Heavy vehicles keep Australia moving. From freight trucks and road trains to buses and delivery vans, each vehicle type plays an integral role in keeping Australians connected.

Heavy vehicles require a specific licence. You cannot drive a truck on a car licence alone. Instead, you will need to obtain a heavy vehicle licence relevant to the vehicle you are required to drive.

So which licence is right for you? Read below about the different types of heavy vehicle licence categories.

NATIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE LICENCE CATEGORIES

CAR (C)
A vehicle of 4.5 tonnes GVM or less, seating up to 12 people.

You are eligible for a car licence at 18 years of age.

LIGHT RIGID (LR)
A vehicle greater than 4.5 tonnes but no greater than 8 tonnes GVM or which seats more than 12 people (including driver).

You are eligible for a LIGHT RIGID licence after holding an Australian car licence for 1 year.

MEDIUM RIGID (MR)
Any 2 axle rigid vehicle greater than 8 tonnes GVM.

You are eligible for a MEDIUM RIGID licence after holding an Australian car licence for 1 year.

HEAVY RIGID (HR)
A vehicle 8 tonnes GVM and above, with 3 or more axles.

You are eligible for a HEAVY RIGID licence after holding an Australian car licence for 2 years.

HEAVY COMBINATION (HC)
(a) A prime mover to which is attached a single semi-trailer that has a GVM more than 9 tonnes plus any unladen converter dolly; or (b) A rigid motor vehicle to which is attached a trailer that has a GVM more than 9 tonnes plus any unladen converter dolly.

You are eligible for a HEAVY COMBINATION licence after 2 years of holding a licence, with at least 1 year of holding either a MEDIUM RIGID or HEAVY RIGID vehicle licence. You must also successfully complete an approved training course.

MULTI COMBINATION (MC)
A Heavy Combination vehicle with more than one trailer.

You are eligible for a MULTI COMBINATION licence after 1 year of holding a HEAVY COMBINATION or a HEAVY RIGID vehicle licence. You must also successfully complete an approved training course.

Note: The content and duration of the course will depend on the category of licence held.
Table content source: VicRoads Victorian Bus & Truck Drivers Handbook

Want to gain your heavy vehicle licence?

Foresite Training offers training and licensing for all of the above licence types. Learn more about our Heavy Vehicle Licensing options or call us now on 1300 366 015 or email [email protected] to book.