Driving a heavy vehicle

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the heavy vehicle licence classes and what each covers.
• You can plan turns that allow for the vehicle's swept path and tail swing.
• You can keep a stopping gap that suits a loaded heavy vehicle.
• You can choose a low gear before a long descent instead of riding the brakes.
• You can apply the special rules for heavy and long vehicles, such as the 100 km/h cap in NSW.

What you need to know and understand

• A car (class C) licence covers vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes GVM. Above that you need LR, MR, HR, HC or MC depending on the vehicle.
• LR covers rigid vehicles over 4.5 and up to 8 tonnes GVM. MR covers two-axle rigid vehicles over 8 tonnes. HR covers rigid vehicles with three or more axles over 8 tonnes. HC covers articulated vehicles such as a prime mover and semi-trailer. MC covers B-doubles and road trains.
• To get a heavy licence you must have held a lower licence for a set time. In NSW, for example, LR and MR need a car licence held for at least 1 year, HR needs 2 years, and HC needs MR or HR for 1 year. Requirements and test formats vary by state.
• In NSW the speed limit for a vehicle with a GVM or GCM over 4.5 tonnes is 100 km/h, even where a higher limit is posted. Other states have similar caps, so check your state's rules.
• A long vehicle is one 7.5 metres or longer including any load. Outside built-up areas, a long vehicle following another long vehicle must keep at least 60 metres back where conditions allow, and more in road train areas.
• In built-up areas, heavy or long vehicles (other than buses) generally may not stay stopped on a road for more than one hour unless loading or unloading or signs allow it.

Getting the right licence

Licences build on each other, and each higher class includes the classes below it. Most states require a knowledge test, an eyesight test and either a driving test or a competency-based assessment with an approved trainer. In NSW, for example, many applicants complete the Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVCBA). In Queensland, Victoria, WA and the other states the steps and providers differ, so check your state road authority before booking training.

Licences may also be limited to automatic or synchromesh gearboxes depending on the vehicle you test in.

Space: turning, lanes and blind spots

The rear wheels of a long vehicle cut inside the path of the front wheels when turning, and the rear overhang can swing out the other way. To turn left you may need to start from further out and turn later. A long vehicle that displays a Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle sign may use more than one lane to turn, and other drivers must not pass it on the side it is turning towards.

Your mirrors cannot show everything. Smaller vehicles, bikes and pedestrians disappear close to the cab and down the passenger side. Check mirrors often, move off slowly and take extra care at intersections.

Braking and hills

A loaded truck takes far longer to stop than a car, and brakes can overheat and fade on long descents. Plan well ahead.

Before a steep or long downhill:

1. Look for warning signs such as Trucks and Buses Use Low Gear.
2. Slow down before the descent starts, while the road is still flat.
3. Select a low gear so the engine and any engine brake or retarder hold your speed.
4. Use the service brakes in firm, short applications rather than holding them on.
5. If brakes start to fade, use any arrester bed or safety ramp provided.

Sharing the road

Leave a much bigger gap in front than in a car. Keep left where signs restrict trucks from the right lane, and give other drivers room to overtake.

Common mistakes

• Turning too early, so the rear wheels clip the kerb or another vehicle. Go further forward and watch the rear wheels in the mirror.
• Riding the brakes downhill. Choose a low gear before the descent.
• Following too closely. A loaded truck needs much more distance to stop than a car.
• Forgetting the height of the vehicle. Read clearance signs for bridges and car parks.

Test yourself: Driving a heavy vehicle

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.