How Do I Get My HR License?

Your first step is to accredit yourself with the right license and approved training course to ensure your smooth transition from behind the textbooks to behind the wheel.

In Australia, the Heavy Rigid Licence (known as the HR Licence) is one of the highest tiers of licensing in the Heavy Vehicle categories, as provided by the Queensland government. So how can you go about securing our HR license? We’re here to walk you through the process, from application to registration.

Learn to drive a HR Vehicle.

As stated by Queensland’s Department of Transport and Licencing, the licence secures your right to drive any vehicle in the MR class, which includes “a bus or truck (including a prime mover or a mobile crane)” that weighs in at over eight tonnes in Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), with two axles at a maximum. It also allows the licensee to drive HR vehicles, which include articulated buses and trailers, with a maximum weight of nine tonnes.

The first step into a new vehicle should always be made with a licensed instructor. It’s essential to train with a supervisor who knows the vehicles, understands the roads and regulations, and can give you the advice and support you need on your journey.

It’s always best to start by searching for training specialists in your area. So if you’re looking for your HR license, you should find someone close to you. Remember, when learning how to drive in states like Queensland:

Always be accompanied by a supervisor who has held an open license in the HR class for at least one year.Always display your learner plates in a clear position at the front and rear ends of your vehicle.Obey the alcohol and drug limits.

It’s important to note that you can only obtain a manual driver’s license if you already possess a manual provisional or open license, and vice versa if you hold an automatic vehicle license.

Apply for your license.

To qualify for your HR license in Queensland, you need to have held your license at the class below it for one to two years. If you are a C-class, or general car driver, looking to upgrade to HR class, you need to have been licensed for two years. For LR or MR drivers, the time period is one year before you can upgrade.

If you meet the criteria for prior experience, the process from this point is relatively similar to when you got your last license. On application day, you’ll need to bring along your current license, and sign a declaration that assures you’re medically fit to drive. You’ll also need to bring along payment for the final hurdle before you are re-licensed: the road rules and practical driving tests.

The Testing Process

The road rules knowledge test (for class HR): The first exam to pass is your written road rules test. The exam questions are taken from the Queensland government’s “Your Keys to Driving in Queensland” manual, so be prepared to lock it in as an essential read in the months ahead.

The actual test will be made up of 10 multiple choice questions that focus specifically on road rules for heavy vehicles. You need to answer at least eight of these correctly to pass the test.

The practical driving test: Your licensed driving instructor will walk you through the booking process for your test. Just be sure to arrive 10 minutes early on the day, so you can complete the essential driver’s license application form.

When you choose the right driving school, you’re on the best path to receive your HR license in Brisbane. The examiner will instruct you and ask you to perform tasks during your test, for a maximum of 70 minutes on-road time.

Once you pass these milestones, you’ll be licensed and ready to drive.