To apply for a heavy vehicle licence, the applicant will need to hold a provisional green licence or higher. The knowledge test for the class of licence sought, will need to be passed before the applicant may begin driving that class of vehicle. Holders of a car (C) licence, may upgrade to a light, medium or heavy rigid
(LR, MR or HR) licence.
To drive a semi-trailer (HC), the applicant needs to have held a class MR or HR
licence for a minimum 12 months.
There are two ways of obtaining your heavy vehicle licence.

1. Practise in the vehicle before sitting a test at the RTA.
2. Purchase a log book and guide book after passing the knowledge test and then have an assessor train and assess you (CBT&A- competency based training and assessment).

In both cases, for trucks, you will need to drive a loaded vehicle (at least 75% of GVM or GCM).
Nowadays, at least 90% of learners are choosing CBT&A to gain their heavy vehicle licence.

Pros and Cons.
Sitting a test at the RTA may cost less and may be quicker, provided that a test date can be obtained in the very near future and a first time pass can also be obtained.
Failing a test at the RTA will delay licensing for at least a week, but probably much longer. Having failed, the entire test must be sat again (and again) until a pass is achieved.
There is less stress involved with CBT&A and fewer delays. Once a competency has been completed, there is no re-visiting of that competency. In other words, when all the competencies have been signed off, a 30 minute drive (FCA- final competency assessment) is all that needs to be completed to obtain a heavy vehicle licence. Should the applicant be unsuccessful on the initial FCA, another attempt can be undertaken after one hour.
CBT&A covers at least 40 different topics or competencies, so it is much more comprehensive and informative than merely sitting a driving test.

Tip….Make sure you read your CBA guide and understand the requirements before having lessons with an assessor.
This may save you some money on training time.

We will train you in your own vehicle for upgrades to LR, MR or HR.