How to Get Your Heavy Vehicle Licence WA

Obtaining a heavy vehicle licence in Western Australia (WA) is a critical step for individuals looking to drive larger vehicles, such as trucks and buses, professionally. Whether you’re aiming for an HR licence in Perth or seeking to qualify for LR, MR, or MC classes, understanding the process is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to upgrade your licence to drive heavy vehicles, including the experience requirements, the application process, and the types of vehicles you can operate under each licence class.

Light Rigid (LR) Licence

The LR licence is suited for vehicles with a GVM over 4,500 kg to a maximum of 8,000 kg or vehicles carrying more than 12 passengers. Applicants must have held a Car (C class) licence for a minimum of one year. The application involves a practical driving test and meeting national medical standards.

Medium Rigid (MR) Licence

An MR licence allows you to operate vehicles with 2 axles and a GVM greater than 8,000 kg. Like the LR licence, you must have held a Car (C class) licence for at least one year. The upgrade process includes an eye test, theory exam, and a practical driving assessment.

Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence Perth

An HR class vehicle licence is your ticket to driving a wide range of heavy vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) greater than 8,000 kg, including HR, MR, LR vehicles, cars, and mopeds. You may also tow trailers up to a 9,000 kg GVM. To apply, you must have held a Car (C class) licence for at least 2 years or an LR/MR licence for at least 1 year. Learning to drive an HR vehicle requires supervision from a qualified individual, and you’ll need to pass both a theory and practical test.

Heavy Combination (HC) Licence

The HC licence is for driving prime movers with a single semi-trailer or rigid vehicles towing trailers with a GVM greater than 9,000 kg. Requirements include holding a Car (C class) licence for three years and an MR or HR licence for at least one year. Applicants must complete a practical driving test arranged via phone booking.

Multi Combination (MC) Licence

An MC licence qualifies you to drive heavy combination units towing one or more trailers, each with a GVM exceeding 9,000 kg. To apply, you must have held a Car (C class) licence for three years and an HR or HC licence for at least one year. The assessment for this licence is conducted by private training organisations.

How to Obtain Your Heavy Vehicle Licence

Step 1: Learning to Drive

Before applying for an HR class vehicle licence, you must have a current C class or Light Rigid (LR), or Medium Rigid (MR) driver’s licence. A learner’s permit is not required to start learning; however, you must be supervised by someone who:

• Holds a licensed HR class or higher class driver’s licence.
• Is a licensed driving instructor or an instructor in a youth driver education course with at least 4 years of experience with an HR class licence.

While learning, you must display L plates, adhere to speed limits (not exceeding 100 km/h), maintain a blood alcohol concentration of 0.00%, and avoid learner-restricted areas. It’s also recommended to undertake training through registered training organisations, ensuring you meet the commercial vehicle medical standards for driving.

Step 2: Submit an Application Form in Person

The next step involves visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre, regional DoT centre, or agent to:

• Submit a completed driver’s licence application form (Form DLA1).
• Show proof of identity.
• Pay the application and theory test fees.
• Pass the heavy vehicle theory test and an eyesight test.
• Make a medical declaration, disclosing any condition that might impair driving ability.

Step 3: Book and Pass the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA)

After successfully completing the theory test, you’ll need to book a PDA for HR class vehicles, which can be done online through DoTDirect or through a registered training organisation. Following the PDA, visit a Driver and Vehicle Services centre with:

• A photocopy of the Heavy Vehicle PDA Customer Eligibility (Form E114) or the Assessment Result document.
• Proof of identity documents.

Additional Information

• Synchromesh Vehicles: If the PDA is completed in a synchromesh transmission vehicle, you’ll be restricted to driving vehicles fitted with a synchromesh gearbox. Completing the PDA in a non-synchromesh transmission vehicle qualifies you to drive a broader range of vehicles.
• National Driver Work Diary: For operations outside WA and NT, carrying a National Driver Work Diary is mandatory for vehicles or vehicle combinations weighing more than 12 tonnes or buses fitted to carry more than 12 adults, recording work and rest details for trips over 100 kilometres from the driver base. This diary is essential for documenting the specifics of your work and rest periods for journeys that extend over 100 kilometres from your home base. For additional information on the National Driver Work Diary and its requirements, be sure to consult the relevant guidelines.

By following these steps and ensuring you meet all the necessary requirements, including practical training, medical standards, and successful completion of theory and practical tests, you can upgrade your licence to drive HR class vehicles in WA. This process not only equips you with the skills required for heavy vehicle operation but also emphasises the importance of safety and compliance with road regulations.

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

Obtaining a heavy vehicle licence in WA is a comprehensive process designed to ensure drivers are qualified to operate larger vehicles safely. Whether you’re pursuing an HR licence in Perth or any other heavy vehicle licence class, following the outlined steps and meeting the necessary requirements will lead you to success. Always ensure you’re learning under proper supervision and preparing thoroughly for both the theory and practical tests to enhance your chances of passing on your first attempt.

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.