
How to Get Your Heavy Vehicle Licence VIC
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Obtaining a heavy vehicle licence in Victoria (VIC) is essential for those looking to drive vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) greater than 4.5 tonnes. Whether you’re pursuing an MR licence VIC, aiming for an HR truck licence in VIC, or considering other heavy vehicle categories like LR (Light Rigid) or MC (Multi Combination), it’s important to navigate the licensing process accurately. This guide details the various heavy vehicle licence classes that are available, along with the steps and requirements for acquiring your heavy vehicle licence in VIC, including formal training courses, assessments, and medical standards compliance.
Understanding Heavy Vehicle Licence Classes in VIC
In Victoria, heavy vehicle licences are categorised based on the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and the vehicle’s configuration. Each class caters to a specific range of vehicles, from lighter trucks and buses to heavier and more complex combinations. Here’s a breakdown of the licence classes:
Light Rigid (LR) Licence
- Eligibility: Must have held a car licence for a minimum of two months.
- Vehicles Covered: Vehicles with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes but not exceeding 8 tonnes, and buses that can carry more than 12 passengers (including the driver) up to 8 tonnes GVM.
- Use Case: Ideal for drivers of small trucks, minibuses, and other light commercial vehicles.
Medium Rigid (MR) Licence
- Eligibility: Requires a car licence to have been held for a minimum of two months.
- Vehicles Covered: Vehicles with 2 axles and a GVM greater than 8 tonnes.
- Use Case: Suitable for larger buses and medium-sized trucks, providing a significant capability upgrade from LR vehicles.
Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence
- Eligibility: Applicants need to have held a car licence for at least 24 months.
- Vehicles Covered: Vehicles with 3 or more axles and a GVM greater than 8 tonnes, including articulated buses.
- Use Case: Essential for driving a wide range of heavy trucks and passenger buses with higher capacity.
Heavy Combination (HC) Licence
- Eligibility: In addition to having held a car licence for 24 months, you must have held an MR or HR licence for at least 12 months, and have completed a driver training course approved by VicRoads.
- Vehicles Covered: Prime movers with a single semi-trailer, or rigid vehicles towing a trailer with a GVM greater than 9 tonnes.
- Use Case: Aimed at drivers of larger transport units, including prime movers and larger trucks with heavy trailers.
Multi Combination (MC) Licence
- Eligibility: To apply you must have completed a VicRoads approved driver training course, and have held an Australian driver licence to drive a HC or HR vehicle for at least 12 months.
- Vehicles Covered: B-doubles, road trains, or any heavy combination unit towing more than one trailer, each with a GVM over 9,000 kg.
- Use Case: Designed for the most experienced heavy vehicle drivers, enabling them to operate the largest and most complex vehicle combinations on the road.
Transmission Types and Restrictions
- Synchromesh Transmission (B Condition): If tested and passed in a vehicle with a synchromesh transmission, you’re restricted to driving heavy vehicles with synchromesh or automatic transmissions only. This is crucial for ensuring drivers are competent with the gear system of their licensed vehicle class.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before embarking on the path to obtaining a heavy vehicle licence, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:
- Hold a current Victorian car licence.
- Have held an Australian car licence for the required minimum time or possess a lower heavy vehicle category licence for the stipulated period.
- Pass an eyesight test to confirm your visual acuity meets the necessary standards.
- Complete a heavy vehicle knowledge test to demonstrate your understanding of road rules and heavy vehicle operations.
- Undergo an on-road heavy vehicle driving assessment and an off-road heavy vehicle skills assessment to evaluate your practical driving skills and vehicle handling capabilities.
- For HC and MC licence applicants, completing a formal training course is mandatory.
- Meet the national medical standards for both private and commercial vehicle drivers.
- Pay the licence variation fee associated with your application.
Assessments are conducted by VicRoads Accredited Providers, ensuring a consistent and rigorous evaluation of your heavy vehicle driving competencies.
Step 2: Prepare for Your Assessments
Preparation is key to successfully obtaining your heavy vehicle licence. It is recommended to:
- Study the most current edition of the Victorian Bus and Truck Drivers’ Handbook for comprehensive information on vehicle operation and safety.
- Ensure you have adequate practice and are confident in your driving skills.
- Utilise resources like a myVicRoads account to verify the status of your current licence.
Remember, both the knowledge and practical assessments are valid for 12 months. Failing to complete the application process within this timeframe necessitates retaking the tests.
Step 3: Book Your Heavy Vehicle Licence Assessments
Contact an accredited provider to schedule your heavy vehicle licence tests. Inform them of any relevant details such as driving disqualifications or medical conditions that might affect your eligibility.
Step 4: Get Your Licence Endorsed
Upon successful completion of your assessments, the accredited provider will process your application. You’ll receive a temporary paper licence followed by your updated licence card within 7–10 working days.
Licence Exemptions
VIC offers licence exemptions for cases of hardship or if you possess significant driving experience, including interstate experience. Eligibility for an exemption requires a clean driving record and demonstration of hardship or prior experience. Applications for exemptions are submitted through specified forms, accompanied by supporting documents.
Work Diary Requirements
Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, drivers of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles driving 100km or more from their home base, or those operating under Basic or Advanced Fatigue Management, must maintain a work diary. This diary records work and rest times, aiding in fatigue management. Work diaries are available at VicRoads Service Centres.
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Acquiring a heavy vehicle licence in Victoria involves a series of steps from eligibility checks and formal training to practical assessments and compliance with medical standards. Understanding and preparing for each stage of the process is crucial. Whether you’re aiming for an MR licence in VIC or any other heavy vehicle category, adherence to VIC’s licensing requirements ensures you’re well-equipped to navigate the roads safely and professionally.
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.