Northern NSW Driver Training

Light Rigid

A Light Rigid 'Class LR' licence covers a rigid vehicle with a GVM of more than 4.5 tonnes but not more than 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than 9 tonnes GVM. Also includes vehicles with a GVM up to 8 tonnes which carry more than 12 adult including the driver and vehicles in class 'C'.

There are no restrictions on the number of axles for this class of licence.

Medium Rigid

A Medium Rigid 'Class MR' covers a rigid vehicle with 2 axles and a GVM of more than 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than 9 tonnes GVM. Also includes vehicles in class 'LR'.

Heavy Rigid

A Heavy Rigid 'Class HR' covers a rigid vehicle with 3 or more axles and a GVM of more than 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than 9 tonnes GVM. Also includes articulated buses and vehicles in class 'MR'.

If driving passengers for a fare or other form of payment, a Public Passenger Vehicle Driver Authority issued by the Ministry of Transport is required.

Articulated and Combination Vehicles

A 'Class HC' Licence covers heavy combination vehicles like a prime mover towing a semi-trailer, or rigid vehicles towing a trailer with a GVM of more than 9 tonnes. Also includes vehicles in class 'HR'.

A 'Class MC' Licence covers multi-combination vehicles like Road Trains and B-Double Vehicles. Also includes vehicles in class 'HC'.

Medical Standards for Commercial Drivers.

The medical standards for drivers of commercial vehicles are set by the National Transport Commission and AUSTROADS, and are set out in 'Assessing Fitness to Drive' (available from the AUSTROADS website).

(Licence information courtesy of rta.com.au)