How to Get Your Heavy Rigid Truck Licence in Melbourne: A Complete Guide
If you're considering a career in truck driving or want to expand your commercial driving qualifications, obtaining a Heavy Rigid (HR) truck licence in Melbourne is a smart move. With increasing demand for skilled drivers in logistics, construction, and transport, an HR licence can open doors to better-paying jobs and career stability.
This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your Heavy Rigid truck licence in Melbourne—including eligibility, training, testing, costs, and helpful tips for success.
What is a Heavy Rigid (HR)
Licence?
A Heavy Rigid (HR) licence allows
you to legally drive:
- Trucks with three or more axles
- Vehicles over 8 tonnes GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass)
- Buses with more than 12 seats
- Towing trailers of up to 9 tonnes GVM
This class of licence is ideal
for those planning to operate garbage trucks, delivery trucks, large buses, and
concrete mixers. It’s a step up from a Light Rigid (LR) or Medium Rigid (MR)
licence and provides more career flexibility.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Requirements
Before applying, make sure you
meet the following criteria:
- Hold a full car (C class) licence for at
least 24 months (2 years)
- Be medically fit to drive (a medical check
may be required, especially for commercial driving)
- Have no major driving offences or
suspensions
If you meet these basic
requirements, you're ready to move on to training.
Step 2: Choose a Licence Type
– Automatic, Synchromesh, or Road Ranger
HR licences are issued based on
the gearbox type you are trained and tested in:
- Automatic or Synchromesh: Easier to
learn and pass the test
- Road Ranger (Crash Box): More complex but
allows you to drive all HR vehicles, including those with manual gearboxes
If you plan to work in industries
like mining or long-haul freight, learning on a Road Ranger might give
you a competitive edge.
Step 3: Enrol in a Heavy Rigid
Training Course
You must complete training
through a registered training organisation (RTO) in Melbourne. These
courses include both theory and practical components and usually take 1
to 2 days depending on your driving skills.
During the course, you’ll learn:
- Safe driving techniques
- Load restraint and vehicle control
- Turning and reversing a large vehicle
- Emergency procedures
- Road laws and HR licence rules
Top training providers in
Melbourne include:
- Yugo Driving School
- TDT Training Australia
- Academy of Road Safety
- KRTS (Key Results Training Solutions)
Step 4: Complete the Knowledge
and Driving Test
To obtain your HR licence, you
must pass two key assessments:
1. Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Test
Usually taken at a VicRoads
Customer Service Centre, this written test covers road rules, vehicle
operation, and safety regulations specific to heavy vehicles.
2. Practical Driving Test
(Drive Assessment)
This is conducted by the RTO as
part of your training course. The test includes:
- Pre-departure checks
- Vehicle control on various road types
- Gear changing (especially important for Road Ranger
licences)
- Reversing and turning in tight areas
- Observing traffic rules and safe driving practices
If you pass both, the RTO will
provide you with documentation to submit to VicRoads for licence endorsement.
Step 5: Submit Your
Application to VicRoads
After completing training and
passing your assessments:
- Visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre
- Bring your photo ID, HR assessment
certificate, and medical certificate (if applicable)
- Pay the applicable licence upgrade fee
- VicRoads will upgrade your licence and issue a new
one reflecting the HR endorsement
Costs Involved
Costs can vary depending on the
RTO and licence type. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Training course: $900 – $1,500
- Knowledge test: ~$20
- Medical exam (if required): ~$100–$150
- VicRoads licence upgrade fee: ~$45–$75
It’s a worthwhile investment
considering the career opportunities and salary potential in the heavy vehicle
industry.
Tips for Success
- Practice basic vehicle control in a car
before training to build confidence
- Choose a reputable RTO with experienced trainers
and good reviews
- If going for a Road Ranger licence, book extra
practice hours
- Study the VicRoads heavy vehicle handbook
before the knowledge test
- Stay well-rested and focused on the day of
your practical assessment
Career Opportunities After
Getting Your HR Licence
With an HR licence in Melbourne,
you can apply for roles such as:
- Local delivery driver
- Construction and earthmoving operator
- Bus or coach driver
- Council or waste management driver
- Tanker or tipper truck operator
Many of these jobs come with
strong job security, flexible hours, and salaries ranging from $60,000 to
over $90,000 annually, depending on the industry.
Final Thoughts
Getting your Heavy Rigid truck
licence in Melbourne is a practical and rewarding step toward a stable
career in the transport or logistics industry. While the process involves
training, testing, and costs, the benefits are well worth it.
Whether you're just starting out
or looking to expand your qualifications, use this guide to take the next
confident step in your driving career. With the right preparation and attitude,
you’ll be on the road with your HR licence in no time.
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