When you work in different industries, there are different qualifications and licences that you may need to hold. These qualifications and licences are there to ensure that the person operating, driving or using a particular piece of machinery or equipment are competent to do so. When it comes to driving trucks, you can not drive a truck with just a standard car licence. You need to do a further test to show you can drive a truck. However, there are different truck licences, and they are designed for different large vehicles. So, which one do you need? Read below to learn about the different types of truck licences and their requirements.
What are the different truck licences?
There are 5 different truck licences that you can complete training for and gain your licence. These licences are classed based off the size and weight of the different types of trucks. The licences are:
LR – Light Rigid – small buses or trucks.
MR – Medium Rigid – medium rigid trucks or buses.
HR – Heavy Rigid – heavy rigid trucks or buses (including articulated buses).
HC – Heavy Combination – heavy articulated vehicles.
MC – Multi Combination – B-doubles, prime mover, low loader dolly and low loader combinations, road trains.
How do I obtain one of the truck licences?
The training courses and test for each of the truck licence classes is very similar. You will learn about how to drive the large vehicle, the safety aspects and what do to in an emergency.
You will need to pass a Heavy Vehicle Driver Knowledge test before you can get your licence. Once you have completed the knowledge test, you will then need to complete a heavy vehicle logbook to show that you are capable of driving the heavy vehicle. This logbook will need to be completed using a truck or bus in the vehicle class that you are obtaining a licence for.
You will also need to complete an eye test before being able to get your licence. Another requirement of obtaining a truck licence is having held a lower class licence for one to two years prior.
If you are going for your light rigid, medium rigid or heavy rigid licence, you will have needed to hold a car licence for one year prior. If you are looking to obtain your heavy combination licence you will have needed to hold a medium rigid or heavy rigid licence for a minimum of one year prior. If you would like to get your multi combination licence then you will have needed to hold your heavy rigid or heavy combination licence of a minimum of one year prior.
Why are there different licence classes?
Safety is paramount when it comes to being on the road and driving vehicles. It is important that the person behind the wheel is capable of driving their vehicle and that they know what they are doing.
The reason that there are different vehicle classes and licences for each, is because there is so much variation when it comes to vehicles. The size, weight and capacity of vehicles can be very drastic. A person who can easily drive and manoeuvre a car, may not be able to do the same with a semi-trailer. This is why there are different licences, to show the capabilities of the driver. Even the difference between a small truck and large truck can determine the capabilities of the driver. Having the 5 different classes of truck licence means that only those who are comfortable, capable and willing to driving the different types of trucks are able to do so.
How do I get my truck licence?
At Core Driving School, we are here to help with all your truck licence needs. We have the option to do a non-accredited course or a nationally accredited course. The non-accredited course can provide you with your licence in New South Wales. Whereas the nationally accredited course will also provide you with a statement of attainment so that you can obtain your licence in another Australian state or territory. We have a one day course available to help you get behind the week in no time.
To get started and book in your truck licence course, get in touch with the team at Core Driving School today.