Heavy Combination (HC) licence

If you hold a current Medium Rigid (MR) or Heavy Rigid (HR) driver's licence, you can begin to learn to drive a HC class vehicle.

You do not need to apply for a learner's permit.

When learning to drive you must:

• be accompanied by a supervisor who is either:
  • a licensed driving instructor holding a HC class or higher class driver's licence,
  • An instructor in a youth driver education course holding a current HC class or higher-class driver's licence; or
  • a person who has held a current HC class driver's licence for at least 4 years

• display L plates on the front and back of the vehicle when you are driving.
• not exceed the posted speed limit, and you cannot exceed 100 km/h.
• not have a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0.00%
• not drive in areas where learners are not permitted.

You can also undertake learner driver training through one of our registered training organisations.

Please note that prior to undertaking any instruction in a heavy combination vehicle, you will need to ensure that you meet the commercial vehicle medical standards for driving as outlined in Assessing Fitness to Drive national medical standards for licensing and clinical management guidelines.

To apply to upgrade your licence, you will need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre, DoT regional centre or agent and:

• submit a completed driver's licence application form (Form DLA1) (below)
• show the required proof of identity documents
• pay a fee for your application
• take an eyesight test
• make a medical declaration

If you are undertaking training through an RTO, you can submit your form after you have passed your practical driving assessment.

To upgrade your licence, you will need to take a practical driving assessment (PDA) in a HC class vehicle.

You can book a PDA for HC class vehicles:

•  online with DoTDirect
• with a registered training organisation.

Once you have passed your PDA, you will need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services centre, regional DoT office or agent to have your heavy vehicle licence endorsed.

You need to bring:

• photocopy of the signed and completed Heavy Vehicle PDA Customer Eligibility (Form E114) (if PDA was completed with a registered training organisation)
• Multi-Combination/Heavy Combination Assessment Result document (if PDA was completed with a DoT assessor)
• proof of identity documents.

Your driver’s licence card will be updated when you renew your current licence.

If you would like to update your licence card before your next renewal, you can order a replacement licence.

Synchromesh vehicles

If you complete your PDA in a vehicle fitted with a synchromesh transmission you will only be permitted to drive vehicles fitted with a synchromesh gearbox.

A synchromesh transmission is a type of manual gearbox found in modern cars and trucks which uses synchronising collars to help make smooth gear changes.

If you complete the PDA in a heavy vehicle of a higher class fitted with a non-synchromesh transmission you can drive vehicles (except motorcycles) fitted with automatic or manual gearboxes of either type.

You must carry and complete a National Driver Work Diary if you drive:

• a vehicle or vehicle combination weighing more than 12 tonnes or a bus fitted to carry more than 12 adults including the driver; and
• outside of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

You must record your work and rest details of all trips more than 100 kilometres from your driver base.

Find out more about the National Driver Work Diary.