia depending on the training provider, whether you choose CBT&A or a practical test, and how many hours you need:
Typical Cost Range (Approximate)
| Cost Component | Price (AUD) |
| Training + CBT&A | $900 – $1,500+ |
| Practical Driving Test (if chosen) | ~$70** (NSW example) |
| Service SA replacement licence fee | ~$20 |
| Additional training hours (if needed) | Varies by provider |
In larger cities like Sydney and Brisbane, MR licence packages often fall between $900–$1,400 including training and assessment.
Some training schools also offer package deals with multiple hours of lesson time plus driving tests included.
At Tokhi Driving Solutions in Adelaide, our MR licence training offers flexible schedules and hands-on coaching aimed at getting you prepared quickly and confidently for test day — contact us for a personalised quote.
Training Options in Adelaide
Competency-Based Training & Assessment (CBT&A)
This is the most common method for obtaining your MR licence. You train with:
✔ Experienced instructors
✔ Authenticated training vehicles
✔ Structured lesson plans
✔ Practical driving skills and safety techniques
At the end, you’ll be assessed and given a Certificate of Competency.
Practical Driving Test (VORT)
Alternatively, you can attempt a practical test with a transport authority via Service SA. This test proves your driving competency on the road.
How Long Does It Take to Get an MR Licence?
The timeline depends on your:
✔ Previous driving experience
✔ Confidence behind the wheel
✔ How quickly you complete training modules
Most people complete their MR licence training and assessment within 1–2 days of focused instruction, especially if progressing from an LR licence.
MR Licence Training Topics Covered
Training typically includes:
✔ Pre-start vehicle checks
✔ Safe vehicle control
✔ Turning, reversing, and manoeuvring
✔ Highway and city driving
✔ Defensive driving techniques
✔ Road laws and safety protocols
These skills are vital not just for passing the test, but for a safe, lifelong truck driving career.
Career Opportunities with an MR Licence
Once you have your MR licence, you can pursue:
- Local freight delivery work
- Council and civil operations
- Removal and logistics roles
- Bus driving positions
- Construction transport work
With additional experience and licences (like HR or HC), earnings in truck driving can be competitive — especially in regional transport and interstate freight.
Why Train With Tokhi Driving Solutions?
At Tokhi Driving Solutions in Adelaide:
✔ Experienced & accredited instructors
✔ Friendly and supportive learning environment
✔ Flexible scheduling with same-week availability
✔ Multilingual training (English, Hindi, Punjabi)
✔ Structured lessons that build confidence
✔ Proven track record of helping students pass
Whether you’re starting or upgrading your licence, our MR licence coaching will prepare you for real-world driving and the testing process.
Final Thoughts
An MR truck licence is more than a piece of paper — it’s your gateway to a rewarding career in transport and logistics. With the right training and preparation, earning this licence can be a smooth and confidence-building journey.
Ready to get started? Call Tokhi Driving Solutions on 0452 224 449
