Truck & Bus Licence
All types of truck and bus licence classes available in Sydney — understand eligibility, vehicles and pathways.
Heavy Vehicle Licensing
in Sydney, Australia
In Sydney, operating trucks and buses requires obtaining the appropriate heavy vehicle licence. The licensing system includes several classes, each permitting the operation of specific vehicle types.
At ARIA Truck Training, our NSW-licensed instructors guide you through every step — from your knowledge test through to your final assessment — tailored to the licence class you need.
Book a ClassChoose Your Licence Class
Light Rigid
Vehicles
Rigid vehicles with a 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
Medium Rigid
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
Heavy Rigid
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
Heavy Combination
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
Multi Combination
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
Two Pathways to Your
Heavy Vehicle Licence
In NSW there are two approved methods for obtaining a heavy vehicle licence. The right pathway depends on your location and the licence class you're pursuing.
Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVCBA)
- The primary method for obtaining a heavy vehicle licence.
- Conducted 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.
Heavy Vehicle Driving Test
- Available in areas where HVCBA is not accessible.
- Conducted by Service NSW testing officers.
Steps to Obtain Your Licence
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test
Pass the knowledge test for the desired licence class at a Service NSW centre.
Training & Assessment
Complete the HVCBA with an RTO or undertake a heavy vehicle driving test, depending on availability in your area.
Medical Requirements
Ensure you meet the medical standards set by the National Transport Commission and Austroads, especially for commercial vehicle drivers.
Medical requirements must be met before undertaking your assessment. Commercial vehicle drivers are assessed under standards set by the National Transport Commission and Austroads.
Ready to start your heavy vehicle career?
Book a Class TodayBus 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.
View Bus Authority CourseComplete a Bus Driver Authority course with an approved provider.
Meet specific medical standards for passenger vehicle operation.
Pass a criminal history background check.
Hold a valid MR or HR licence class.
Book a Class Today
Take the first step toward your truck driving career. Our team is available 7 days a week to help you find the right course.