Licence – Heavy Rigid

Heavy Rigid (HR) Truck Licence Course in Melbourne

Sign up for a Heavy Rigid driving course with TDT Training to obtain your HR Licence from VicRoads. Our training program includes lessons designed to increase your skills and knowledge in driving heavy rigid vehicles such as trucks and buses. At TDT Training, we are dedicated to helping you develop the skills and qualifications to be a successful career in transport. Whether you’re looking to drive non-synchromesh or automatic trucks in your future jobs, rest assured that we can help you achieve your goals.
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Unit of Competency:

TLILIC2016 – Licence to drive a heavy rigid vehicle

Heavy Rigid Vehicle:

A Heavy Rigid Vehicle is a vehicle 8 tones GVM and above, with 3 or more axles, including truck & bus.

Objectives:

This course is designed to train drivers to a competent standard in both theory and practical, which will enable them to pass the relevant VicRoads testing criteria for theory, skills and practical driving in the category of Heavy Rigid.

Entry Requirements:

Drivers participating in this course must have held a Victorian Car Licence for a minimum period of 24 months.

Duration:

Your choice of non-synchromesh (18 speed Road Ranger) over an 8, 12 or 13 hour course (Depending on experience) or an 8 speed synchromesh gearbox over 5, 6 or 8 hours (Depending on experience)*

Hourly training is also available upon request.

Ratio:

Student/Instructor Ratio 1:1

Special Conditions:

• Applicants with on Medication or with a Medical Condition may require a medical Clearance from VicRoads prior to commencement.
• Applicants with an Overseas Licence must have written approval from VicRoads stating licence category eligible.
• Clearance from VicRoads may be required before any Training or Assessment may commence.

* VicRoads criteria will not allow training on international licences (except NZ). Course Prices/times do NOT Guarantee a Licence.

Course Content:

• Theory & Practical

Theory:

• Road Law General
• Driving Tips
• VicRoads Theory Test

Practical:

• Pre-operational checks
• 90-degree turns
• Reversing
• Observation
• Braking distance
• Following distance
• Turns
• Highway driving
• Intersections/Roundabouts
• Lane Management
• Gear Selection
• System of vehicle control
• Maintaining safe speed/safe gap
• Correct use of accessories
• Cabin Inspection
• Load Restraint

Assessment:

• Theory Test (if applicable)
• Drive Assessment
• Skills Assessment (Reverse Test, Cabin Inspection, Vehicle Inspection & Load Restraint)

Course duration/costs do not guarantee students will sit the on road licence test. To be eligible to test, students MUST first meet VicRoads criteria. If criteria are NOT met students will not be able to undergo the on road test and will  continue to train for the duration of the course. Additional costs will apply if students book subsequent training and/or testing.

FAQs

What is the difference between an MR and an HR licence?

In Australia, truck licences are categorised into different classes, each permitting the driver to operate specific types of heavy vehicles.

• MR (Medium Rigid): This licence allows you to drive a rigid vehicle with 2 axles and a GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) of more than 8 tonnes. This includes trucks, buses, and can also cover some variants of mobile cranes.
• HR (Heavy Rigid): An HR licence permits you to drive any rigid vehicle with three or more axles and a GVM of more than 8 tonnes. This encompasses larger buses, trucks, and also tow trailers with a GVM of up to 9 tonnes.

The primary difference lies in the type and size of the vehicle you are allowed to operate: HR allows for more axles and potentially a heavier towing trailer.

What is the difference between an HR and an HC licence?

• HR (Heavy Rigid): As mentioned above, you can operate any rigid vehicle with a GVM greater than 8 tonnes and three or more axles. You can also tow a trailer, but it must not have a GVM over 9 tonnes.
• HC (Heavy Combination): This licence allows you to drive a prime mover attached to a semi-trailer or rigid vehicle towing a trailer with a GVM of more than 9 tonnes. Essentially, you’re permitted to drive heavier combination vehicles than what an HR licence would allow.

The key difference between HR and HC is the ability to operate combination vehicles with heavier trailers in the case of an HC licence.

What are the different types of truck licences?

Here is a quick rundown of some of the most common types of truck licences in Australia:

• LR (Light Rigid): Allows you to drive vehicles with a GVM greater than 4.5 tonnes but not more than 8 tonnes.
• MR (Medium Rigid): Allows you to drive rigid vehicles with a GVM more than 8 tonnes and no more than 2 axles.
• HR (Heavy Rigid): Allows you to drive rigid vehicles with a GVM over 8 tonnes and three or more axles.
• HC (Heavy Combination): Allows you to drive a prime mover with a semi-trailer, or rigid vehicles with a trailer having a GVM over 9 tonnes.
• MC (Multi-Combination): Allows you to operate B-double and road trains, which are even larger combination vehicles.

Each licence type has its own set of requirements and conditions, often including a minimum period holding a previous licence class and potentially additional tests or training.