Everything You Need to Know About Getting a HC Licence - Ellis Driving School

Get ready to hit the roads with a Heavy Combination Licence. Learn all you need with this complete guide to getting your HC Licence!

Getting your Heavy Combination (HC) Licence means taking a big step towards operating the largest class of vehicle with confidence. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll understand how to get started, what you need to know before driving, and how to stay safe while on the road.

 HC Licence 

The Heavy Rigid (HR) Class Licence allows you to drive:

• Any prime mover attached to a semi-trailer or a rigid vehicle towing a trailer with a GVM of more than 9 tonnes plus any unladen converter dolly.

• Also includes vehicles in Class HR.

Driving a heavy combination vehicle or an HC vehicle is a dream of many truck drivers in Sydney. Being a lucrative career, many want to train to drive these vehicles.

Ellis Driving School strives to fulfill the dreams of many of these drivers, by providing assistance in helping them to drive these vehicles.

According to the RMS, a heavy combination vehicle is one which is a prime mover, with a semi-trailer attached to it, or rigid vehicle towing a trailer with a GVM of more than 9 tonnes. A person applying for an HC licence should have possessed an MR or HR licence for at least one full year.

We are one of the best HC driving schools in Sydney, equipped with excellent vehicles to practise and also expert and experienced tutors to help in your training process. Once you finish your training, you can immediately obtain your HC licence, by submitting our certificate of competence and also by following the procedures like clearing the DKT test, filling up the application form with identity proof and getting your eyesight tested by an approved optician.

To facilitate speedy process, we offer a one-day crash course or two day course, to make you earn all intricacies of driving an HC truck.

Complete the Necessary Prerequisites.

Before taking on the HC Licence test, you will need to complete a pre-requisite Course in Responsible Driving Practices conducted by a Registered Training Organisation. This course comprises of 10 modules and provides important information about driver safety and responsible driving. Completion of this course will ensure that you acquire the skills to drive vehicles safely and responsibly.
The RTO will issue you a certificate of completion after successful completion of the course, which is necessary to apply for the HC Licence test. So make sure that you take this course seriously and understand all the topics covered. The basic principles about operating road vehicles safely, relative risks associated with personal injury and risk management strategies should be clear before taking this test. Keeping safe while on roads is important not only for your well-being but also that of other people. A responsible attitude towards driving will go a long way in producing competent drivers who can share the roads safely and responsibly.

Look at Different Licencing Options.

Depending on what type of heavy vehicle you need to drive, you may be able to get an alternative class of licence. You can opt for a Light Rigid Licence (LR) or a Medium Rigid Licence (MR) if the vehicle does not exceed 4.5 tonnes GVM and 8 tonnes GCM. Additionally, for some trucks/buses you can also consider Construction Industry Registration (CIR) in place of a Heavy Combination Licence (HC). What's important here is that you understand the requirements and make sure your licence is suitable for the type of heavy vehicle that you plan to drive.
An HC licence is the highest possible class of licence and allows you to drive any heavy combination vehicle that exceeds 4.5 tonnes GVM or 8 tonnes GCM, as well as some trucks/buses depending on the type of load being transported and the number of axles that it has. To get an HC licence, you need to pass a series of tests including a Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVCBA) skills test and have held an MR or LR licence for at least one year. An HC licence is generally considered more comprehensive than other classes of licences and will open up more job opportunities in the transport industry.

Take a Class or Course to Prepare Yourself.

To be eligible for a Heavy Combination Licence, you must have a driver's licence that is at least 12 months old, and either complete a course or pass an accredited class. The relevant course will depend on the type of heavy vehicle you intend to drive, but generally it includes theory and practical sessions such as safety instruction, vehicle familiarisation (to help you understand how to correctly operate the specific kind of truck you’ll drive), driving techniques, and general awareness about road rules.
Taking the class or course is an essential step because the Heavy Combination Licence is a professional qualification, and it’s important to be well-informed before taking on such an important role. All prospective HC licence holders need to understand the appropriate operating procedures for heavy vehicles, as well as understand their legal responsibilities and safety obligations in making sure that all goods transported via truck are done so in a safe and secure manner With Ellis Driving School .

Pass the Medical Exam and Theory Test.

Before you can obtain your Heavy Combination Licence, you must pass a medical exam and the theory test. The medical assessment will evaluate your level of fitness and if necessary, optional tests may be recommended. The theory test is designed to assess your knowledge about rules of the road, safety regulations for driving, and general knowledge about heavy vehicles. It’s important to prepare for this exam by studying from available learning materials or taking an accredited course.
Before you start studying, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the structure and format of the theory test. This is usually done through online practice tests or mock exams during the course of study. You can also find sample questions on reputable websites, which provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about what topics will be covered in the test. The written assessment typically consists of 50 multiple choice questions that are designed to assess your knowledge on various road rules and regulations pertaining to heavy vehicles, as well as general driving information.

Obtain On-road Practical Experience and Prepare for the Assessment.

To obtain your HC licence, you must first be able to demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to safely operate a heavy vehicle. You can do this by completing the minimum amount of on-road driving experience before attending the assessment. At least 100 hours of supervised driving with an accredited instructor is recommended before applying for the HC licence assessment. Be sure to ask your instructor questions to become familiar with all aspects of safe driving before attempting the practical test With Ellis Driving School.
Before applying for the HC licence assessment, make sure you have done the necessary preparation. You should review all of the rules and regulations applicable to heavy vehicle driving, particularly those specific to your type of vehicle. It is also important to become familiar with advanced features such as air brakes and trailer coupling. Lastly, you should practice defensive driving techniques and maneuvers so that you can demonstrate your safety on the road in your assessment. With the right preparation you’ll be ready to take on the challenge of earning your HC licence.

Bus Licence Gostford

Ellis Driving School is a family-owned business that has been in operation for over 20 years. Our driving school has assisted hundreds of people from various backgrounds and ages in obtaining their licenses, which include: C Licence, LR Licence, MR Licence, MC Licence, HR and HC Licences. We take your bus and truck driving training very seriously! We have trained people from all over New South Wales, including Wollongong, Midagong, Gosford, Pennrith, Bankstown, and Newcastle.

Ellis Driving School also trains drivers who want to obtain their bus license and become qualified drivers for any public buses or coaches, as well as any other public relevant public passenger vehicle. The course has no practical component.

Course Requirement:

– Must be at least 20 years of age, and have held an Australian driver’s licence for a total of at least twelve 12 months in the two 2 years preceding the date of the application.

– Completed and passed the examination or assessment & be able to work in Australia.

The NSW Department of Transport & Infrastructure will request any criminal history from Australian Police services and a driving history from the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority.

Participants are required to undergo a medical check, provide photographs, and a licence fee of $70 is payable directly to the NSW Department of Transport & Infrastructure.