HC – Heavy Combination Licence (Class HC)
What can you drive with an HC Licence?
Articulated Vehicles: A prime mover hitching a single semi-trailer exceeding 9 tonnes GVM.
Heavy Rigid Combinations: A rigid motor vehicle hitching a trailer with a GVM greater than 9 tonnes (e.g., a truck and dog trailer).
Towing: Any towed trailer with a GVM greater than 9 tonnes.
Tenure & Eligibility Requirements
To upgrade to an HC licence in the Northern Territory, you must:
Have held a Medium Rigid (MR) or Heavy Rigid (HR) licence for at least 12 months.
Note: You must be at least 20 years of age to hold an HC licence in the NT.
The 3-Step Pathway to Your HC Licence
Theory Knowledge: Successfully pass the Heavy Vehicle Theory Test at an MVR office (if you haven't already completed it for your MR/HR upgrade).
Medical & Eyesight: Pass an eyesight test at the MVR. For HC and above, a medical fitness to drive report is often required for commercial operations.
Final Competency Assessment (FCA): Complete your practical training and pass the Final Competency Assessment with an MVR-authorised examiner. This must be conducted in an articulated vehicle with at least 3 axles.
MVR Fees & Resources (Estimated NT Costs)
NT Heavy Vehicle Drivers Handbook: Available Online (Free PDF).
Heavy Vehicle Theory Test Fee: Check current MVR rates (approx. $20 - $30 per attempt).
Licence Re-issue/Upgrade Fee: Approx. $31 (plus your chosen licence renewal period).
Practical Assessment: Training and assessment fees are paid directly to Billirrawarra Trucking & Training.
Get Started Today
Billirrawarra Trucking & Training provides structured training and assessment to prepare participants for heavy vehicle licensing outcomes in the Northern Territory.
Training is delivered in alignment with the nationally recognised unit of competency TLIC3005 – Drive heavy combination vehicle, with practical, hands-on instruction tailored to real-world operating conditions.
Participants will undertake:
Pre-operational checks: Comprehensive vehicle and trailer inspections, including coupling and uncoupling procedures.
Practical driving: Skills development focusing on articulated vehicle control in various environments.
Operational techniques: Reversing trailers, load security, and advanced vehicle handling.
Gearbox Mastery: Specific training for Automatic, Synchromesh, or Non-Synchromesh (Roadranger) transmissions.
Safety & Compliance: Hazard perception, fatigue management, and combination-specific safety considerations.
Assessment is conducted using competency-based principles, including:
Direct observation of practical driving tasks and articulated skill benchmarks.
Verbal/Written questioning to confirm underpinning knowledge.
Ongoing trainer feedback and documented skill development.
Training delivery incorporates structured session plans, validated assessment tools, and evidence collection in line with National Training Package and regulatory requirements.
Where applicable, learners will be supported through to their Final Competency Assessment (FCA) with an authorised MVR examiner.
All training is delivered in a supervised environment using industry-standard combination vehicles, facilities, and safety systems to ensure compliance with the highest training standards.
*Nationally Recognised Training is delivered in partnership with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Statements of Attainment are issued by the RTO.
