What’s a Heavy Rigid Licence (HR Licence) and what are the benefits that come with it?
A Heavy Rigid vehicle licence allows you to drive trucks and trailers with a gross mass exceeding 8,000 kg. This particular licence also gives you an advantage in the mining and construction industry. It can put you at the front of the line to be a Driller’s Offsider or get other surface drilling jobs as it will require you to transport materials to remote drilling locations. If you’re planning to apply as a Mechanical Trade Assistant, an HR licence can boost your application because it allows you to drive trucks in and out of workshops and from site locations.
But before you can get this licence, there are specific requirements that you need to meet to be eligible for one. Check the section below for your state’s requirements:
Queensland
You must have held your C-class licence for two years or your Light Rigid (LR) or Medium Rigid (MR) for one year before getting your HR licence.
New South Wales
You must have held your P2 or C-class licence for one year to gain your HR licence.
South Australia and Western Australia
You must have held your C-class licence for two years or your Light Rigid (LR) or Medium Rigid (MR) for one year.
How to get started
If you’ve already met the requirements, you can follow this step-by-step guide to get started:
Step 1: Complete an Application Form
Just like any licence, you need to apply for one. You can visit your nearest Driver and Vehicles Services (DVS) centre to get an application or download the PDF version on the DoT website. Make sure you don’t miss filling out all the necessary details!
Step 2: Provide Proof of Identity
To prevent fraud and identity theft, you will be required to submit some documents to verify your identity. These may include your current driver’s licence, passport, or any official document that contains your full name, date of birth, and current residential address. Before the application process, be sure to gather these documents.
Step 3: Take an Eyesight Test and Declare Commercial Medical Eligibility
Good eyesight is required to reduce the likelihood of road accidents. But even before starting any training, you might need to pass an eyesight test to ensure road safety. If you need to wear glasses or contacts while driving, you need to notify the DVS so they can add it to your licence. You’ll also be required to disclose any medical condition that may affect your ability to control a heavy vehicle.
Step 4: Complete the Required Training and Practical Driving Assessment
Before receiving your licence, you must complete training and pass a practical driving assessment. Scroll through the list below to learn more about the process, fees, and requirements needed to complete your training and assessment.
Queensland
You can choose from 3 flexible training options:
- Four hours for $860
- Three hours for $760
- Two hours for $660
These prices are inclusive of the training, test, and booking fee. Before you choose a training option, here’s a pro tip: the more hours you rack up behind the wheel, the better your driving skills will be.
New South Wales
Pass your knowledge test with NSW services and then call a driving school to book your training and assessment. It generally only takes one (1) day (unless you fail and can’t drive very well). This will cost you a fee of around $1,000 — which includes training, assessment and learning permit.
South Australia
Complete the 10-hour training over the course of one day and then pay a fee of $1,300 — which includes the training and assessment.
Western Australia
Complete the training that takes 5 hours over one (1) day and pay the fee of $1,100 — which includes the training, assessment, and learning permit.
Step 5: Go to the DoT Licensing Office to Upgrade Your Licence
Once you’ve completed all the previous steps, give yourself a pat on the back because you can finally visit your nearest DVS centre to upgrade your licence.
Your Next Move
After submitting all the documents, paying the fees, and passing the assessment, you’ll finally own a Heavy Rigid Licence and get a chance to explore better work opportunities.
If you need help finding the right job, we’re here to help. At Aston Advantage, we do more than find and apply for the most rewarding mining and construction jobs. We’ll work together with you to advance your career now and in the future.
You can start by looking through our website for any available positions as a Driller’s Offsider or Mechanical Trade Assistant, or you can upload your resume so we can help you with your next career move.
