If you’re planning to drive heavy rigid vehicles like large trucks, buses, or freight vehicles in Queensland, getting an HR (Heavy Rigid) licence is a crucial step in advancing your professional driving career. The rules and standards set by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in 2025 ensure that only qualified, well-trained, and medically fit individuals get licensed.

In this blog, we break down the eligibility requirements, training steps, vehicle standards, and medical and legal obligations for obtaining an HR licence in QLD. Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading from an MR (Medium Rigid) class, this guide is designed to help you stay compliant and prepared.

Quick Summary (TL;DR)

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for an HR licence in QLD.
You need to have held a C class (car) licence for at least 2 years.
You can apply for an HR licence directly without holding an MR licence.
Medical checks may be required depending on age and health conditions.
You must pass a knowledge test, practical driving test, and hazard perception test (if applicable).

What Is an HR Licence?

An HR licence Brisbane allows you to drive:

Rigid vehicles with three or more axles
Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) over 8 tonnes
Buses with more than 12 seats
Any towed trailer must not exceed 9 tonnes GVM

It’s a commonly held licence by professionals in industries like transport, logistics, construction, waste collection, and public transport.

Who Can Apply for an HR Licence in QLD?

To apply for an HR licence in Queensland in 2025, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by TMR.

Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old.

Driving Experience Requirement

You need to have held:

A C class (car) licence for at least 2 years, or
An LR or MR licence for at least 1 year

The experience must be open or provisional – learner licence time does not count toward eligibility.

Example: If you got your P1 car licence on 1 Jan 2023, you’ll be eligible to apply for an HR licence from 1 Jan 2025.

Medical Fitness

You may need to provide a Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver (form F3712) if:

You’re over 75 years old
You’ve declared a medical condition that may impact safe driving (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy)
You’re applying for an industry/commercial-use HR licence

Always check with your General Practitioner (GP) to complete the required medical form.

Training Requirements for an HR Licence in QLD

1. Complete a Knowledge Test

Before you can book a practical driving test, you must pass the HR class written knowledge test, which covers:

Load management
Defensive driving
Road rules and hazard perception
Fatigue and heavy vehicle safety

Tip: You can study for this using the “Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook” provided by TMR.

2. Choose a Transmission Type

You can choose to train and test in:

Synchromesh (manual)
Automatic
Road ranger (non-synchromesh/manual)

Note: Testing in automatic or synchromesh will restrict your licence to those types. Only road ranger gives you an unrestricted HR licence.

3. Enrol in a TMR-Approved Training Course

Queensland requires you to undertake formal training from an accredited driving school like Global Driver Training.

Training typically includes:

Pre-drive checks
Vehicle control
On-road assessment
Load restraint
Reversing and tight cornering

Most training programs offer 1-day or multi-day courses based on your experience level.

4. Pass the Practical Driving Test

After your training, you’ll be booked for a practical driving assessment conducted by a TMR examiner or accredited trainer. The test assesses:

Pre-start checks
Cabin drills and brake checks
Hill starts
Turning and gear shifting
Parking and reversing

Pro tip: Practice your vehicle inspection routine—it’s commonly overlooked!

HR Licence Fees in QLD (2025)

As of 2025, approximate fees for an HR licence in Queensland are:

Written knowledge test: $25
Practical driving test: $66.05
Licence issue fee (5 years): $170.75
Training costs: Vary by school – generally $1,000 to $1,500

Make sure to budget accordingly, especially if you’re choosing to train with a road ranger vehicle (which may cost more).

What Vehicles Can You Drive With an HR Licence?

With an HR licence, you’re legally permitted to drive:

Rigid trucks with 3 or more axles
Large buses (including school and transit)
Prime movers (without trailers)
Water, dump, and tipper trucks (up to specific GVM limits)
HR vehicles with a towed trailer under 9 tonnes GVM

If you’re planning to upgrade further (e.g., to HC or MC), an HR licence is the essential stepping stone.

Common HR Licence Restrictions

Based on your training vehicle, the licence issued may carry one of the following restrictions:

Code – Description

B -Automatic only

A – Synchromesh/Manual

No Code Full/Unrestricted (Road Ranger)

Choose your training vehicle wisely depending on your career path and industry requirements.

FAQs About HR Licence Requirements in QLD

Can I go straight from a car licence to HR in Queensland?

Yes, if you’ve held a C class licence for at least 2 years, you can apply for an HR licence without getting an MR or LR licence first.

Is a medical test compulsory for all HR licence applicants?

Not always. It’s only mandatory if:

You’re aged 75+
You’ve disclosed a medical condition
You’re applying for a commercial driving role (as per NHVAS standards)

Can I use my HR licence to drive a bus?

Yes. As long as the bus meets the HR licence criteria (3+ axles and GVM over 8 tonnes), and you have Driver Authorisation (DA) for public transport use, you’re permitted.

What happens if I fail the HR practical test?

You can rebook the test, but you may have to pay the practical test fee again. Your trainer may recommend additional lessons before retrying.

Does my HR licence expire?

Yes. Like any Queensland driver licence, an HR licence must be renewed periodically (1, 5, or 10 years). Commercial drivers may have to provide ongoing medical assessments at renewal.

Final Thoughts

Getting an HR licence in QLD in 2025 is a valuable step for anyone pursuing a career in heavy vehicle operations. The process is structured to ensure safety, competence, and legal compliance on the road. Understanding the eligibility criteria, medical requirements, and training options in advance can save you time, money, and frustration.

At AUS Truck Training, we’re committed to helping new drivers succeed through comprehensive training, expert instruction, and real-world experience. If you’re ready to take the next step toward your HR licence, reach out to our team today.