What is a HC Licence?

Thinking about getting a HC Licence? This article covers everything you need to know about how to get a HC Licence, including how much it costs, what you can drive with one, and if you are eligible to upgrade.

What is a HC driver?

A heavy combination (HC) truck driver is an someone who handles and drives:

• trucks or prime movers attached to a single semi - trailer or;
• heavy rigid vehicle trailer combinations including an unladen converter dolly with three or more axles or;
• any towed trailer with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) more than 9 tonnes.
• HC trucks are articulated vehicles which means they have a pivot point that sits either behind the prime mover or the HR vehicle. This is different to rigid vehicles which move as one, straight body.

Heavy combination vehicle drivers work in industries including agriculture, construction, and warehouse transportation. Many HC drivers work in shift and driver interstate routes which means they might spend days on the road.

HC driver job includes:

• Loading and unloading items on the truck, restraining goods according NHVR guidelines, and safely delivering goods to customers.
• Conducting basic truck inspections and maintenance
• Manoeuvering vehicles safely and maintaining a work diary as required.

What is a HC licence?

A HC licence is the class of licence required to drive heavy combination motor vehicles. A HC licence fits within the broader group of heavy vehicle licences which also include LR, MR, HR, and MC.

A NSW HC licence is recognised across the country although every state and territory has a different regulatory body. In NSW, a HC licence is issued by the Road and Maritime Service (RMS), formerly, the RTA. The practical training is conducted by an RMS accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Here at 123 Training Solutions, we offer nationally recognised training courses for all heavy vehicles including HC trucks.

Do I need a road ranger HC licence?

We offer both unrestricted (road ranger) and automatic/ synchromesh licence training. The unrestricted licence allows you to drive trucks with a road ranger gearbox.

The most important thing to know is that a road ranger is very hard to learn to drive correctly. It's not like driving a manual car and if you don't maintain the skills to drive one, you will lose the ability surprisingly quickly. We recommend you only get an unrestricted licence if you have a job already lined up that requires you to have one. Most jobs will only require an automatic licence. If you decide you need an unrestricted licence, be ready to commit a lot of time and energy to learning.

If you decide later to remove the automatic/ synchromesh condition, you can do the B Condition Removal course which makes your licence unrestricted. If you still have doubts, please free to contact us to discuss the options with our team.

HC licence requirements

To upgrade to a class HC licence, applicants must have held a class MR or HR licence or equivalent for at least 12 months. Any time spend on a P2 MR or HR licence counts, but you cannot practice driving a HC truck, or upgrade to a HC licence until you hold a full class MR or HR licence. This 12-month period must have occured in the last 5 years.

If you meet the driving experience requirements, give us a call and we'd be more than happy to help. If you get an MR or HR licence now, we can help you again in a year to upgrade to your HC licence. The only eligibility requirement for an MR or HR licence is to have held a class c licence for at least 1 year.

If you're wondering what type of jobs need a HR licence, have a look at this article: 7 jobs where you'll need a Heavy Rigid Licence.

How to get a HC licence in NSW

Once you've met the driving experience requirements above, the first step is to pass the heavy combination knowledge test and eyesight test at the RMS. If you want help to prepare you for the HC driver knowledge test, give us a call and we'll send you some helpful links and materials.

You will also need to conduct a medical with your GP to prove you are medically fit to drive this class of vehicle. If you have a medical condition (e.g. diabetes, epilepsy, eyesight disorber etc.) that is likely to impact your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, you may be required to provide a medical certificate from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive.

Once you've done those two steps, you can apply for a Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVCBA) Learners Logbook. Then, give us a call to book into the next practical driving course and competency assessment with our authorised heavy vehicle driving examiners. Upon successful completion of the HC driver training and competency assessment, you will be able to upgrade your licence from MR or HR to HC. Heavy vehicle drivers can also drive any class of vehicle below your licence class, except motorcycles and motor trikes.

How long does it take to get a HC licence?

Our HC driver training courses are either 1 or 2 days long depending on whether you want an automatic or unrestricted licence. Both courses are conducted at our Newcastle premises as well as our smaller locations in Ballina, Casino, and Lismore.

The 1-day course produces an automatic HC licence and is conducted in a prime mover semi-trailer combination. The 2-day course is for student who need an unrestricted licence and For this option day one consists of the regular Auto HC course. This is then followed by a condition B removal course on day two.

HC Licence Cost

Here at 123 Training Solutions, the automatic HC licence costs $1800 for the day, and the unrestricted HC licence costs $2650 for the 2 days.

This is a competency-based training and assessment course, and the time we allocate for participants to complete this course is based on an estimate which we have historically found to cover a high proportion of participants. As everyone learns at different rates, some participants will need more time than what we have estimated to reach the required level of competency. In this scenario, any additional training to complete this class of licence will be charged at $800 per day.

You can also learn and be assessed in your own vehicle, as long as it is registered and roadworthy, and the right type of vehicle for the licence class you're applying for. Give us a call to talk about our discounted rates for training in your own vehicle.

Apply for a HC licence!

If you are ready to apply for your HC licence, give us a call! You can also find more information on our HC licence course page.

Information about other heavy vehicle licenses is available throughout our website. If you have any questions about what vehicle licence class is best for you, read our guide to different heavy vehicle licences here.