How to Get Your Heavy Vehicle Licence TAS

Securing a heavy vehicle licence in Tasmania is an essential step for those aspiring to drive vehicles exceeding 4.5 tonnes in gross vehicle mass, such as trucks and buses. Whether you’re looking to obtain a Light Rigid Licence in Tasmania or aiming for an MR Licence in Tasmania, it’s important to navigate through the process systematically. This article outlines the prerequisites, application process, and specific requirements for upgrading your heavy vehicle licence in Tasmania.

Overview of Heavy Vehicle Classes

Before embarking on the application process, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different classes of heavy vehicle licences available in Tasmania:

Light Rigid (LR) Licence

Allows you to drive vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) over 4,500 kg but not exceeding 8,000 kg, or vehicles carrying more than 12 passengers (including the driver) up to 8,000 kg GVM. This class is suitable for small trucks, buses, and tractors.

Medium Rigid (MR) Licence

This licence class permits the operation of vehicles with 2 axles and a GVM greater than 8,000 kg. It encompasses larger buses and medium-sized trucks, providing a significant step up from the LR class in terms of vehicle size and capacity.

Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence

Targets vehicles with 3 or more axles and a GVM greater than 8,000 kg. This class includes a wide range of heavy trucks and buses, offering versatility for various transport roles.

Heavy Combination (HC) Licence

This licence is for driving prime movers attached to a single semi-trailer, or rigid vehicles towing trailers with a GVM greater than 9,000 kg, including vehicles that can tow additional trailers within specified limits.

Multi Combination (MC) Licence

The most advanced licence, allows the operation of heavy combination units towing one or more trailers, each with a GVM over 9,000 kg. This class is essential for drivers of B-doubles and road trains, requiring comprehensive skills and experience.

Specific Class Requirements

• Light or Medium Rigid Licence: Must be 19 years old and have held an Australian car licence for a minimum of 12 months.
• Heavy Rigid Licence: Requires you to be at least 20 years old, with a car licence held for at least 2 years, or an LR/MR licence for 12 months.
• Heavy Combination Licence: Applicants should be 20 years old, with a car licence held for 2 years or an MR/HR licence for 12 months.
• Multi-Combination Licence: You need to be at least 21 years old and have held an HR or HC licence for 12 months.

Medical Fitness and Exemptions

For multi-combination licences, a medical fitness to drive assessment at a commercial standard from your doctor is necessary. Exemptions from heavy vehicle eligibility requirements can be applied for by emailing the relevant department, provided you meet the exemption criteria.

Eligibility and Learning Phase

Before applying or upgrading your heavy vehicle licence, it’s crucial to understand the licence hierarchy and the learner periods associated with each class. Depending on your current licence status, you may not need to acquire a new learner licence, but the conditions for being a learner still apply. Key resources include the Licence Hierarchy Table and the Heavy Vehicle Handbook available at Service Tasmania.

Steps to Get a Heavy Vehicle Learner Licence

1. Visit Service Tasmania: Start by visiting a Service Tasmania outlet.
2. Complete an Application: Fill out the necessary application form.
3. Identity Verification: Show valid evidence of identity.
4. Knowledge Test: Pass the rigid or combination heavy vehicle driver knowledge test, which is free of charge.
5. Eye Test: Undergo an eye examination.
6. Learner Licence Fee: Pay the applicable fee for your heavy vehicle learner licence.

Learning to Drive

When learning to drive a heavy vehicle, ensure you’re accompanied by a Supervisory Driver who has held the same or a higher class of heavy vehicle licence for at least 12 months. You’re required to display L-plates and adhere to a 90km/h speed limit, regardless of the area’s speed limit.

Heavy Vehicle Competency and Final Competency Assessment

This test involves in-vehicle evaluations aimed at determining your capability to operate specific classes of heavy vehicles. It encompasses a hands-on demonstration of your skills in executing key manoeuvres and tasks required for safe heavy vehicle operation.

Applying for or Upgrading Your Heavy Vehicle Licence

After completing the knowledge test and passing the heavy vehicle driving assessment, follow these steps to apply or upgrade your licence:

1. Service Centre: Locate and visit your nearest Service Centre.
2. Application Submission: Provide the completed application form, a heavy vehicle certificate of competence, current Tasmanian licence or proof of identity documents, and take an eye test.
3. Pay the Fee: Complete the payment for the application fee.

Costs and Additional Information

The cost to apply for or upgrade a heavy vehicle licence is $33.39, with no concession fees available. Payment can be made at any Service Centre using various methods.

Start Your Journey Towards a New Career with OnlyTrucks.com.au

Navigating the path to obtaining a heavy vehicle licence in Tasmania requires a clear understanding of the specific classes, meeting eligibility criteria, and successfully completing both theoretical and practical assessments. By following these detailed steps and preparing thoroughly, aspiring drivers can achieve the necessary qualifications to operate heavy vehicles across various industries, ensuring safety and compliance on the road.

For more information on how to get your truck licence, read our other guides for Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.