HR – Heavy Rigid Licence (Class HR)

What can you drive with an HR Licence?

  • Heavy Vehicles: Any rigid truck or bus with three or more axles and a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) greater than 15 tonnes.

  • Towing: You may tow a single trailer (including a pole-type trailer) with a GVM not exceeding 9 tonnes.

  • Articulated Buses: This licence also allows you to drive articulated buses (bendy-buses).

Tenure & Eligibility Requirements

To upgrade to an HR licence in the Northern Territory, you must:

  • Have held a Class C (Car) licence for at least 2 years; OR

  • Have held an LR (Light Rigid) or MR (Medium Rigid) licence for at least 12 months.

  • Note: You must be at least 19 years of age to hold an HR licence in the NT.

The 3-Step Pathway to Your HR Licence

  1. Theory Knowledge: Successfully pass the Heavy Vehicle Theory Test at an MVR office or through an approved provider.

  2. Medical & Eyesight: Pass an eyesight test at the MVR. (A medical fitness to drive report is required if you are upgrading to a commercial-grade licence or have existing conditions).

  3. Final Competency Assessment (FCA): Complete your practical training and pass the Final Competency Assessment with an MVR-authorised examiner. This assessment must be conducted in a vehicle with at least 3 axles and a GVM of 15 tonnes or more.

MVR Fees & Resources (Estimated NT Costs)

  • NT Heavy Vehicle Drivers Handbook: Available Online (Free PDF) or at MVR offices.

  • 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 TLIC3004 – Drive heavy rigid vehicle, with practical, hands-on instruction tailored to real-world operating conditions.

Participants will undertake:

  • Pre-operational checks: Comprehensive vehicle inspections and familiarisation.

  • Practical driving: Skills development in both controlled and on-road environments.

  • Operational techniques: Load awareness, vehicle handling, and maneuvering.

  • Gearbox Mastery: Specific training for Automatic, Synchromesh, or Non-Synchromesh (Roadranger) transmissions.

  • Safety & Compliance: Hazard perception, fatigue management, and regulatory considerations.

Assessment is conducted using competency-based principles, including:

  • Direct observation of practical driving tasks and 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 vehicles (3+ axles, 15t+ GVM), 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.