How long does it take to get an HR licence?

Most drivers complete their HR licence in a single day, including training and the practical test. If you’re going for a Non-Restricted (Road Ranger) condition, expect a longer course over multiple days.

Do I need to sit a written test for an HR licence?

Only if you don’t already hold an LR or MR licence. If you currently hold LR or MR, the written knowledge test isn’t required.

What’s the difference between HR Condition A and Condition B?

Condition A covers automatic gearboxes only. Condition B covers synchromesh (manual-style) gearboxes as well as automatics.

Do I need a medical certificate for my HR licence?

If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely, you’ll need to declare it and may be asked to provide a medical certificate from your doctor before your test.

Can I go straight from a car licence to HR?

Yes — provided you’ve held your car licence for at least 2 years, you can upgrade directly to HR without going through LR or MR first.

Is weekend HR licence testing available in Brisbane?

Yes, weekend testing is available in Brisbane.

HR Licence Brisbane – Heavy Rigid Truck Training

Get your HR Licence in Brisbane with practical Heavy Rigid truck training from Global Driver Training.

Our HR licence training is designed for eligible Queensland drivers who want to safely operate larger rigid trucks and buses, prepare for their practical driving assessment, and expand their employment opportunities in transport, logistics, construction, civil works and related industries.

Choose from Automatic, Synchromesh and Non-Restricted gearbox training, with flexible options suited to different levels of driving experience.

HR Licence Brisbane at a Glance

HR Licence Information	Details
Licence class	Heavy Rigid – HR
Vehicle class	Heavy rigid trucks and buses over 8t GVM with more than 2 axles
Trailer	Up to 9t GVM
Training location	Slacks Creek, Brisbane / Logan
HR training	From $130 per hour
Complete package	From $660*
Test-only truck	$450
Gearbox options	Automatic, Synchromesh and Non-Restricted
Eligibility from Class C	Class C held for at least 2 years
Eligibility from LR/MR	LR or MR held for at least 1 year
Assessment	Queensland Heavy Rigid practical driving assessment
Next licence classes	HC or MC, subject to Queensland eligibility requirements
Cost	HR training from $130 per hour, Complete HR packages from $660*, Test-only truck available from $450, Training in Slacks Creek, Brisbane / Loga

Ready to get started? Contact Global Driver Training to check your eligibility and current HR training availability.

What Is an HR Licence?

An HR Licence, or Heavy Rigid Licence, is a Queensland heavy vehicle licence class that allows you to drive a bus or truck with a Gross Vehicle Mass greater than 8 tonnes and more than two axles.

This can include qualifying:

heavy rigid trucks
large rigid delivery trucks
tipper trucks
prime movers when operated within the HR vehicle-class requirements
mobile cranes that fall within the HR vehicle class
heavy rigid buses
articulated buses
vehicles covered by the lower MR and LR rigid licence classes

An HR licence also allows you to tow a trailer with a maximum GVM of 9 tonnes.

Because HR covers substantially larger vehicles than an MR licence, it is commonly chosen by drivers seeking work in transport, construction, infrastructure, waste management, civil works and other industries that use heavy rigid vehicles.

What Does HR Stand For?

HR stands for Heavy Rigid.

The term describes rigid heavy vehicles over 8 tonnes GVM with more than two axles.

“Rigid” means the main vehicle body and cab form a single rigid vehicle rather than a truck towing a heavy trailer or semi-trailer combination.

If the trailer exceeds the limits permitted under HR, you may need an HC – Heavy Combination Licence instead.

What Can You Drive With an HR Licence?

A Queensland HR licence allows you to drive vehicles within the Heavy Rigid class, subject to any transmission or other conditions shown on your licence.

Examples may include:

three-axle rigid trucks
four-axle rigid trucks
heavy rigid delivery trucks
large tippers
heavy service vehicles
certain prime movers when operated within the HR class
qualifying mobile cranes
large rigid buses
articulated buses
MR-class vehicles
LR-class vehicles

You may also tow a trailer with a maximum GVM of 9 tonnes.

Can You Drive MR and LR Vehicles With an HR Licence?

Yes. An HR licence covers the applicable lower rigid vehicle classes, including MR and LR vehicles, subject to any licence conditions that apply.

That means a driver holding HR generally does not need a separate MR or LR licence to operate vehicles within those lower rigid classes.

What Can’t You Drive With an HR Licence?

An HR licence does not automatically authorise every heavy vehicle combination.

You will generally need a higher licence class for vehicles such as:

heavy combination vehicles towing a trailer over 9t GVM
semi-trailers requiring an HC licence
B-doubles
road trains
multi-combination vehicles

Drivers wanting to progress beyond rigid vehicles can later consider HC Licence training or MC training, once the relevant Queensland licence-holding requirements have been met.

HR Licence Eligibility Requirements in Queensland

To upgrade to an HR licence in Queensland, you must first meet the required licence-holding period.

You generally need to have held either:

a Class C licence for at least 2 years, or
an LR or MR licence for at least 1 year.

The applicable licence-holding period generally needs to have occurred within the relevant period recognised by Queensland Transport and Main Roads.

HR Licence Eligibility Table

Current Licence	Minimum Holding Period	HR Upgrade
Class C	2 years	Eligible once requirements are met
LR	1 year	Eligible once requirements are met
MR	1 year	Eligible once requirements are met
Interstate/overseas licence	Depends on recognised licence history	Confirm with TMR

If part of your licence history is from interstate or overseas, additional verification may be required.

Not sure whether you’re eligible? Contact Global Driver Training before booking and tell us which licence you currently hold and how long you have held it.

Can I Go Straight From a Car Licence to an HR Licence?

Yes. In Queensland, you do not necessarily need to obtain an LR or MR licence before progressing to HR.

If you have held an eligible Class C licence for at least two years, you may be able to progress directly to an HR licence once you satisfy the remaining Queensland licensing requirements.

This makes HR a popular option for drivers who want to move directly from a car licence into larger rigid trucks rather than completing LR and MR upgrades first.

However, someone moving directly from a car licence may require more practical training than a driver who already has experience operating LR or MR vehicles.

HR Licence Requirements in Queensland

Meeting the licence-holding period is only part of the HR upgrade process.

Depending on your circumstances, Queensland requirements may include:

holding the appropriate current licence for the required period
presenting your current driver licence or required evidence of identity
meeting medical fitness requirements
completing the applicable heavy vehicle road rules or knowledge requirements
booking the appropriate practical driving assessment
successfully passing the Heavy Rigid practical driving test
paying applicable Queensland Government testing or licensing fees

Medical requirements can vary according to your circumstances. If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely, Transport and Main Roads may require additional medical information.

Always confirm your individual eligibility before making arrangements for training or assessment.

How Much Does an HR Licence Cost in Brisbane?

The cost of getting an HR Licence in Brisbane depends on several factors, including your previous driving experience, the transmission you choose, how much practical training you require and whether you need a training package or assessment vehicle.

At Global Driver Training, HR training starts from $130 per hour, with complete packages available from $660*.

HR Licence Training Prices

HR Training – From $130 Per Hour

Suitable for drivers who want:

individual HR lessons
extra practice before the test
targeted training in specific driving skills
additional familiarisation with an HR vehicle

Complete HR Package – From $660*

A combined training option for eligible drivers wanting practical preparation for their HR assessment.

Your recommended package may depend on your previous heavy vehicle experience and gearbox selection.

Test-Only Truck – $450

Suitable for eligible and adequately prepared drivers who primarily require access to an HR-class vehicle for their practical test.

Premium HR Training – From $180 Per Hour

Available for selected transmission types, advanced training requirements or specialised HR training options.

*Prices may change and package requirements vary between drivers. Confirm current pricing, inclusions, assessment arrangements and vehicle availability when booking.

How Do I Know Which HR Package I Need?

A driver with existing MR experience may require less training than someone progressing directly from a car licence.

Before choosing a package, consider:

your current licence class
previous truck-driving experience
manual heavy vehicle experience
gearbox option required
confidence controlling a large rigid vehicle
assessment preparation needed

Tell our team about your driving experience and we can help you choose a suitable training option.

HR Licence Gearbox Options

The transmission you use during your HR assessment matters because it can affect the conditions recorded on your licence.

Global Driver Training offers training options including:

Automatic
Synchromesh
Non-Restricted / non-synchromesh training

Understanding the differences before booking can help you choose the licence outcome best suited to your future work.

Automatic HR Licence Training – Condition A

Automatic HR training is often a practical option for drivers who expect to work in modern automatic heavy vehicle fleets.

An automatic vehicle removes manual gear changing from the learning process, allowing the driver to focus more heavily on:

vehicle positioning
steering
braking
observation
turning
hazard awareness
speed control
safe heavy vehicle operation

If you complete the relevant assessment in an automatic vehicle, an automatic transmission condition may apply to your licence.

Automatic training can be particularly suitable for drivers whose intended employment only requires automatic heavy vehicles.

Synchromesh HR Licence Training – Condition B

Synchromesh HR training is completed in a manual heavy vehicle fitted with a synchromesh transmission.

Training may include:

clutch control
correct gear selection
smooth upshifting and downshifting
selecting appropriate gears for road speed
hill and traffic management
maintaining vehicle control while changing gears

A licence condition may apply when the assessment is completed in a synchromesh vehicle.

Synchromesh training can be a good option for drivers who expect to operate conventional manual fleet vehicles but do not require non-synchromesh gearbox capability.

Non-Restricted HR Licence Training – Road Ranger / Non-Synchromesh

Non-restricted heavy vehicle training may be appropriate for drivers who need broader transmission capability for their work.

Non-synchromesh gearboxes require more advanced gear-changing skills than automatic or conventional synchromesh transmissions.

Training can involve:

correct gear timing
engine-speed matching
clutch technique
double-clutching where applicable
controlled downshifting
maintaining road speed and vehicle stability during gear changes

This option generally requires greater vehicle familiarity and more practice.

If a particular transmission condition is important for your employment, tell our team before booking so you can choose the most appropriate training vehicle.

Automatic vs Synchromesh vs Non-Restricted HR Licence

HR Training Option	Relative Learning Difficulty	Often Suitable For	Licence Consideration
Automatic	Lower	Automatic fleets and drivers wanting simpler transmission operation	Automatic condition may apply
Synchromesh	Moderate	Manual heavy vehicle fleets	Synchromesh condition may apply
Non-Restricted	Higher	Drivers seeking broader transmission flexibility	Training requires more advanced gearbox skills

There is no single “best” HR gearbox option for every driver.

Choose according to:

the vehicles your current or future employer operates
your previous manual-driving experience
your career plans
how much training you are prepared to undertake
whether transmission flexibility is important to you

Not sure which one you need? Tell us what type of truck you expect to drive and we can explain your training options.

What Does HR Licence Training Include?

HR training is not simply about learning how to move a large truck.

A Heavy Rigid vehicle is significantly larger, heavier and slower to respond than a passenger car, so training focuses on developing safe and consistent vehicle control.

Your training may cover the following areas.

Pre-Drive Vehicle Checks

Learn to familiarise yourself with the vehicle before entering traffic.

This may include checks relating to:

tyres
mirrors
vehicle controls
warning systems
general vehicle condition
safety equipment
visibility around the vehicle

HR Vehicle Familiarisation

You will become familiar with the size and operating characteristics of the HR training vehicle.

This includes understanding:

vehicle length
width
height
axle configuration
turning characteristics
mirror coverage
braking distance

Steering and Road Positioning

Heavy rigid trucks need considerably more space than passenger cars.

Training focuses on maintaining safe lane position and allowing adequate space when approaching:

intersections
roundabouts
narrow roads
parked vehicles
kerbs
other road users

Turning Technique

One of the biggest adjustments for new heavy vehicle drivers is managing the vehicle’s longer wheelbase and rear-wheel tracking.

You will practise taking turns while maintaining safe clearance and avoiding unsafe encroachment.

Braking and Speed Management

Heavy vehicles have different stopping characteristics from cars.

Training may cover:

smooth progressive braking
maintaining safe following distance
selecting safe approach speeds
managing downhill speed
planning further ahead

Gearbox Operation

Where applicable, you will practise the transmission used in your chosen training vehicle.

This may include:

automatic vehicle management
clutch control
synchromesh shifting
non-synchromesh gear selection
correct gear choice for vehicle speed

Observation and Hazard Awareness

You need to demonstrate continuous awareness of the road environment.

Training can focus on:

effective mirror use
blind spots
intersections
vulnerable road users
changing traffic conditions
planning ahead
maintaining safe clearance

Reversing and Vehicle Positioning

Reversing a large rigid vehicle requires effective mirror use and controlled vehicle movement.

Your instructor can help you practise safe positioning while maintaining awareness of the area around the truck.

Assessment Preparation

Before your test, training can focus on the areas that need the most improvement.

The aim is not simply to memorise a test route—it is to develop the consistent heavy vehicle driving skills required to operate safely.

How Long Does HR Licence Training Take?

There is no single training duration that suits every HR licence applicant.

How much training you require depends on factors such as:

whether you are progressing from a car, LR or MR licence
previous truck-driving experience
confidence with large vehicles
gearbox option selected
manual transmission experience
vehicle-control skills
how quickly you adapt to heavy vehicle dimensions
assessment readiness

A driver who already operates MR trucks regularly may become comfortable in an HR vehicle relatively quickly.

Someone progressing directly from a car licence may benefit from additional training before attempting the practical assessment.

Rather than choosing training purely according to the shortest possible course, select an option that gives you enough preparation to operate the vehicle safely and consistently.

HR Licence Practical Driving Test

Eligible drivers seeking an HR licence must successfully complete the applicable Queensland Heavy Rigid practical driving assessment process.

The assessment is designed to determine whether you can safely control an HR-class vehicle in real road conditions.

Areas relevant to training and assessment can include:

vehicle control
observation
mirror use
road positioning
steering
braking
speed management
gear selection where applicable
intersections
turns
reversing
awareness of vehicle dimensions
interaction with other road users
compliance with road rules

Passing an HR test requires more than simply being able to drive the truck forward.

You need to demonstrate safe decisions and consistent vehicle control throughout the drive.

Common HR Licence Test Mistakes to Avoid

Based on areas heavy vehicle learners commonly need to improve during training, problems can include:

Inadequate Mirror Checks

Large vehicles have significant blind spots. Mirror use needs to become part of your regular driving routine.

Poor Road Positioning

Sitting too close to a kerb, centre line, parked vehicle or lane edge can create unnecessary risk.

Turning Too Tightly

The rear wheels of a rigid truck do not follow exactly the same path as the front wheels.

Drivers must allow for vehicle length and rear-wheel tracking.

Approaching Intersections Too Quickly

A heavy vehicle requires more planning and stopping distance.

Reducing speed early gives you more time to observe and position the vehicle safely.

Incorrect Gear Selection

For manual HR vehicles, selecting an unsuitable gear can affect vehicle control and smoothness.

Inconsistent Speed Management

Driving too quickly—or unnecessarily slowly—can both create problems.

The goal is controlled, appropriate speed for the road and traffic conditions.

Rushing

Trying to complete every manoeuvre quickly often leads to poor observation and positioning.

Controlled, planned driving is more important than rushing.

What Do I Need to Bring for HR Licence Training?

Before attending your HR training or practical assessment, make sure you have everything required for your booking.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

your current Queensland driver licence
required evidence of identity
suitable enclosed footwear
glasses or contact lenses if required by your licence conditions
any medical documentation requested by Transport and Main Roads
booking or assessment information provided to you

Requirements can differ depending on your circumstances.

Contact Global Driver Training before attending if you are unsure what you need to bring.

HR Licence Training in Brisbane, Logan & Surrounding Areas

Global Driver Training provides HR licence training from Slacks Creek, conveniently located for drivers from Brisbane, Logan and surrounding South East Queensland areas.

Students may travel to us from areas including:

Logan
Springwood
Underwood
Beenleigh
Brisbane Southside
Brisbane
Ipswich
Cleveland
Wynnum
surrounding South East Queensland areas

If you are travelling from outside the immediate area, contact us before booking to confirm your training and assessment arrangements.

Who Should Consider Getting an HR Licence?

An HR licence can be useful for drivers who want access to a broader range of heavy vehicle employment opportunities.

It may be relevant to work in industries including:

transport
freight and logistics
civil construction
roadworks
infrastructure
waste and recycling
local government services
heavy equipment support
large rigid deliveries
bus and passenger transport, subject to any additional requirements
mining and resources support

The exact licence, experience and additional qualifications required will depend on the employer and position.

Always check the requirements of the job you intend to apply for.

HR Licence vs MR Licence – What’s the Difference?

The main difference between MR and HR is the number of axles permitted on vehicles over 8 tonnes GVM.

MR Licence	HR Licence
Medium Rigid	Heavy Rigid
Vehicle over 8t GVM	Vehicle over 8t GVM
Maximum 2 axles	More than 2 axles
Covers LR vehicles	Covers MR and LR vehicles
Common for medium rigid trucks and buses	Common for larger rigid trucks and buses
Class C generally held 1 year	Class C generally held 2 years, or LR/MR held 1 year

If your intended work involves larger three-or-more-axle rigid vehicles, HR is generally the appropriate rigid heavy vehicle class.

LEARN ABOUT MR LICENCE TRAINING

HR Licence vs HC Licence

An HR licence covers Heavy Rigid vehicles.

An HC licence covers Heavy Combination vehicles.

A key distinction is the trailer.

An HR licence can cover a qualifying heavy rigid vehicle towing a trailer up to 9 tonnes GVM.

For a heavy vehicle combination where the trailer exceeds 9 tonnes GVM, an HC licence may be required.

Queensland drivers generally need to have held an MR or HR licence for at least one year before progressing to HC.

VIEW HC LICENCE TRAINING

Can You Upgrade Directly From HR to MC?

Yes, once the Queensland eligibility requirements are met.

You do not necessarily need to obtain HC before progressing from HR to MC.

In Queensland, a driver can become eligible for an MC licence after holding an HR or HC licence for at least one year.

An eligible HR licence holder progressing to MC must complete the required TLIC4006 Drive Multi-combination Vehicle training and assessment through an approved training provider.

For an HR holder, the current Queensland pathway requires a minimum of 16 hours of training and assessment.

This means an HR licence can provide a direct long-term progression pathway toward operating B-doubles, road trains and other multi-combination vehicles.

LEARN ABOUT MC TRAINING

Why Choose Global Driver Training for Your HR Licence?

Choosing a training provider should involve more than comparing the cheapest advertised price.

You need training that suits your current driving experience, transmission needs and intended employment.

Flexible HR Training Options

Choose from individual lessons, packages and assessment preparation according to your experience.

Multiple Gearbox Options

Training options include:

Automatic
Synchromesh
Non-Restricted

This allows you to choose training aligned with the vehicles you expect to operate.

Practical Heavy Vehicle Training

Training focuses on real vehicle control, road positioning, observation and the skills needed to safely operate a Heavy Rigid vehicle.

Clear HR Licence Pricing

HR training starts from $130 per hour, with complete packages from $660*.

Convenient Brisbane / Logan Location

Train from our Slacks Creek location with convenient access for Brisbane Southside and Logan drivers.

Progression Beyond HR

When you’re ready to move into combination vehicles, we also provide pathways for drivers interested in progressing toward HC and MC licence training.

HR Training Locations

HR Licence Training Near You in Brisbane

Looking for an HR licence near you in Brisbane or South East Queensland?

Global Driver Training provides practical HR licence training for eligible drivers across Brisbane, Logan and surrounding areas. Depending on your licence class, assessment requirements and availability, we can help you choose a suitable training and testing location.

We regularly assist drivers from:

Brisbane CBDLoganBeenleighIpswichSpringfieldRedcliffeCabooltureNorth LakesClevelandWynnumSurrounding Suburbs

Need Help Choosing?

Not Sure Which Location Is Closest to You?

Tell us your suburb and current licence class. Our team will help you choose the right HR training option.

Speak directly with the Global Driver Training team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an HR licence cost in Brisbane?

HR licence training at Global Driver Training starts from $130 per hour, with complete HR packages available from $660*. A test-only HR truck is available from $450. Your final cost depends on the amount of training required, gearbox option and assessment arrangements.

How long does HR training take?

There is no fixed training duration for every driver. Someone with significant MR or heavy vehicle experience may need less preparation than a person moving directly from a car licence. Training time depends on your driving experience, transmission choice and assessment readiness.

Can I go directly from a car licence to HR in Queensland?

Yes. You can generally progress directly from a Class C licence to HR once you have held the qualifying Class C licence for at least two years and meet the remaining Queensland requirements.

You do not necessarily need to complete LR or MR first.

Can I get HR after holding MR for one year?

Yes. A driver who has held an eligible MR licence for at least one year can generally meet the licence-holding requirement to progress to HR.

What does HR stand for?

HR stands for Heavy Rigid.

What can I drive with an HR licence?

An HR licence permits eligible drivers to operate a bus or truck over 8 tonnes GVM with more than two axles, plus articulated buses and applicable lower rigid vehicle classes, subject to licence conditions.

What is the biggest truck I can drive with an HR licence?

HR allows you to drive qualifying Heavy Rigid vehicles with more than two axles. However, once the vehicle becomes a heavy combination involving a trailer over the HR trailer limit, an HC licence may be required.

Vehicle configuration matters more than simply physical size.

Can I tow a trailer with an HR licence?

Yes. An HR licence can permit towing a trailer with a maximum GVM of 9 tonnes.

A heavier trailer combination may require an HC licence.

Can I drive a bus with an HR licence?

Yes. HR can cover buses that fall within the Heavy Rigid class, including articulated buses.

Separate industry, operator or passenger-transport requirements may apply depending on the work you intend to perform.

Can I drive an MR truck on an HR licence?

Yes. An HR licence includes the applicable lower MR and LR rigid vehicle classes, subject to any licence conditions.

Is automatic HR training available?

Yes. Global Driver Training offers Automatic HR training, along with Synchromesh and Non-Restricted training options.

Does the gearbox used during the HR test matter?

Yes. The type of transmission used during the assessment can affect the conditions recorded on your heavy vehicle licence.

If you require a particular gearbox capability for employment, discuss this before selecting your training vehicle.

What is Condition A on an HR licence?

Condition A relates to an automatic transmission restriction.

If this condition applies, you are restricted according to the transmission condition shown on your licence.

What is Condition B on an HR licence?

Condition B relates to synchromesh gearbox operation.

If you require broader gearbox capability, discuss non-restricted training options before booking.

Do I need previous truck-driving experience?

Not necessarily.

An eligible driver can progress from Class C to HR after satisfying the required licence-holding period.

However, previous truck-driving experience can affect how much training you need before your practical assessment.

Do I need an MR licence before HR?

No.

Eligible Queensland drivers may progress directly from Class C to HR after holding Class C for at least two years.

Alternatively, LR or MR held for at least one year can satisfy the relevant licence-holding requirement.

Can I go from HR directly to MC?

Yes.

After holding HR for at least one year, an eligible Queensland driver may progress to MC through the applicable approved training pathway.

An HR holder currently needs to complete the required TLIC4006 competency training and assessment through an approved MC training provider.

Where can I get an HR Licence in Brisbane?

Global Driver Training provides HR licence training from:

Unit 4, 25 Randall Street, Slacks Creek QLD 4127

Our location is convenient for drivers from Logan, Brisbane Southside and surrounding areas.

Book Your HR Licence Training in Brisbane

Ready to start your HR Licence training in Brisbane?

Whether you are moving directly from a car licence, upgrading from an MR licence, preparing for your practical assessment or need a particular gearbox training option, Global Driver Training can help you choose a training option suited to your experience.