Australia has a number of Heavy Vehicle licences that allow you to drive different types of trucks. Those who want to apply for any type of licence, whether light, medium or heavy rigid licence, should first follow a recognised training programme, such as medium rigid truck training. So, which type of permit is valid for driving a bus?
What is the process for getting a heavy vehicle licence in Australia?
Getting a heavy vehicle licence in Australia is a two-part process.
● First, you need to get a learner's permit by passing a written exam. Once you have your learner's permit, you can start logging driving hours.
● After logging at least 120 hours of driving (including at least 20 hours of night driving), you can take the practical driving test to earn your full licence.
How do you decide which licence is right for you?
There are several different types of licences in Australia
● Light Rigid (LR) allows you to drive a truck or small bus.
● A Medium Rigid licence (MR) entitles you to drive a larger truck, as well as some articulated vehicles like a bus.
● Heavy Rigid (HR) allows you to drive trucks with three or more axles, including trucks and concrete mixer trucks.
● Heavy Combination (HC) allows you to drive any combination of trucks that have a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) greater than 26,000 kg. This includes B-double and road train combinations.
● Multi Combination (MC) allows you to drive the largest trucks on Australian roads, including B-triples and road trains.
To get a heavy vehicle licence in Australia, you first need to follow a reputed and accepted certified training course and then pass a written knowledge test. This will test your understanding of the road rules specific to these types of automobiles. Once you have your learner's permit, you can start logging driving hours with an experienced driver.
What are the requirements for each type of licence?
Each of these licences have different prerequisites, which are as follows:
● Light Rigid (LR) allows you to drive a truck or van that has a GVM of no more than eight tonnes.
● Medium Rigid (MR) lets you operate a vehicle with two axles and a GVM of up to 16 tonnes. This includes buses with a seating capacity of up to 22 people (excluding the driver).
● Heavy Rigid (HR) gives you permission to drive any rigid vehicle with three or more axles. The maximum GVM for this type of truck is 19 tonnes.
● Extra Heavy Rigid (EHR) enables you to operate any rigid vehicle with three or more axles. There is no limit on the GVM of these trucks, but they can only carry a maximum of two trailers that are each no longer than nine metres.
● Heavy Combination (HC) allows you to drive any articulated vehicle with a GVM of up to 19 tonnes. This includes prime movers, B-doubles and road trains.
● Extra Heavy Combination (EHC) permits you to drive any articulated vehicle with a GCM of greater than 48 tonnes (but not exceeding 60 tonnes). These trucks can only tow one trailer that is no longer than 25 metres.
To obtain any of these, you will need to pass both a written and practical exam. The test will assess your knowledge of the relevant road rules, as well as your ability to safely operate the vehicle.
Once you have obtained your licence, you will need to maintain it by completing periodic training courses. These help to ensure that you remain up-to-date with the latest industry standards and practices.
How much does it cost to get a heavy vehicle licence in Australia?
Getting your truck licence in Australia is not cheap. The cost will vary depending on the state or territory in which you live, as well as the type you wish to obtain. For example, obtaining a Heavy Rigid (HR) licence in Queensland will set you back around $165 for the written exam and $155 for the practical test. If you fail either of these tests, you will need to pay the fees again.
In New South Wales, the cost of obtaining a Heavy Combination (HC) licence is approximately $440. This includes the written exam ($115), practical test ($325), and an application fee ($0).
In addition, prior to applying for it, you will also need to follow a recognised heavy vehicle training course conducted by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
The course will cover topics such as:
● Safe driving techniques.
● Managing fatigue.
● Load restraint.
● Defensive driving.
● Skid control and braking.
● Reversing and manoeuvring.
After completing the training course and obtaining your licence, you will be able to drive a bus in Australia. Just remember to renew it regularly, when required.
As you can see, the cost of getting your truck licence can vary depending on the state you live in. However overall, it is a relatively cheap and easy process. So, if you are thinking of driving a bus in Australia, be sure to get the appropriate licence first!
What is included in the training and testing process?
Heavy vehicle driver training must be undertaken with an accredited training provider. The course will cover a range of topics, including:
● Defensive driving.
● Skid control and braking.
● Reversing and manoeuvring.
The test to obtain your heavy vehicle licence will vary depending on the state you live in, but generally includes both a written and practical component. Once you have passed the test, you will be issued with a provisional document which allows you to drive unsupervised during daylight hours. After 12 months, you can upgrade your licence to an unrestricted one.
