[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Suppose you’re thinking about getting a Heavy Rigid (HR) licence in Queensland. In that case, it’s smart to plan for a few different types of expenses: training, tests, medical checks, licence processing and possible upgrade costs. Below is a breakdown of typical expenditures to date (2025), based on data from several training providers and relevant resources.
If you’re also looking to book training, check our HR licence in Brisbane page.
What an “HR Licence” Means
- A Heavy Rigid (HR) licence allows you to drive rigid heavy vehicles (trucks or buses with three or more axles and GVM over a certain threshold).
- There are different variants depending on the gearbox: automatic (often “Condition A” or “HR A/Auto”), manual/synchromesh (“Condition B” or “HR B”), or unrestricted/manual including “Road-Ranger” style (unrestricted HR).
- The choice of variant affects how much training you need—and thus the total cost.
Breakdown of Typical HR Licence Costs in QLD
Below are the common cost components for an HR licence — with rough amounts and ranges based on recent data (2024–2025).
| Cost Component | Typical Amount / Range* | Notes / What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Training course (practical & lessons) | AUD 900 – AUD 2,000 (for many courses) | Covers practical driving training. Price depends on gearbox type, course duration and provider. |
| Alternative “package” pricing by some schools | Automatic-licence course: ~ AUD 1,200; Manual/synchromesh: ~ AUD 1,600 (2-day course) as per one provider. | Includes practical training + driving test. |
| Driving Test Fee (practical) | ~ AUD 60 – AUD 70 for the practical HR test. | Some training providers include this in course cost, others might add it separately. |
| Knowledge (theory) Test / Written Test | ~ AUD 25 – AUD 40 for the knowledge test. | Required for first-time HR licence applicants converting from a car licence. |
| Medical Examination (if required) | ~ AUD 100 – AUD 150 depending on GP/medical centre. | Heavy-vehicle licence applicants may need a medical certificate depending on health/age/conditions. |
| Licence Application / Processing Fee | ~ AUD 50 – AUD 90 (for typical licence durations e.g. 1–5 years) as quoted by some providers. | Paid after passing the test to get the licence from the transport department. |
| Upgrade from MR / LR to HR | Generally cheaper than full training; total costs vary depending on prior experience & hours needed. | Some providers offer shorter courses or pay-as-you-go hourly training if upgrading. |
* These are indicative ranges based on publicly available training-provider pricing as of 2025. Actual costs will vary by provider, location, and candidate’s prior experience.
See our full HR licence price list for other licence classes.
What Drives the Cost — Key Influencing Factors
- Gearbox / Licence Type: Automatic-transmission HR courses tend to be cheaper than manual/synchromesh or unrestricted-gearbox (Road-Ranger) courses because manual/unrestricted training is more intensive.
- Experience Level & Previous Licence: If you already hold a heavy-vehicle licence (e.g., MR or LR), upgrading to HR is typically cheaper, as you may need fewer training hours.
- Training Provider & What’s Included: Some providers bundle test booking, vehicle hire, and retesting into the course cost — others may charge separately. Always check what the advertised price includes.
- Medical / Additional Requirements: If a medical check or special assessments are required (e.g. due to age or health conditions), that adds to the total cost.
- Retests or Additional Practice Sessions: If you need extra lessons or retesting, that increases overall costs.
Typical Total Budget: What You Might End Up Paying
Putting together all the components — training, tests, medical, processing — a typical first-time applicant should budget around:
- On the lower end (automatic gearbox, minimal lessons): ~ AUD 1,200 – AUD 1,500
- Mid-range (manual/synchromesh course, average lessons & included test): ~ AUD 1,500 – AUD 2,000
- Upper end (manual/unrestricted Road-Ranger licence, extra lessons, medical): ~ AUD 2,000 – AUD 2,500+
These align with several publicly-quoted ranges of AUD 950 – AUD 2,500 depending on provider and inclusions.
What You Should Confirm When Choosing a Training Provider
When shopping for an HR licence course, it’s worth checking:
- Whether the price includes both theory and practical training, plus the driving test and vehicle hire.
- Whether test fees (knowledge + driving test) are included, or billed separately.
- Whether a medical exam is required (and if it’s included or extra).
- What their package offers if you are upgrading from an existing licence (MR / LR) — you might get a discount/shorter course.
- Their transmission type / licence variant (auto, synchromesh, unrestricted), as this affects training intensity & cost.
- What happens if you fail the first test — some providers may charge for retests or additional lessons.
Why the Cost is Justified (and When It’s Worth It)
- An HR licence gives access to a broad range of heavy-vehicle driving jobs: trucks, buses, freight, logistics, etc.
- If you plan a long-term career in heavy transport, the one-time cost pays off — especially if your provider offers quality training, and you pass quickly.
- Investing in proper training (manual or unrestricted) often improves employability and helps with job roles requiring more advanced skills.
Sample Cost Scenarios
Scenario 1 — Entry-level (Automatic gearbox, minimal training)
- Training + test package (automatic): ~ AUD 1,200
- Knowledge test + driving test fees + processing + medical: ~ AUD 200
- Total: ~ AUD 1,400 – 1,500
Scenario 2 — Manual/Synchromesh HR licence, average training + test included
- Course (manual / 2-day): ~ AUD 1,600
- Other costs (test, medical, processing): ~ AUD 250
- Total: ~ AUD 1,800 – 1,900
Scenario 3 — Unrestricted Road-Ranger / Manual HR licence, extra hours, medical, potential retesting
- Intensive course + extra hours: ~ AUD 1,900–2,200
- Other costs + buffer for retest or extra lessons: ~ AUD 300–400
- Total: ~ AUD 2,200 – 2,600+
Key Takeaway
Getting an HR licence in Queensland typically costs between AUD 1,200 and AUD 2,500 for a first-time applicant — with the final cost depending heavily on the type of licence (automatic vs manual/unrestricted), how many hours of training you need, and whether additional costs (medical, retest, vehicle hire) apply.
If you want — I can run 2025-update cost estimates for 5–6 of the top HR licence training providers in Brisbane/Qld (to show current real-world costs).
Ready to start? Explore our HR licence course in QLD.
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