Heavy combination (HC) Licence upgrade

 Unit Code: TLILIC3017
Licence Class: Heavy Combination (HC)
Training Partner RTO: Ascent Training Services (RTO 88096) & DARE - DRIVER AND RIDER EDUCATION PTY LTD RTO 90431

🚛 About This Course

This course provides the skills, knowledge and real-world training required to obtain a Heavy Combination (HC) licence, preparing drivers to safely and competently operate articulated heavy vehicles and rigid truck-trailer combinations. Training includes safe handling of trailers, reversing, coupling/uncoupling, hazard awareness, and fatigue management principles.

Training and assessment is delivered under the Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVCBA) framework and meets Access Canberra and NSW RMS licensing standards.

🎯 Who Needs a Heavy Combination Licence?

This course is suitable for drivers who:

• Are progressing into freight and logistics roles requiring larger vehicle combinations
• Operate or are applying for work driving semi-trailers, tankers, tippers or dollies
• Need a licence upgrade for livestock, grain or general freight haulage
• Hold an MR or HR licence and are ready to take the next step in their transport career

This licence is often required for roles such as:

• Linehaul and interstate freight drivers
• Fuel and tanker operators
• Tipper and dog drivers (e.g. in civil construction)
• Livestock or bulk grain carriers
• Depot shuttle and container transport operators
• Drivers working with trailers over 9 tonnes GVM

🚚 What You Can Drive with an HC Licence

• Prime movers towing a single semi-trailer (articulated combination)
• Heavy rigid trucks towing trailers over 9 tonnes GVM
• Truck and unladen dolly combinations with 3 or more axles

This includes:

• Curtain-side semi-trailers
• Refrigerated freight
• Tankers
• Flatbeds
• Agricultural or event logistics units

⚙️ Gearbox Options Explained

When upgrading to a HC licence, you can choose between:

HC B Condition – Automatic or Synchromesh

• Training and assessment conducted in a synchromesh or automatic gearbox vehicle
• Ideal for drivers entering metro freight, supermarket distribution, or local haulage
• Easier to operate, suitable for those without manual experience
• Results in a ‘B’ condition licence, limiting you to automatic/synchro-equipped HC vehicles

✅ 1-day course (training + assessment)

HC Open – Road Ranger / Crashbox (Unconditional Licence)

• Training delivered in a non-synchromesh Road Ranger gearbox vehicle
• Required for jobs in tipping, tanker, livestock, mining, and rural freight
• Removes ‘B’ condition, allowing you to drive any HC vehicle type
• Suited to drivers with manual car or HR Road Ranger experience

✅ 2-day course (training + assessment)

❗ Additional training is recommended for those with limited manual gearbox experience

💡 If you currently hold an open licence and complete the HC upgrade in a Road Ranger vehicle, your unrestricted (open) condition will carry across. If you complete the upgrade in an automatic or synchro vehicle, the 'B' condition will apply unless previously removed.

📝 Licence Eligibility

To be eligible to complete your HC licence upgrade, you must:

• Hold a current MR or HR licence for at least 12 months
  (You must hold a full licence, not a learner or P2 for this class)
• Pass the Combination Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)

ACT licence holders: Complete your DKT through Road Ready in Mitchell or Kambah. [ACT Road Ready Practice Test - Road Ready ACT Centre | Get Your Drivers Licence in Canberra] 

NSW licence holders: Complete your DKT at your local Service NSW centre. [NSW RMS Practice Test – Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test | NSW Government]

We strongly encourage completing the official online practice test before your appointment.

🩺 Commercial Driver Medical Requirements

Before commencing training or applying for your MC licence, you must complete a Commercial Vehicle Driver Medical Assessment, in accordance with Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive standards.

This medical: 

• Must be completed by a registered general practitioner 
• Must assess your fitness to operate heavy vehicles 
• Is mandatory for all MR, HR, HC, and MC drivers (for ACT Licence Holders) 

TIP: We recommend completing your medical once you have booked your course to avoid delays in licence processing. Ask us for a copy of the medical assessment form or download directly from your state authority.

🕐 Course Duration

Gearbox Option                                                                Duration

HC (B Condition)                                                  1 day

HC (Open / Road Ranger)                                 2 days

All training includes:

• Coupling and uncoupling
• Reversing with a trailer
• Load awareness and distribution
• Safety checks and pre-drive inspections
• Final practical assessment under HVCBA

📜 What You'll Receive

On successful completion, you will receive:

Pathway                                                                       Outcome

Accredited course                                       Statement of Attainment - TLILIC3017 (RTO 88096)

                                                                         Certificate of Competency

Non-accredited course                             Certificate of Competency only

                                                                     (used to apply with Access Canberra or Service NSW)

🧭 Career Pathways with a HC Licence

A Heavy Combination licence provides access to careers including:

• Interstate semi-trailer driver
• Bulk haulage and regional freight operator
• Fuel and chemical tanker driver (with DG licence)
• Rural transport (livestock, hay, produce)
• Tipper and dog driver (civil construction)
• Container and depot shuttle operator

It is also the required prerequisite for anyone looking to step into Multi Combination (MC) training.

✅ Why Train with Beck’s?

At Beck’s Transport Training, we don’t just prepare you for a licence—we prepare you for a career. Our training is practical, industry-relevant, and focused on ensuring you’re confident, safe, and job-ready from day one. Whether you're aiming for interstate work or building toward an MC licence, we tailor the course to suit your driving background and future goals.