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Requirements for HR Truck Licence in Australia
Getting an HR (Heavy Rigid) truck licence in Australia allows you to drive large trucks and buses. Before you can apply, you must meet specific age, licence, medical and testing requirements set by state transport authorities.
This guide explains everything you need to qualify for an HR licence in Australia.
1. Minimum Age Requirement for HR Licence
To apply for an HR licence in Australia, you must:
- Be at least 19 years old
Some states may have slight variations, but 19 is the standard minimum age across most of Australia.
2. Prior Licence Requirements
Before applying for an HR licence, you must already hold:
- A valid Australian C (car) licence
- Held for at least 12 months (unrestricted or provisional, depending on state)
Can I go straight from car licence to HR?
Yes — you can upgrade directly from a car licence to an HR licence, as long as you meet the 12-month holding period.
You do not need to hold an LR or MR licence first.
3. Medical Requirements for HR Licence
Depending on your:
- Age
- Medical history
- Intended commercial driving
You may need to complete a commercial driver medical assessment.
This typically includes:
- Vision test
- Hearing check
- Blood pressure check
- General health assessment
A fit-to-drive medical certificate may be required before your practical driving test.
4. HR Licence Knowledge (Theory) Test
Before your practical test, you must pass a heavy vehicle knowledge test, which covers:
- Road rules for heavy vehicles
- Load restraint basics
- Vehicle safety
- Fatigue management
- Air brake knowledge (where applicable)
This test is normally completed through your local transport authority.
5. HR Practical Driving Test Requirements
To obtain your HR licence, you must pass:
A practical driving assessment, which includes:
- Pre-start vehicle safety check
- On-road driving in traffic
- Gear shifting (if manual)
- Defensive driving techniques
- Hazard perception
- Safe braking and vehicle control
The test is conducted in a registered HR-class vehicle.
6. Gearbox / Licence Type Requirements
Your HR licence will be issued based on the vehicle you test in.
HR Auto (Condition A)
If you test in an automatic truck, your licence will be restricted to automatic HR vehicles only.
HR Synchromesh (Condition B)
If you test in a manual synchromesh gearbox, you can drive:
- Automatic
- Synchromesh manual
But not Road Ranger gearboxes.
HR Unrestricted
If you test in a Road Ranger / crash-box manual, your HR licence will be fully unrestricted.
This affects your job opportunities.
7. Work Diary / Fatigue Requirements (If Driving Commercially)
If you plan to drive commercial heavy vehicles, you may need:
- Heavy vehicle fatigue training
- Work diary accreditation
- Chain of Responsibility (CoR) awareness
These are not always mandatory for licence issue, but required for many transport jobs.
8. Basic Eligibility Checklist for HR Licence in Australia
You are eligible if you:
- Are 19+ years old
- Hold a valid car licence for at least 12 months
- Meet medical fitness standards
- Pass the heavy vehicle knowledge test
- Pass the practical driving test
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get an HR licence on a P plate?
In many states, yes — if you have held your licence for the minimum required time. Rules vary by state.
Do I need an MR licence before HR?
No — you can go directly from a car licence to HR.
Is a medical mandatory for HR licence?
It depends on age and health, but many applicants will need a medical assessment.
How long does it take to get an HR licence?
Typically 1–3 days of training, depending on your experience.
Can I use an automatic truck for my test?
Yes, but your licence will be restricted to automatic vehicles.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]