The vehicle I want to drive
Rigid
Yes
(Bendi-Buses are
treated as rigid
vehicles)
Number of Axles
3 or more
GVM
Any towed trailer
with GVM of more
than 9 tonnes
For test purposes a HC vehicle is a prime mover more than 15 tonne GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) with at least 3 axles and a semitrailer with at least 2 axles.
What you can drive
Note: You need a HC if the trailer you are towing is over 9 tonnes GVM
- A class HR vehicle
- A truck (more than 8t GVM) with a trailer of more than 9t GVM
- A prime mover (more than 8t GVM) with a trailer of more than 9t GVM (semitrailer)
- A specially constructed vehicle, including a tractor (more than 8t GVM with more than 2 axles), with a trailer of more than 9t GVM
- Or a heavy rigid truck more than 15 tonne GVM with at least 3 axles and a trailer more than 9 tonne GVM with at least 2 axles i.e. tipper and dog, truck and float trailer etc.
This course has been designed for drivers who already hold a Medium or Heavy Rigid Drivers Licence and are wishing to expand their knowledge and skills base. A Heavy Combination (HC) Licence enables drivers to operate a semi trailer, ‘truck and dog’ and ‘truck and pig’ combinations.
Pass the practical driving test with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (Note:. if you pass the practical driving test, your current licence will be reissued free of charge showing the new class).
HC Licence Conditions:
- Heavy Combination (HC) Unconditional / Open: Can drive any Heavy Rigid Truck – Automatic, synchromesh and non synchromesh gearboxes i.e. crash box or road ranger.
Training Information
- HC Licence in a day (HCB)
- Heavy Combination Condition B (HCB): Can drive Synchromesh and Automatic gearbox only
- Synchromesh vehicles available
- We run courses on a regular basis – 7 days per week
- The practical training is organised with the trainee and as it is conducted on a one-to-one basis, it can be started as early as 6 am.
Learning Outcomes
- Road law
- Performing cabin checks
- Performing pre-drive safety inspections
- Trailer coupling and uncoupling
- Starting/Stopping sequence
- Park or trailer brake start
- Turning and handling
- Reversing and manoeuvring
- Vehicle positioning
- Defensive driving
- System of vehicle control
- City and highway driving
Entry Requirements
- Participants must hold a current Queensland Car Licence
- Have held a MR or HR licence for at least 12 months
- Provide primary proof of identification
- Pay the Practical Driving Test fee
- Complete the Queensland Transport Road Rules test
- Wear appropriate clothing, including fully enclosed shoes or runners.
Ready to take the next step?
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed on the following key elements of driving a heavy vehicle:
- Pre-drive checks
- Manoeuvres – reversing exercise (left and/or right)
- Gear changing
- Hill start
- Specific driving situations
- Vehicle operation skills
- Hazard recognition and decision making skills
How do I get a heavy vehicle learner’s permit?
Heavy Vehicle Learners Questions to be undertaken at Department of Transport and Main Roads prior to practical driving test at a cost of $20.80. This fee is paid direct to Department of Transport and Main Roads.
You can practice the questions on the internet but you physically have to go to a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre and answer 10 multiple choice questions.
How do I study for the learner’s permit?
Click the LICENSING link at www.tmr.qld.gov.au and follow the links to the practice heavy vehicle questions. You can also buy a book to study if you do not use the internet from Queensland Transport and Main Roads customer service centre.
What is the test day procedure?
- Meet a trainer at (Queensland Transport– unless otherwise arranged) for a one hour warm up session before the assessment.
- Bring your licence
- It is a requirement to arrive at the Test Centre 20 minutes before test time
- Hand in completed yellow application form and driver’s licence at Transport Department
- Read “A Message from your Driving Examiner”
- Go out on test with examiner
- While on the driving test the examiner is required to give clear and early directions. At times examiners will chat with you, and other times they may remain quite. Don’t allow nerves or the examiner’s personality put you off the task at hand which is to drive safely and obtain your licence
- When the test is completed the examiner will discuss errors with you and then inform you if the test was a pass or a fail
- If you pass, you will receive a new licence from the customer service centre when the paper work has been completed (usually 10-15 min)
- If you fail, then another practical test will need to be done
- Make sure you have paid any outstanding driving fines.
How long will the test go for?
The on-road driving test times for the HC vehicle licence classes are:
- HC 80 to 90 minutes
Vehicle Type
Lessons are conducted in a Scania P 420. The truck has a 12 speed manual gear box. The vehicle is air conditioned. People often find if they are graduating from a MR or HR to a HC licence that these are good trucks to learn in.
I wish to book, what do I do next?
Contact Brisbane Driving School on 1300 752 524 or by email info@brisbanedrivingschool.com.au to discuss your training needs.
Ready to take the next step?
