Truck Licence Classes & Descriptions
The following diagram shows the classes of heavy vehicle licences. You may drive any class of vehicle appearing below your licence category
on the diagram.
At the highest level is an MC licence which allows you to drive all classes of vehicles except motorcycles (gearbox restrictions may apply e.g. automatic or synchromesh)
The driving characteristics of heavy vehicles differ from vehicle to vehicle (eg gearbox, brakes, handing characteristics etc).
Even though you have a heavy vehicle drivers licence of the appropriate class, you should ensure you are trained and competent in the vehicle you are about to drive.
LR (Light Rigid Licence)
| Rigid |
|---|
| Yes |
| Number of passengers including the driver |
|---|
| Can seat more than 12 adults including the driver (bus). |
| GMV |
|---|
| GVM over 4.5 t but not greater than 8 t. |
| Any towed trailer must not weigh greater than 9 t GVM subject to combination limits under the regulations |
What do you need to get this licence?
- Have held a class C licence, for one year or more
- Either pass a VORT or undertake the Heavy Vehicle CBT&A course
MR (Medium Rigid Licence)
| Rigid |
|---|
| Yes |
| Number of axles |
|---|
| 2 |
| GMV |
|---|
| GVM greater than 8 t. |
| Any towed trailer must not weigh greater than 9 t GVM subject to combination limits under the regulations |
| A special purpose vehicle the GVM not greater than 15 t. |
What do you need to get this licence?
- Have held a class C licence, for one year or more
- Either pass a VORT or undertake the Heavy Vehicle CBT&A course
HR (Heavy Rigid Licence)
| Rigid |
|---|
| Yes |
| Note: Bendi-buses (or articulated buses) are treated as rigid vehicles |
| Number of axles |
|---|
| 3 or more |
| GMV |
|---|
| GVM greater than 8 t. |
| GVM buses greater than 8 t (including an articulated bus) |
| Any towed trailer must not weigh greater than 9 t GVM subject to combination limits under the regulations |
What do you need to get this licence?
- Have held a class C licence for two years or more, or a class LR or MR for one year or more.
- Either pass a VORT or undertake the Heavy Vehicle CBT&A course
HC (Heavy Combination Licence)
| Articulated vehicle or Heavy Rigid vehicle trailer combination including unladen dolly |
|---|
| Yes |
| Number of axles |
|---|
| 3 or more |
| GMV |
|---|
| Any towed trailer with GVM of more than 9 t. |
What do you need to get this licence?
- Have held a class MR or HR licence for one year or more.
- Either pass a VORT or undertake the Heavy Vehicle CBT&A course.
- Or complete a TiLE course.
To be eligible for the TiLE course:
- you must have held a class C license for at least two years; and
- pass a knowledge test for TiLE course.
TRAINING-in-LIEU OF EXPERIENCE (TiLE)
TiLE is a fast track method that enables the holder of an unrestricted car licence (class C) with two years driving experience to fast track the process to become a HC licence holder. As a qualifying car licence holder you must in order:
- pass a two day theory course run by an approved Registered Training Organisation.
- obtain a HC learners permit from Service SA.
- undertake your practical training with an approved authorised examiner for TiLE via the CBT&A method.
MC (Multi-Combination Licence)
| Road train or B-Double |
|---|
| Yes |
Any motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles except a motorbike or motor trike (includes B Doubles and Road Trains)
What do you need to get this licence?
- You must be at least 20 years of age.
- Have held a class HR or HC licence for one year or more.
- Pass a knowledge test.
- Undertake and satisfactorily complete Heavy Vehicle CBT&A course. Applicants holding a class HR licence are required to pass all class HC licence assessment competencies before undergoing MC training.
