Introduction
 
Before driving a heavy vehicle, you’ll need the appropriate licence for its class. Once you have it, you can also drive vehicles from lower licence classes (excluding motorcycles).
 
To apply for or upgrade your heavy vehicle licence:
 

• Pass an eyesight test.

• Complete the Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test.

 

Which Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence Should I Get?

When upgrading to a Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence, there are two main options depending on the type of vehicles you plan to drive and your career needs.

 

Here's a breakdown:

1. Condition B Heavy Rigid Licence

• What You Can Drive:

  • Automatic HR vehicles.

  • Synchromesh manual HR vehicles (single-clutch manual, similar to a car gearbox).

• Key Features:

  • This course is typically conducted in an automatic HR vehicle.

  • Completion is often achievable in a single day, provided all criteria are met.

  • Ideal for industries using HR vehicles with automatic or synchromesh manual gearboxes.

  • Limitation: You will not be allowed to drive HR vehicles with crash/road ranger gearboxes.

• Who Should Choose This?
  If your job role does not require driving vehicles with crash gearboxes, this is the more straightforward and practical option.
   

2. Unrestricted Heavy Rigid Licence

• What You Can Drive:

  • All HR vehicles, including those with crash/road ranger gearboxes.

• Key Features:

  • Training is conducted in an HR vehicle with a crash/road ranger gearbox, requiring mastery of double clutching and matching engine revs to road speed.

  • Learning this gearbox type can be challenging initially but allows unrestricted HR vehicle operation once mastered.

  • Offers broader career opportunities, as some industries require driving vehicles with crash gearboxes.

• Who Should Choose This?
  If you want maximum flexibility and career opportunities, particularly in industries with varied HR vehicle requirements, this is the better choice.

 

Why Upgrade to an HR Licence?

Moving from a regular car licence to an HR licence is the most significant upgrade step. HR vehicles are much larger and require adjustments to:

• Road positioning.

• Turning lines.

• Braking distances.

• Maneuvering techniques.

Obtaining an HR licence opens doors to a wide range of industries and vehicle types.

 

Course Content

The course includes training in the following areas:

1. Pre-operational Check

2. Cabin Drills

3. Start, Move Off, Shut Down, and Secure

4. Manage Steering

5. Manage Gears

6. Manage Brakes

7. Manage Accelerator

8. Create and Maintain Crash Avoidance Space

9. Protect Crash Avoidance Space

10. Adhere to Road Rules and Directions

11. Reversing Techniques

12. Hill Stop/Start Procedures

13. Load Securing

14. Bus Stop Procedure (if conducted in a bus).

 

Final Competency Assessment (FCA)

To obtain your HR Licence, you must:

1. Complete the Training Course: Covers all the above criteria. Training continues until the required standards are met.

2. Pass the FCA:

   • This final drive assessment is video recorded as per RMS requirements.

   • Once successfully completed, a certification will be issued.

3. Submit Certification to RMS:

   • RMS will use the certification to issue your HR licence.

 

Book Your HR Course Today!

At Macquarie Driving School, we offer tailored training to suit your experience level and needs. Flexible scheduling ensures that obtaining your HR licence is convenient and stress-free. 🚛

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