How to become a Heavy Rigid (HR) Driver and what is required
What are Heavy Rigid vehicles?
A heavy rigid vehicle is any truck or bus (including a prime mover or mobile crane) that has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) more than 8 tonnes and has at least 3 wheel axles.
Heavy rigid vehicles are typically used for moving freight, delivering goods, carrying vehicles and heavy machinery, passenger buses, transporting cattle and other livestock.
A heavy rigid truck is heavier than a standard truck and has a rigid frame. There are many different types of heavy rigid trucks, each truck has its own unique set of features and benefits that make it ideal for certain applications.
Examples of heavy vehicles include:
- Semi-trailers
- Towed trailers
- Vehicle carriers
- Passenger buses
- Trucks
- B-double
- Vehicle carriers
- Livestock/agricultural transportation vehicles
- Other special purpose vehicles
Examples of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) include:
- Mobile crane
- Cherry picker
- Fire truck
- Drill rig
- Truck-mounted concrete pumps
What qualifications do you need to become a Heavy Rigid Driver?
A Heavy Rigid (HR) licence is the next step up from a Medium Rigid (MR) licence, and your HR licence, you will be able to drive vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of more than eight tonnes, and trailers with a GVM of more than four tonnes. You will also be able to tow multiple trailers, and can drive vehicles with up to three axles.
How to get your HR Drivers licence in Australia
The first thing you need to do is take and pass the HR Drivers knowledge test. This is a computer-based exam designed to test your knowledge of the road rules, and regulations to drive a heavy vehicle.
It is important that you study the Heavy Vehicle Drivers Handbook so that you can pass it with flying colours.
Once you have passed the exam, you will then need to take and pass the practical driving test. This test will assess your ability to drive a heavy rigid vehicle. Once you have passed this test, you will be issued with your HR Drivers licence. Congratulations!
Requirements for your HR licence vary across the States & Territories, but it is a minimum requirement to hold or have held an Australian car licence for a set amount of time. Below we have listed the official Australian government website for each State & Territory, here you will find the current requirements needed.
- Western Australia
- Queensland
- South Australia
- New South Wales
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Australian Capital Territory
- Northern Territory
How much does a HR Driver make?
An entry-level HR driver starts at approx $56,000 annually, and experienced workers make up to $80,000 annually.
Current HR Driver opportunities
There are currently no vacancies.