How do I get a truck licence in Western Australia?

WA is a state with vast distances between towns and locations, requiring trucks to transport goods across some of Australia’s harshest landscapes. Learning to drive a truck will open a world of employment opportunities, and allow you to see the state from a unique vantage point.

Here is everything you need to know about getting your truck licence in WA whether you want to drive light trucks, road trains, or anything in between. More information can be found on the Government of Western Australia’s Department of Transport website.

In WA, a heavy vehicle licence is required to drive any vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 4.5 tonnes, with different licence classes right up to heavy multi-trailer configurations.

You need to consider what size and type of truck you will be driving, in order to establish the correct licence class to obtain. The following licence classes exist in WA:

Light Rigid (LR) – An LR licence will allow you to drive a motor vehicle (excluding a motorcycle) with a GVM greater than 4.5 tonnes but not exceeding eight tonnes. You will also be allowed to drive a motor vehicle that seats more than 12 adults that does not exceed 4.5 tonnes. LR applicants must have held a C-class licence for at least one year, but you are permitted to commence learning once you have your car licence.

Medium Rigid (MR) – In WA an MR licence will permit you to drive a motor vehicle with two axles and a GVM greater than eight tonnes, as well being able to tow a trailer with a GVM not exceeding nine tonnes. You must have held a C-class licence for at least one year, but you can start your learning in a truck upon initially receiving your licence.

Heavy Rigid (HR) – A HR licence will allow you to drive a vehicle with three or more axles and a GVM greater than eight tonnes, as well as a trailer with a GVM of up to nine tonnes. You must have held either a C-class licence for two years or more, or a LR or MR licence for at least one year to be eligible for an HR licence.

Heavy Combination (HC) – You are able to apply for an HC licence after you have held both a C class licence for three years and an MR or HR licence for at least one year. A HC licence will allow you drive a prime mover with a single semi-trailer, as well as HR class trucks, that have a GVM greater than nine tonnes. You will also be allowed to tow one additional trailer with a GVM of nine tonnes or less, as well as an unladen converter or low-loader dolly.

Multi-Combination (MC) – Before applying for an MC licence in WA, you must have held both a C-class licence for at least three years and an HR or HC licence for at least one year. Once licenced within the top MC licence class you will allowed to drive any heavy combination towing two or more trailers, each with a GVM above nine tonnes. This will permit you to drive road trains, B-doubles and other heavy multi-trailer combinations.

All classes of truck licence in WA require you to take an eye test before sitting the practical examination, and you must meet national medical standards to ensure you are fit to drive.

You must also decide which gearbox condition you will require, based on the gearbox in the trucks you plan on driving. If you complete the practical driving assessment in a truck with an automatic gearbox, you will only be permitted to drive that gearbox type.

However, if you complete it in a synchromesh manual gearbox you will be permitted to drive both manual and automatic trucks. Lastly, if you complete your assessment in a non-synchromesh transmission, or ‘crash box’, you will be able to drive trucks fitted with any gearbox.

Once you know what class of heavy vehicle licence you are going to apply for, it is time to start the licencing process.

In WA, you are allowed to learn to drive a heavy vehicle without a learner’s permit, but must meet all other criteria found here before getting behind the wheel. You must also be accompanied by a licenced driving instructor with the same or higher class of licence, or person that has held the same or higher licence class for at least four years.

It is then time to sit an eye test and theory test, both of which you must pass before progressing. You will then be ready to book your practical driving assessment online or in-person, which involves an on-road assessment in that class of vehicle.

For LR and MR licences you can book your practical driving assessment (PDA) through WA’s Department of Transport. The PDA will involve an on-road driving examination to test your competency in the relevant class of vehicle.

For HR and HC licences, you are able to use an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for your practical driving assessment, or you can register to sit your assessment with a Department of Transport assessor by calling 13 11 560.

MC class licence applicants will have to book their practical driving assessment in person with an Approved Provider, as the training and assessment for this licence class has been fully outsourced to the private sector.

You are almost ready to start driving trucks! To complete the heavy vehicle licencing process, once you have passed your practical examination, you will have to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services centre or regional agent.

You will then be required to complete an application form, provide proof of identity and pay your application fee. Congratulations, your new licence will be issued and you are on your way to being a licenced truck driver!