We all need a license to drive, but what license do you need? There are a range of license classes that accomodate larger more complex vehicles where extra driver training is required. So if you drive a large road train or even a 12 seater community bus, you will need to obtain a new license.

All states and territories in Australia use a national driver license system. The national license classes contribute to road safety by better matching licence classes to the types of vehicles used on Australian roads. They make it easier to move between different States and Territories.

National License Classes and Codes

Car (C)

Motorcycle (R)/(RE)

Applis to 2 or three wheeled vehicles including using a sidecar or trailer with your motorbike.

Light Ridgid (LR)

Applies to any rigid vehicle (ie, truck or bus) which is between 4.6-8.0 tonnes GMV. You must have held a car license for at least 12 months to get you LR license.

Medium Ridgid (MR)

Allows you to drive a two axel rigid vehicle more than 8 tonnes GMV and tow a single trailer up to 9 tonnes. You must have held a car license for at least 12 months to get you MR license.

Heavy Ridgid (HR)

Can drive a rigid vehicle with 3 or more axels greater than 8 tonnes GMV and tow a single trailer up to 9 tonnes. You must have held a car license for at least 24 months to get you HR license.

Heavy Combination (HC)

Allows you drive a prime mover, single semi-trailer or rigid vehicle plus trailer greater than 9 tonnes GMV. You must have held a car license for at least 24 months and your MR for 12 months to get you HC license.

Multi Combination (MC)

Allows you to drive the same vehicles as a HC license although enable you to add one or more additional trailers. You must complete a course for you MC license and also held you HR or HC license for at least 12 months.

UC(UC)

To find out more visit your states Licensing authority; Vic - VicRoads, NSW - RTA, QLD – Transport QLD, Tasmania – Transport TAS , SA – Transport SA, WA - DPI , NT - MVR and ACT – Rego ACT