HR LICENCE

There are three transmission options when it comes to obtaining your HR licence:

1. Heavy Rigid (HR-A) – Automatic/Restricted Licence

This HR-A licence allows you to drive HR Automatic trucks and Synchromesh (If you hold a manual car licence).

What type of vehicles can I drive?

You are authorised to drive rigid vehicles with three axles and an estimated GVM greater than 8 tonnes that feature either an automatic or automated manual transmission system, or trailers up to 9 tonnes GVM.

Ideal for: Individuals new to operating heavy vehicles, and professionals working in industries reliant upon automatic trucks and buses such as public transport, local delivery or waste services. Prerequisites:

Must hold at least a Class C (car) licence for at least two years in order to participate.

2. Heavy Rigid (HR-B) – Synchromesh Gearbox /Restricted Licence

This HR license applies exclusively to vehicles equipped with synchromesh or manual gearboxes, making it less complex to learn compared to Road Ranger licence. Many modern heavy vehicles now include synchromesh gearboxes that operate similarly to manual car gearboxes for easier learning and operation. Of course you will be able to drive automatic transmissions as well.

What vehicles can I drive?

You are allowed to operate heavy rigid vehicles such as trucks and buses with three axles and GVM of 8 tonnes or over; specifically those fitted with synchromesh gearbox. In addition, trailers up to 9 tonnes GVM may also be towed behind these vehicles.

Ideal applications:

Individuals looking for employment in industries like delivery services, waste management and construction involving synchromesh vehicles. Prerequisites for this employment opportunity: Must hold at least a two year driving permit class C licence for cars.

3. Heavy Rigid (HR) -Unrestricted/Open Licence (Road Ranger)

The HR Unrestricted Licence, commonly referred to as the Road Ranger license, allows drivers of heavy vehicles with constant mesh (non syncromesh) or crash gearboxes a Road Ranger gearbox (known informally as “constant mesh or crash” gearbox). It provides maximum flexibility with regard to driving types of vehicles a Road Ranger licence covers. It has become highly regarded within the transport industry for its wide coverage of permissible types of vehicles it covers.

What Vehicles Can I Drive?

Any rigid vehicle, such as buses and trucks, with three axles and an estimated Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) exceeding 8 tonnes may be driven on this course. Furthermore, trailers with GVM of up to 9 tonnes may also be towed for towing purposes. 

Perfect For:

Logistics, mining, construction or long-haul transport industries where Road Ranger gearbox is commonly used will find this opportunity highly suitable.

To apply: Must hold at least a Class C licence.

Or if you are wanting to go on and upgrade after 1 year to HC or MC. Also commonly used for interstate driving.

Must hold a car licence for 2 years or longer or a MR truck licence.

Selecting the Appropriate HR Licence

Deciding which HR licence best meets your career goals and vehicle types to be driven depends on several considerations, including your driving opportunities in transport and logistics sectors and desired simplicity or vehicle types for work purposes. An unrestricted Road Ranger licence could provide more opportunities than working solely with specific vehicle types such as synchromesh or automatic licences would.

Both HR Automatic and HR Synchro licences are restricted types, which means you can only drive these kinds of trucks on the road. If you wish to drive all three transmission types, we recommend choosing a HR Unrestricted licence, which is conducted using crash box transmission with double clutching.

To upgrade to a heavy vehicle licence (class LR, MR, HR, HC) you must first pass a practical driving test. This requires for you to have held a car licence for a minimum of 2 years, or to have had your Medium Rigid truck licence for at least 12 months. You will also be required to pass a written test on heavy vehicle road rules if you’ve never held a truck licence before to ensure you’re ready for heavy rigid truck training in Brisbane (class LR, MR, HR, HC ) you must pass a practical driving test, 

To apply for an HR Licence in Queensland, you must meet the following requirements:

Driving Experience: You need to have held a C class (car) licence for at least 2 years or to have had your Medium Rigid truck licence for at least 12 months.

Written Exam: To upgrade to a heavy vehicle licence (class LR, MR, HR, HC) you need to pass a written exam on heavy vehicle road rules to ensure you understand the safety requirements of driving a heavy rigid truck.

Practical Test: You must pass a practical driving test in a heavy rigid vehicle. The test assesses your ability to handle a large vehicle in different traffic conditions, your knowledge of road rules, and your ability to perform specific manoeuvres, such as reversing, parking, and navigating tight spaces.

By meeting these requirements, you’ll demonstrate that you’re prepared for the responsibilities of driving a large, heavy vehicle safely and efficiently on public roads.

PRACTICE YOUR ROAD RULES TEST HERE

With an HR Licence in Queensland, you’re legally permitted to drive:

Heavy rigid trucks: Rigid vehicles with three or more axles and a GVM greater than 8 tonnes.

Articulated buses: Buses with pivot joints that allow them to bend while turning.

Trucks towing trailers: You can also tow trailers with a GVM of up to 9 tonnes.

This makes the HR Licence one of the most versatile driving qualifications available. You can operate vehicles used in the transportation of large goods, heavy construction materials, and public passenger services. Whether you’re aiming for a career in road freight, construction, or bus transport, an HR Licence opens up numerous professional opportunities.

The time it takes to obtain an HR Licence can vary depending on your prior experience and availability. Typically, the training and testing process can be completed in just a few days of practical and theoretical instruction.

• Training Duration: Most HR Licence courses run for 1-2 days, including both classroom-based learning (covering rules, regulations, and safety) and practical, hands-on driving lessons.
• Test Duration: The actual driving test usually lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours, during which you’ll need to demonstrate your skills in controlling the vehicle, following road rules, and handling specific driving situations (such as reversing and parking).

Overall, most drivers can obtain their HR Licence within a week, depending on the availability of test slots. For those who need more flexibility,  Affordable Truck School offer weekend courses or tailored programs to fit around work or personal schedules.

Ask us about our 1 Day Truck licence courses.

The cost of obtaining an HR Licence in Brisbane can vary based on the training provider, the length of the course, and any additional fees (such as testing or medical examination fees). At Affordable Truck School, we strive to provide competitive pricing for our courses, ensuring that you receive quality training at an affordable rate.

Training Fees: These typically cover both the theoretical and practical components of the course.

Testing Fees: There is a separate cost associated with taking the practical driving test. This is usually managed by Queensland’s transport authority.

Medical Examination: In some cases, you may need to cover the cost of a medical check, depending on your health status.

We recommend contacting our team directly to get a personalised quote based on your individual needs and to find out about any available payment plans or funding options.