This time of year, a lot of people start thinking about what next year looks like. For plenty of the blokes I talk to, "get my truck licence" has been sitting near the bottom of that list for years.
If that's you, here's the good news. Most of the hassle is just not knowing what to sort before you book. Get these five things straight now and the rest runs a lot smoother.
1. Know what you're holding right now
Queensland sets a minimum time on your current licence before you can step up a class, so what you hold decides where you can start.
For Heavy Rigid (HR), that means holding a car licence (class C) for at least two years, or an LR or MR licence for at least one year. That time needs to fall within the last five years, and any period your licence was suspended, cancelled or expired doesn't count.
Plenty of people still choose to work up through LR or MR first, and that's a solid way to build experience before the bigger truck. It just depends where you're at and what you want.
Not sure how your licence history adds up? That's exactly what the licence check is for, and I'll tell you straight.
2. Pick the class by what you actually want to drive
Quick version, no jargon:
LR (Light Rigid): trucks and buses up to 8 tonne GVM
MR (Medium Rigid): over 8 tonne, with two axles
Heavy Rigid (HR): over 8 tonne with more than two axles, plus articulated buses
Heavy Combination (HC): a truck towing a trailer over 9 tonne, proper semi-trailer work
Each class covers the ones below it, and to step up to HC you need to have held an MR or HR licence for at least a year. If you want the full breakdown, I've written it up in the LR, MR, HR, HC blog.
The mistake I see is people booking the bigger class "just in case" or the smaller one because it sounds easier. Work out what you want to drive first, then pick the class.
3. Decide on your gearbox
This is the one most people don't know is a decision until they ring me. Within your Heavy Rigid (HR), there are three gearbox options:
Auto: automatic trucks only
B Condition: automatics and synchromesh manuals
Open: any gearbox, including the Road Ranger, also called a crash box or non-synchro
A Road Ranger isn't a licence of its own. It's a type of gearbox, and it's what I specialise in. Plenty of my students start on Auto and add Open later, so it doesn't have to be a one-shot decision. If you already hold a manual car licence, ring and ask what that means for your HR, because it can change the plan.
I've written a whole blog on HR Auto versus HR Open if you want the detail.
4. Check you're medically fit
When you apply for a higher class, you declare that you're medically fit to drive it, and a medical certificate may be needed. If you've got a medical condition that could affect your driving, have a chat with your doctor before you book so there are no surprises.
5. Get your licence checked and book in
Here's how it works with me:
Send me a clear photo of your licence so I can run a licence check and make sure you're eligible, with no hiccups
Send your email address and the details you'd like on your invoice
Once your deposit is in, we lock in your booking and training date
Along the way there's a road rules test if you need one and a practical driving test, and I'll walk you through what applies to you. You're not left guessing.
Questions I get all the time
How long will it take? Depends on your starting point, your current licence and the gearbox you choose. I'd rather be upfront about your actual situation than promise something I can't back up.
How much does it cost? It depends on the class and the gearbox. Give me a call and I'll give you a straight answer once I know what you're after.
I've never driven a truck. Is that a problem? That's most people who walk in the door. If you're a good car driver, I'll make you a good truck driver. We build it up in stages, walk before you run.
Ready to find out where you stand?
Send through a photo of your licence, tell me what you want to drive, and I'll tell you exactly where you sit. No pressure, no upsell to a class you don't need.
Call 0400 930 521 or use the contact us form.
Be good, be safe.