Heavy Combination licence (HC)

Find out how to upgrade to a Heavy Combination (HC) vehicle licence, including what licences you must hold to be eligible to upgrade.

  Heavy Combination (HC class) vehicle licence

Heavy Combination (HC class) heavy vehicle licences allow you to drive:

  • Prime movers with attached single semi-trailer.
  • Heavy Rigid (HR class) vehicles with attached trailer that has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) greater than 9,000 kg.

You will also be allowed to tow:

  • One other trailer in addition to any trailer or semi-trailer mentioned above, with a maximum GVM of 9,000 kg.
  • An unladen converter dolly or low loader dolly as defined in the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014.

For more information, please visit the National Transport Commission's load restraint guide.

To gain an HC class licence, you must no longer be a provisional licence holder and have held :

Opens in a new window National Transport Commission (NTC): Load restraint guide
Opens in a new window Department of Justice: Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014

  Step 1:Learn to drive (HC class)

If you choose to undertake a practical driving assessment (PDA) with an RTO you must meet the eligibility criterion and follow the below steps in sequence. You will be required to:

  • Complete the Heavy Vehicle PDA Customer Eligibility (Form E114)
  • Have your identity verified by the RTO.
  • Have your eligibility confirmed before you can undertake any training or PDA.
  • Have your commercial vehicle eyesight test conducted by the RTO.
  • If you fail the eyesight test, or fail to declare your commercial standard medical eligibility, training and assessment will not be undertaken, and you will be referred to DoT.
  • Declare your commercial standard medical eligibility on the E114 form and have your signature witnessed by the RTO.
  • Sign the camera acknowledgment on the E114 form.
  • Complete the relevant training module, and on successful completion, the RTO will issue you with a Statement of Attainment (SoA).

On the same day as the PDA and prior to the PDA taking place, the RTO will reconfirm your eligibility to undertake the assessment. If you are ineligible the PDA will not proceed until you resolve the matter with DoT.

  • The RTO will conduct the PDA. The RTO will no longer issue a paper-based Certificate of Competency (DL67). Your PDA results will be uploaded digitally against your driver’s licence record. The results will only be activated once you pay the appropriate entitlement fee to the DoT.
  • On successful completion of your PDA, you must attend a Driver and Vehicle Services centre, regional DoT office or agent with the below documents to ensure that your licence record is endorsed with the new class and authorised to drive HC vehicles. A fee will apply.
    • Heavy Vehicle PDA Customer Eligibility form (E114); and
    • Proof of Identity documents that meet DoT requirements

Please go to Proof of Identity for more information

A new driver's licence card will only be issued when you renew your current licence. You may wish to order a replacement licence that will reflect your updated vehicle class. Fees will apply.

Alternatively, you can apply to sit a PDA at any DVS Centre by following the steps below, with the exception of the MC vehicle class.

Please note that until you have presented:

  • presented your photocopy of the E114 form; and,
  • provided POI that meets department requirements; and,
  • paid the relevant fee at a DVS centre; and,
  • your licence record has been endorsed with the new class, you will not be entitled to drive a vehicle of class HC. A processing fee is charged for this service.

As a learner driver, you must also display 'L' plates and comply with any other conditions as required.

Please note that prior to undertaking any instruction in a HC 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 (an Austroads publication).

Visit the Learn to drive/ride page for more information on what rules you are subject to as a novice rider.

Please download the printable L-plates.

  Step 2:Complete an application (Form DLA1)

If you meet the above eligibility criteria, you can apply to upgrade your licence to an HC class.

Please download and complete the form if you are applying to sit a PDA at any DVS centre.

  Step 3:Provide proof of identity

You will be required to submit sufficient proof of your identity for the application.

Please go to Proof of identity for more information.

  Step 4:Submit the application in person (Form DLA1)

Applications for a Western Australian driver's licence must be submitted in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre.

You will need to provide:

  • Completed vehicle licence application form DLA1.
  • Proof of identity documents.
  • Required fees.

Note:

Applications cannot be submitted by post.

  Step 5:Undertake an eyesight test and declare vehicle commercial medical eligibility: HC class

Eyesight

Applicants are required to take the commercial vehicle driver’s standard eyesight test when applying for a heavy vehicle driver's licence.

The eyesight test will be conducted at the Driver and Vehicle Services centre, regional DoT office or agent when you make application for your licence, or at the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) if you choose to be trained and assessed via the RTO.

If you need to wear visual aids to pass the eyesight test, your licence will be endorsed to show that you must wear visual aids when driving.

Declare commercial medical eligibility

Applicants are required to declare any permanent, long-term mental or physical condition (which may include a dependence on drugs or alcohol) that is likely to, or treatment for which is likely to, impair your ability to control a heavy commercial vehicle.

Find out more about what constitutes a reportable medical condition.

  Step 6:Pass the Practical Driving Assessment: Heavy Combination (HC class)

Before your licence can be issued, you will need to take a practical driving assessment (PDA) in a HC class vehicle.

If you are being trained and assessed via a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), refer to the section on booking your training and assessment with a Registered Training Organisation (HR, HC and MC classes) below.

What happens if I fail the PDA I sit with DoT?

If you fail the PDA, you will need to retake the assessment after a minimum of seven calendar days. There are no exemptions to this seven-day waiting period.

This will allow you more time to improve your practical driving skills and therefore achieve the required driving standard.

You will be required to pay another practical assessment fee.

What happens when I pass the Practical Driving Assessment I sit with DoT?

Once you have passed your PDA, your licence record will be updated to show that you are now authorised to drive HC class heavy vehicles.

A new driver's licence card will only be issued when you renew your current licence. You may wish to order a replacement licence that will reflect your updated vehicle class.

Using a Registered Training Organisation

Please note that until you have presented your Photocopy of the E114 form; and POI that meets department requirements and paid the relevant fee at a DVS centre and your licence record has been endorsed with the new class you will not be entitled to drive a vehicle of class HR. A processing fee is charged for this service.

Restricted licences

If you have a licence with a restriction to automatic transmission and you complete the PDA in a vehicle of a higher class fitted with a manual transmission, the restriction to automatic will be removed and only the higher class will show on your licence.

Heavy vehicles

Where you apply for classes HC or MC and you already hold an unrestricted MR or higher class, then classes HC or MC can be issued without restriction to transmission type. If your current MR or HR class licence has a gearbox restriction attached (A or B), and you complete the PDA in a heavy vehicle fitted with a synchromesh transmission you won’t be permitted to drive heavy vehicles fitted with a non-synchromesh gearbox. A synchromesh transmission is a type of manual gearbox found in modern cars and trucks which uses synchronising collars to aid the driver in making smooth gear changes.

A non-synchromesh transmission (such as a ranger or crash box) does not use these collars, and timing of a gear change has to be done manually by the driver usually using a double de-clutch technique. 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. 

  Book training and assessment with a Registered Training Organisation (HR, HC and MC classes)

Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) has appointed approved Registered Training Organisations (RTO) to deliver heavy vehicle Practical Driving Assessments (PDA) for classes:

  • Heavy Rigid (HR class)
  • Heavy Combination (HC class)
  • Multi Combination (MC class)

Customers may choose to sit their PDA for HR and HC vehicle classes with a DoT driving assessor or one of the external authorised providers. Multi Combination (MC class) driver training and assessment are fully outsourced to the private sector.

Using a provider to conduct a PDA will incur an additional fee for service, which is charged by the provider – refer to the provider for details.

Please contact your preferred training provider below to book your PDA.

Heavy vehicle licence: HC and MC class fees

Multi Combination (MC class) and Heavy Combination (HC class) restriction removal: Suitable Heavy Rigid (HR class) vehicles can also be used to demonstrate gearbox skills for the removal of A (automatic) and B (synchromesh) class restrictions from Heavy Combination (HC class) and Multi Combination (MC class) vehicles. The class restriction removal fee is applied when this option is used.
Fee type Fee
Multi Combination (MC class) assessment by authorised providers
MC driver's licence class application $56.30
MC driver's licence class restriction removal $56.30
Heavy Combination: (HC class) assessment by the Department of Transport/Police
HC driver's licence class application $288.30
HC driver's licence class application: no driving test (e.g. transfer of class) $56.30
HC driver's licence supplementary Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) $267.10
HC driver's licence class restriction removal $267.10
Heavy Rigid (HR class) and Heavy Combination (HC class) assessment by authorised providers
HR/HC driver's licence class application $56.30
HR/HC driver's licence class restriction removal $56.30
Service Type Suburb Business Name Phone number Phone number (secondary) Fax Pre-booking required Business Hours Email Street address Postal address Business Type Vehicle type Comments
Registered training organisation Albany Australian Training Management (RTO) (08) 9274 1277 No Please call for details. 30 Graham Street, Albany WA 6330 WA 6330 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes
Registered training organisation Albany Deltawest Training (RTO) (08) 6180 8065 No Please call for details. admin@deltawest.com.au 66 Mallard Road, Albany WA 6330 Authorised Agency Heavy vehicle, HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Bellevue Eureka 4WD Training (RTO) (08) 9461 2300 No Please call for more information admin@eurekatrucks.com.au 77 Great Eastern Highway, Bellevue WA 6056 Authorised Agency Heavy vehicle, Authorised Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for heavy vehicle Practical Driving Assessments (PDA) for classes HR, HC and MC vehicles only.
Registered training organisation Busselton Busselton Advanced Driver Training (RTO) (08) 9752 4255 No Please call for details. bookings@badt.com.au 66 Strelly Street, Busselton WA 6280 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only. ATF: L N Price and Partners, Busselton Advanced Training.
Registered training organisation Canning Vale Blue Horse Truck Driver Training (RTO) (08) 6161 2950 0423 674 323 No Please call for details. admin@bluehorsewa.com.au 6 Mcelligott Court, Canning Vale WA 6155 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Cockburn Highway Truck Training Pty Ltd (RTO) 0487 756 767 No Please call for details. 1 Tichborne Street, Cockburn 6164 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Davenport Keens Truck Driver Training Bunbury (RTO) (08) 9726 0530 No Please call for details. keenboys@westnet.com.au 37 Halifax Drive, Davenport WA 6230 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Geraldton Desert to Coast Training and Assessing (RTO) (08) 9923 1088 No Please call for details. 39 Bradford Street, Geraldton WA 6530 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Joondalup RMS Training and Recruitment (RTO) (08) 9400 7500 No Please call for details. rmsrto@rmstraining.com.au 10 Franklin Lane, Joondalup WA 6027 Authorised Agency HR vehicle class only.
Registered training organisation Kalgoorlie Deltawest Training (RTO) (08) 6180 8065 No Please call for details. admin@deltawest.com.au Lot 454 Broadwood Street, Kalgoorlie WA 6430 Authorised Agency Heavy vehicle, HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Kalgoorlie RIKLAN Emergency Management Services: Heavy Vehicle Training (RTO) 1800 793 877 No Please call for details. info@riklan.com.au 129 Hay St, Kalgoorlie, WA 6430 Hay St, Kalgoorlie, WA 6430, Kalgoorlie WA 6430 Authorised Agency HR vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Karratha Desert to Coast Training and Assessing (RTO) (08) 9923 1088 No Please call for details. 207 Cherratta Road, Karratha WA 6714 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Kenwick Miro Training Centre (RTO) (08) 9459 5666 No Please call for details. reception@mirotraining.com.au 30 Royal Street, Kenwick WA 6107 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Kenwick Safe West Truck Driving School (RTO) 0433 727 951 No info@perthtruckdrivingschool.com.au 110 Victoria Road, Kenwick WA 6107 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Kununurra Australian Training Management: Troy's Truckwise (RTO) (08) 9274 1277 No Please call for details. troys.truckwise@gmail.com 131 Coolibah Drive, Kununurra WA 6743 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Lexia Australian Training Management (RTO) (08) 9274 1277 No Please call for details. aaron.leafe@australiantraining.com.au 775 Gnangara Road, Lexia WA 6079 WA Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes
Registered training organisation Maddington Keen Bros (WA) Pty Ltd (RTO) (08) 9493 5151 No Please call for details. keenbros@westnet.com.au 27 Stebbing Road, Maddington WA 6109 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Maddington Webster College T/A East West Training (RTO) 0478 198 188 No Please call for details. websterc@iinet.net.au Unit 6, 2 Davidson Street, Maddington WA 6109 Authorised Agency Heavy vehicle, HR, HC and MC vehicle classes.
Registered training organisation Malaga Ray Makene's Driving School (RTO) 1300 881 474 No Please call for details. mtts@bigpond.net.au 277-283 Victoria Road, Malaga WA 6090 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Malaga TruckSafe Driver Training (RTO) 08 9249 5553 No Please call for details. trucksafedrivertraining@gmail.com 5 Agett Road, Malaga WA 6090 Authorised Agency Heavy vehicle, HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Mandurah Advanced Mine Performance Training Services AMPT (RTO) (08) 9583 4918 No Please call for details. 44a Reserve Drive, Mandurah WA 6743 P.O. Box 4336, Mandurah WA 6210 Authorised Agency Heavy vehicle, HR vehicle class only.
Registered training organisation Midval Deltawest Training (RTO) (08) 6180 8065 No Please call for details. admin@deltawest.com.au 33 Rothschild Place, Midval WA 6056 Authorised Agency Heavy vehicle, HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Newman Desert to Coast Training and Assessing (RTO) (08) 9922 0076 No Please call for details. pilbara@deserttocoast.com.au Rudall Avenue, Newman WA 6753 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Port Hedland Desert to Coast Training and Assessing (RTO) (08) 9923 1088 No Please call for details. Poondano Mine Site Road, Great Northern Highway, Port Hedland WA 6722 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Wangara Western Roadtrain (RTO) 0414 688 538 No Please call for details. 239 Gnangara Road, Wangara WA 6065 Authorised Agency HR, HC and MC vehicle classes only.
Registered training organisation Yangebup Wrightway Road Training Pty Ltd (RTO) (08) 9459 9680 No Please call for details. admin@wrt.com.au 21a Simper Road, Yangebup WA 6164 P.O. Box 138, Maddington WA 6989 Authorised Agency HR and HC vehicle classes only.

  Audio-visual, GPS and recording of the Practical Driving Assessment

All approved RTOs must use in-cabin video, audio and GPS surveillance cameras to record heavy vehicle PDAs.

The recording of PDAs emphasises and enhances the Department’s commitment to road safety, customer service and robust compliance strategies for contracted heavy vehicle PDAs.

When you attend an RTO to conduct your heavy vehicle PDA, you must sign the camera acknowledgement on the Heavy Vehicle PDA Customer Eligibility Form (E114) as acknowledgement that your PDA will be recorded under camera. You can view your PDA at the RTO on completion of your PDA on request.

If you do not wish to have your PDA recorded, your PDA will not be conducted and the RTO will refer you to contact the Department.

Viewing the footage

You can view the footage as part of the complaints resolution process or feedback at the RTO’s premises.

Find out more about the Freedom of Information process.

Is it safe to use the cameras in the vehicle?

Yes, all cameras and mounting equipment used comply with the required standards of vehicle safety, electric, magnetic and electromagnetic field safety.

Who do I contact at DoT for concerns or issues about cameras?

Questions or concerns can be sent to the Heavy SAA team at the contact details below.

Street address Postal address Telephone Fax Email
        Email HeavySAA

  Book a PDA with the Department of Transport (HC class)

HC class Practical Driving Assessment bookings may be made:

You are encouraged to make your booking as early as possible as this will increase your chance of getting a preferred assessment date and time.

Note:

  Heavy vehicle competency standard

The vehicle competency standards aim to produce safer drivers and underpin the driver training and licensing system in Western Australia.

The heavy vehicle standards are used by assessors to determine if learner drivers are competent in operating heavy vehicles. It is not a set of competencies for learner drivers, but should be used as a guide for driving instructors.

Please download the standard.

  National Driver Work Diary

For interstate bus and truck drivers only

Do you travel outside of Western Australia or the Northern Territory?

In 2014, the Heavy Vehicle National Law introduced new nationally consistent heavy vehicle driver fatigue laws in all Australian Jurisdictions (except for WA and the NT where the Heavy Vehicle National Law has not been adopted).

If you drive a heavy vehicle or heavy vehicle combination with a gross vehicle mass over 12,000 kg or a bus with more than 12 adult seats including the driver's, and drive to or though South Australia or any Australian jurisdiction (excluding WA and NT) these laws apply to you.

The Heavy Vehicle (Fatigue Management) National Regulation sets work limits and rest limits for heavy vehicle drivers and requires better management of driver fatigue.

Unless your journey is within a radius of 100 kilometres from the place of business from which your vehicle normally operates, you must record your work/rest details in a National Driver Work Diary.

Note: If the driver base is not recorded, the driver base will be taken to be the garaged address of the regulated heavy vehicle.

To assist drivers travelling outside of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, an arrangement has been made for the work diaries to be issued at several Western Australian Driver and Vehicle Services Centres.

Where to obtain a National Driver Work Diary

You can obtain the National Driver Work Diary, upon personal attendance, with your valid driver's licence and payment of the required fee, from:

National driver work diary fee

Fee type Fee
National driver work diary $26.00
Service Type Suburb Business Name Phone number Phone number (secondary) Fax Pre-booking required Business Hours Email Street address Postal address Business Type Vehicle type Comments
DoT licensing services location Albany Department of Transport Centre Albany (Licensing services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 8:15 am until 4:30 pm. CTT and HPT must commence before 3:45 pm. (excludes public holidays) 178 Stirling Terrace, Albany WA 6330 Department of Transport
DoT licensing services location Broome Department of Transport Centre Broome (Licensing services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 8:15 am until 4:30 pm. CTT and HPT must commence before 3:45 pm. (excludes public holidays) 9 Old Kennedy Store, Napier Terrace, Broome WA 6725 Department of Transport
DoT licensing services location Bunbury ServiceWA Service Centre Bunbury (Licensing Services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 8:15 am until 4:30 pm. 24 Wellington Street, Bunbury WA 6230 Department of Transport
DoT licensing services location Cannington Driver and Vehicle Services Centre Cannington (Licensing services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 8:15 am until 4:30 pm. CTT and HPT must commence before 3:45 pm. (excludes public holidays) 1480 Albany Highway (entrance via William Street), Cannington WA 6107 Department of Transport
DoT licensing services location Wonthella Department of Transport Centre Geraldton (Licensing services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 8:15 am until 4:30 pm. CTT and HPT must commence before 3:45 pm. (excludes public holidays). 23 Eastward Road (corner of Pass Street), Wonthella WA 6530 Department of Transport
DoT licensing services location Kalgoorlie Department of Transport Centre Kalgoorlie (Licensing services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 8:15 am until 4:30 pm. CTT and HPT must commence before 3:45 pm. (excludes public holidays) 35 Brookman Street, Kalgoorlie WA 6430 Department of Transport
DoT licensing services location Karratha Department of Transport Centre Karratha (Licensing services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 8:15 am until 4:30 pm. CTT and HPT must commence before 3:45 pm. (excludes public holidays) 20 Sharpe Avenue, Karratha WA 6714 Department of Transport
DoT licensing services location Kununurra Department of Transport Centre Kununurra (Licensing services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 9:00am until 3:30pm. CTT and HPT must commence before 2:45pm. Driving assessments by appointment only. (excludes public holidays) Messmate Way, Kununurra WA 6743 Department of Transport
DoT licensing services location Mandurah Driver and Vehicle Services Centre Mandurah (Licensing services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 8:15 am until 4:30 pm. CTT and HPT must commence before 3:45 pm. (excludes public holidays) Corner Ranceby Avenue and Pinjarra Road, Mandurah WA 6210 Department of Transport
DoT licensing services location Midland Driver and Vehicle Services Centre Midland (Licensing services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 8:15 am until 4:30 pm. CTT and HPT must commence before 3:45 pm. (excludes public holidays) Unit 4, 5 Clayton Street (corner Cowie Close), Midland WA 6056 Department of Transport
DoT licensing services location Mirrabooka Driver and Vehicle Services Centre Mirrabooka (Licensing services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 8:15 am until 4:30 pm. CTT and HPT must commence before 3:45 pm. (excludes public holidays) Unit 13, 1 Chesterfield Road (corner of Mirrabooka Avenue and Yirrigan Drive), Mirrabooka WA 6061 Department of Transport
DoT licensing services location Rockingham Driver and Vehicle Services Centre Rockingham (Licensing services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 8:15 am until 4:30 pm. CTT and HPT must commence before 3:45 pm. (excludes public holidays) 37 McNicholl Street, Rockingham WA 6168 Department of Transport Corner McNicholl and Chalgrove.
DoT licensing services location Success Department of Transport Service Centre Success (Licensing services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 8:15 am until 4:30 pm. CTT and HPT must commence before 3:45 pm. (excludes public holidays) Unit 3, 660 Beeliar Drive, Success WA 6164 Department of Transport
DoT licensing services location West Perth Driver and Vehicle Services Centre City West Perth (Licensing services) 13 11 56 No Monday to Friday 8:15 am until 4:30 pm. CTT and HPT must commence before 3:45 pm. (excludes public holidays) Troode Street and Plaistowe Mews, West Perth WA 6005 Department of Transport
Page last updated: Fri May 26 2023 4:52:17 PM