Heavy rigid (HR) Licence upgrade

 Unit Code: TLILIC2016
Licence Class: Heavy Rigid (HR)
Training Partner RTO: Ascent Training Services (RTO 88096) & DARE - DRIVER AND RIDER EDUCATION PTY LTD RTO 90431

Category: Heavy Vehicle Licensing – ACT & NSW

🚛 About This Course

This course provides the required skills, knowledge, and practical experience to obtain a Heavy Rigid (HR) licence, allowing you to drive heavy rigid trucks and buses with three or more axles. The training focuses on safe and competent vehicle operation, traffic management, hazard awareness, vehicle checks, and managing load and road conditions.

All assessments are conducted by approved assessors and follow the Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVCBA) standards as required by Access Canberra and NSW RMS.

🎯 Who Needs a Heavy Rigid Licence?

This course is designed for individuals who:

• Are working or applying for jobs that involve larger rigid vehicles (construction, government, or fleet operations)
• Want to drive heavy buses, including articulated (‘bendy’) buses
• Operate water carts, concrete agitators, waste trucks, or service vehicles in civil, mining, or road maintenance industries
• Are looking to progress into higher-level freight or logistics roles
• Have an MR licence and are ready to take the next step in their heavy vehicle career

This licence is often required by:

• Council and government fleet drivers
• Construction, utilities, and road maintenance operators
• Public and private bus drivers (HR class vehicles)
• Workshop delivery or service truck drivers
• Waste and recycling contractors

🧰 What You Can Drive with a HR Licence

• Trucks and buses with a GVM over 8 tonnes and three or more axles
• Articulated (bendy) buses, treated as rigid vehicles for licensing purposes
• Rigid vehicles towing a trailer up to 9 tonnes GVM

Common examples:

• Large council or road maintenance trucks
• Concrete agitators
• Waste compactor trucks
• Large route and school buses

⚙️ Gearbox Types: What You Need to Know

You have two gearbox options when upgrading to your HR licence:

HR (B Condition) – Synchromesh or Automatic Gearbox

• Most popular option for entry level drivers or fleet operators
• Conducted in an automatic or synchromesh gearbox vehicle
• Easier to operate, suitable for drivers without manual experience
• Result: Licence will carry a ‘B’ condition, restricting you to HR vehicles with synchro or auto transmissions only

✅ 1-day course (includes training and final assessment)

HR Open – Road Ranger (Crashbox)

• Training is completed in a non-synchromesh (Road Ranger) gearbox truck
• Required for drivers wanting unrestricted HR licence
• Preferred by employers in construction, waste, and agriculture sectors
• Offers more flexibility across vehicle types and is a stepping stone to HC/MC licences

❗ Manual driving experience is strongly recommended before enrolling

 ✅ 2-day course (includes extended training and final assessment)

📝 Eligibility

To be eligible for the HR course, you must:

• Have held a Class C licence for at least two years (P1 time counts; must hold a P2 or full licence before upgrading)
• Pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) – Rigid category

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.

Special Notes:

• ACT MR to HR upgrade: No DKT required
• NSW MR to HR upgrade (if MR licence > 3 years): DKT and learner logbook are required

🩺 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

• HR (B Condition): 1-day course – training + assessment
• HR Open/Road Ranger: 2-day course – training + assessment
• Extra training available if required for manual gearbox confidence

📜 Certification

On successful completion, you'll receive:

Pathway                                                                 Outcome

Accredited course                                           Statement of Attainment –   TLILIC2016 (RTO 88096) 

                                                                         Certificate of Competency

Non-accredited course                               Certificate of Competency only

                                                                     (used to apply with Access Canberra or RMS)

🧭 Career Pathways with an HR Licence

Completing a Heavy Rigid licence opens doors to:

• Council and government fleet work (maintenance, civil works, roadside services)
• Bus and coach driving (route buses, articulated buses, school runs)
• Construction and site support driving (agitators, tippers, water trucks)
• Waste and recycling (rear or side-loaders, bin delivery)
• Fleet roles with major logistics or utility companies

This licence is a vital step for those looking to progress to HC and MC licences, and demonstrates the ability to operate larger, more complex vehicles with confidence.

✅ Why Train with Beck’s?

At Beck’s Transport Training, we deliver more than just a tick-the-box course. We develop capable, job-ready heavy vehicle drivers who understand vehicle safety, road rules, and industry expectations. Whether you’re upskilling for a new job, meeting licensing requirements, or preparing for advanced combinations, our team is committed to your success.