What Can I Drive with a HR Licence QLD?
If you’re planning a career in the transport or logistics industry in Queensland, obtaining a Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence is a crucial step. The HR Licence opens doors to a wide range of vehicle classes and job opportunities. But what exactly can you drive with a HR Licence in QLD? This blog takes a deep dive into the vehicles you’re legally allowed to operate, the requirements for getting your HR Licence, training pathways, career prospects, salary expectations, and frequently asked questions.
About HR Licence
A Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence is a type of commercial driver’s licence in Queensland that permits drivers to operate heavy vehicles that fall under the “rigid” classification. This includes large trucks, buses, and vehicles with three or more axles. It sits above the MR (Medium Rigid) class and is the third-highest level in Queensland’s graduated licensing system for heavy vehicles.
Vehicles You Can Drive with a HR Licence in QLD
Holding a HR Licence legally permits you to drive the following vehicle types in Queensland:
1. Heavy Rigid Trucks
These include trucks with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of more than 8 tonnes and three or more axles. They typically include:
- Freight trucks
- Furniture removal trucks
- Livestock carriers
- Water trucks
- Concrete agitators
- Tip trucks
2. Buses with More Than 12 Seats
An HR Licence allows you to drive large passenger buses, including:
- Public transport buses
- Charter buses
- School buses
- Tour coaches
3. Vehicles with a Trailer up to 9 Tonnes GVM
You can tow a trailer with a GVM not exceeding 9,000kg, provided it’s not a separate semi-trailer. HR Licence holders cannot drive articulated vehicles like semi-trailers.
4. Motorhomes Over 8 Tonnes
You can also drive large motorhomes exceeding 8 tonnes GVM, perfect for those considering a career in luxury vehicle relocation or long-term RV travel.
HR Licence Categories: Automatic vs Synchromesh vs Road Ranger
When obtaining a HR Licence, it’s essential to understand the three types of gearboxes and how they affect your driving entitlements.
HR – Automatic
- Suitable for vehicles with automatic or automated manual transmissions.
- Easiest type to learn and obtain.
- Restricts you from driving synchromesh or crash gearbox vehicles.
HR – Synchromesh
- Slightly more advanced than automatic.
- Allows you to drive both automatic and synchromesh vehicles.
- Commonly used in transport and logistics companies.
HR – Road Ranger (Open Licence)
- Requires mastery of manual transmission and non-synchromesh (crash box) gearboxes.
- No restrictions – gives you full driving privileges in the HR class.
- Preferred by employers in mining, long-haul trucking, and construction.
What You Cannot Drive with a HR Licence
While a HR Licence gives you access to many heavy vehicles, there are still limits. You cannot drive:
- Articulated vehicles with a pivot joint (e.g., B-doubles or prime movers)
- Vehicles towing trailers over 9 tonnes
- Multi-combination vehicles
To drive those, you’ll need to upgrade to an HC (Heavy Combination) or MC (Multi-Combination) licence.
HR Licence Requirements in QLD
Before you can get behind the wheel of a heavy rigid vehicle, you must meet the following eligibility requirements in Queensland:
- Be at least 19 years of age
- Hold a valid Car (C) Licence for at least 2 years
- Pass a heavy vehicle written knowledge test
- Complete HR driver training and assessment with an accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
- Pass a practical driving test
How to Apply for a HR Licence in Queensland: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet the minimum age and experience requirements.
Step 2: Pass the Written Test
Book and complete the heavy vehicle knowledge test at your nearest Queensland Transport customer service centre.
Step 3: Choose an RTO for HR Training
Select a reputable training provider like Global Driver Training, offering HR Licence courses in both automatic and open (Road Ranger) formats.
Step 4: Complete Practical Training & Assessment
Participate in theory and practical sessions that teach you:
- Pre-start checks
- Load restraint
- Safe driving techniques
- Cornering and reversing
- Gear changes (depending on the gearbox)
Step 5: Get Your Licence
After successfully completing your driving test and competency-based assessment, your HR Licence will be issued.
Duration of HR Licence Training
Most training programs range from:
- 1 Day (for experienced drivers upgrading)
- 2–3 Days (for beginners or Road Ranger training)
Some providers offer flexible weekend or evening classes.
Cost of a HR Licence in QLD
Costs vary depending on location and training type, but average prices include:
Licence TypeAverage Cost
HR Auto $950 – $1,400
HR Synchromesh $1,200 – $1,500
HR Road Ranger $1,500 – $2,200
Additional fees apply for the knowledge test and licence application at Queensland Transport.
Career Opportunities with an HR Licence
Obtaining a HR Licence opens doors to a variety of jobs across Queensland and Australia:
1. Truck Driver
Drive rigid trucks for freight, waste, construction, or mining sectors.
2. Bus or Coach Driver
Operate public or private buses, especially in urban, school, or tourism settings.
3. Emergency Vehicle Operator
Ambulance and fire services often require HR Licence holders.
4. Waste Management Driver
Operate rear-loaders, side-loaders, and tip trucks in the waste sector.
5. Water or Fuel Tanker Driver
Work in regional areas, often tied to farming or mining industries.
Salary Expectations for HR Licence Holders in QLD
Your salary depends on experience, industry, and location. On average:
- Entry-level HR Drivers: $28 – $35/hour
- Experienced Drivers: $36 – $45/hour
- Specialised HR Drivers (fuel, waste): Up to $50/hour
- Annual Salary Range: $60,000 – $100,000+
Drivers willing to work in regional, mining, or FIFO roles often earn significantly more.
Benefits of Getting a HR Licence
- High demand in transport and logistics industries
- Job stability and full-time opportunities
- Pathway to HC and MC licences
- Flexibility to work across industries
- Improved income potential
How to Upgrade from HR to HC or MC
Once you’ve held your HR Licence for 12 months, you may be eligible to upgrade to:
- HC Licence (Heavy Combination): Drive prime movers with a single semi-trailer.
- MC Licence (Multi-Combination): Drive B-doubles and road trains.
Both upgrades require further training and assessment through an accredited RTO.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I drive a school bus with a HR Licence in QLD?
Yes, as long as the bus has more than 12 seats and is a rigid vehicle. You may also require a Driver’s Authorisation to carry passengers.
Q2: Is a HR Licence valid across Australia?
Yes. A HR Licence obtained in Queensland is recognised in all other Australian states and territories under the national heavy vehicle licensing system.
Q3: Do I need to know how to drive a manual to get a HR Licence?
Not necessarily. You can choose to train in automatic or manual gearboxes. However, a Road Ranger licence gives you more employment flexibility.
Q4: How long is a HR Licence valid for?
A HR Licence remains valid as long as your Queensland driver’s licence is current. You must comply with regular medical and renewal requirements.
Q5: Can I drive a fire truck with a HR Licence?
Yes. Most fire trucks are rigid and exceed 8 tonnes GVM, qualifying under the HR class. Additional emergency response training is often required.
Tips for Passing Your HR Driving Test
- Practice reversing – it’s often part of the assessment.
- Know your load restraint laws – examiners may ask questions.
- Understand pre-trip inspection steps.
- Stay calm and demonstrate safe driving decisions under pressure.
Trusted HR Licence Training Providers in QLD
Here are a few registered training organisations (RTOs) that specialise in HR Licence training:
- Global Driver Training – Brisbane, Ipswich & Gold Coast
- QLD Transport Driver Training Centres
- Major Trucking Schools (i.e., Major Training Group, TDT Training)
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an HR Licence in Brisbane
Conclusion: Ready to Hit the Road?
A HR Licence in QLD is your ticket to driving larger vehicles, earning higher wages, and exploring new career paths in transport, logistics, emergency services, and tourism. Whether you’re aiming to become a professional truck driver or just want to level up your licence, now is the perfect time to take the next step.
Don’t wait — enrol today in a HR Licence training course with Global Driver Training and accelerate your driving career.