All types of truck and bus licence

All types of truck and bus licence in Sydney

In Sydney, Australia, operating trucks and buses requires obtaining the appropriate heavy vehicle licence. The licensing system in Sydney for all types of truck and buses includes several classes, each permitting the operation of specific vehicle types.

Licence Classes:

  1. Light Rigid (LR):
    • Vehicles: Rigid vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) between 4.5 and 8 tonnes; vehicles up to 8 tonnes GVM designed to carry more than 12 adults, including the driver.
    • Eligibility: Must have held a Class C (car) licence for at least one year.
    • Common Uses: Small delivery trucks, minibuses.
  2. Medium Rigid (MR):
    • Vehicles: Rigid vehicles with two axles and a GVM over 8 tonnes.
    • Eligibility: Must have held a Class C licence for at least one year.
    • Common Uses: Medium-sized trucks, larger buses.
  3. Heavy Rigid (HR):
    • Vehicles: Rigid vehicles with three or more axles and a GVM over 8 tonnes; includes articulated buses.
    • Eligibility: Must have held a Class C licence for at least two years.
    • Common Uses: Larger trucks, heavy rigid vehicles, articulated buses.
  4. Heavy Combination (HC):
    • Vehicles: Vehicles with a GVM over 8 tonnes towing a trailer over 9 tonnes GVM.
    • Eligibility: Must have held an MR or HR licence for at least one year.
    • Common Uses: Semi-trailers, trucks towing large trailers.
  5. Multi-Combination (MC):
    • Vehicles: B-doubles (a prime mover towing two semi-trailers) or road trains (a prime mover towing two or more trailers).
    • Eligibility: Must have held an HC licence for at least one year.
    • Common Uses: B-doubles, road trains, multiple trailer combinations.

Obtaining a Heavy Vehicle Licence:

In NSW, there are two primary pathways to obtain a heavy vehicle licence:

  1. Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVCBA):
    • This is the primary method for obtaining a heavy vehicle licence.
    • oConducted by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
    • Involves training and assessment to ensure competency in operating the desired class of vehicle.
    • Mandatory for Multi-Combination (MC) class licences.
  2. Heavy Vehicle Driving Test:
    • Available in areas where HVCBA is not accessible.
    • Conducted by Service NSW testing officers.

Steps to Obtain a Licence:

  1. Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test:
    • Pass the knowledge test for the desired licence class.
  2. Training and Assessment:
    • Complete the HVCBA with an RTO or undertake a heavy vehicle driving test, depending on availability.
  3. Medical Requirements:
    • Ensure you meet the medical standards set by the National Transport Commission and Austroads, especially for commercial vehicle drivers.

Steps to Obtain a Licence:

  1. Bus Driver Authority:
    • In addition to the appropriate licence class (typically MR or HR), bus drivers must obtain a Bus Driver Authority from Transport for NSW.
    • This involves completing a Bus Driver Authority course and meeting specific medical and background checks.