Many jobs require you to have additional qualifications or licences to complete them. These may be needed if you are working with heavy equipment, specialised equipment or in high risk areas. These qualifications and licences vary depending on the industry. If you are having to drive large trucks or vehicles, one such licence you may need is a HR licence. This stands for Heavy Rigid licence and it gives you the ability to drive vehicles that are over 8 tonne GVM and with towed trailers less than 9 tonne GVM. But how do you get your HR licence?
Previous Licence
In order to apply for a heavy rigid licence, you must have held your Class C (standard car) licence for a minimum of 2 years. This does not include time that you have been on your learners licence. Once you have completed two consecutive years of your car licence, you are then able to progress to the next step of the application process.
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test
When you first go for your car learners licence, you need to take a driver knowledge test. This process also applies to your HR licence. You are required to complete a computer based heavy vehicle knowledge test before you complete the practical side of the application.
The test is compromised of 45 different questions relating to road safety and road rules when it comes to heavy vehicles. This test is needed to ensure that you understand the different rules that are in place when you are driving a heavy rig. And that you are able to do so in a safe manner.
There is a handbook and information sheets that you can read prior to the test, which all the answers are within. By reading these documents, you will be able to answer the questions correctly.
Eye Test
The next stage of the application process is an eye test. This is mandatory for anyone who is applying for their heavy rigid licence. This is to ensure that your eyesight is not going to compromise your driving ability. You are still able to apply for the licence if you are a glasses wearer, you simply need to tick the box to say you wear glasses and ensure that you wear them during the test.
If you have any medical conditions that effect your eyesight, it may be requested that you bring a letter from your doctor to confirm if they believe you are able to successfully drive a heavy rig with your condition.
Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment
The final step is to complete your assessment and practical driving test. The best way to do this is through a Registered Training Organisation such as Core Driving School. You complete a one of two day course to go through the different elements of driving a heavy vehicle.
The first part of your training with be with a trainer who will go through all the elements with you. You will then have an opportunity to progress to the assessor who will determine if you are ready to take the final test to get your licence.
We have a range of modern HR vehicles that are used in the course and that you will be safe and secure in.
Core Driving School have a passing rate of over 80% for first attempts and we work with you to ensure that you are ready for the assessment.
Final Competency Assessment
Once you have completed your HVCBA it is time to complete the final competency assessment.
If you are successful in passing the assessment, your assessor will submit your results electronically to the Transport NSW.
You will then be able to attend your local Service NSW service centre to upgrade your licence to the HR licence. During this attendance to Service NSW you will need to have with you the licence application form, identity documents and also pay the licencing fee.
A HR licence is an added bonus to your licence and can help you to obtain different employment and open up your opportunities. If you are looking for a change and want to increase your chances, a HR licence can help. The team at Core Driving School are here to help!