Being a long-distance truck driver has a romantic feel about it; being your own boss on the road and sleeping in your vehicle, travelling the entire country, which in itself is an attractive proposition. If you are a young person and you like your independence, becoming a truck driver might just be the perfect occupation, and in this short article, we outline the process of obtaining a heavy vehicle licence.
Obtain a Regular Driving Licence
To be eligible for a heavy vehicle licence, you must have had a regular car driving licence for a minimum of 12 months for a light or medium rigid licence, and at least 24 months for a heavy rigid licence. So, if you have yet to take your car driving test, this should be a priority, and after the stated time has passed, you can apply for a heavy vehicle licence. Once you have your heavy vehicle licence, you could set yourself up in business by contacting Australian truck body builders to customise a trailer to hitch to your tractor unit. There is a lot of potential when you are a certified heavy vehicle driver; indeed, many decide to become freelancers and own their own truck.
Medically Fit & Healthy
If you are currently suffering from a medical condition, you might require a medical clearance certificate from your local state government in order to apply for the heavy vehicle training course. If you have eyesight issues, you might have to undergo eye examinations and tests to show that your sight is adequate for driving a heavy vehicle. If you are injured in an accident in someone else’s car, here is an informative article on the topic.
Book your Place on a Heavy Vehicle Licence Course
The provider must be approved by the government, and due to growing popularity, you might need to book several months in the future. You might have to produce additional paperwork to show that you are in good health, and you should spend time researching the theory while you are waiting to attend the driving course. There are online practice theory tests that you should take to be better prepared for the real thing, which is the best way to prepare.
Assessments You Need to Pass
There are four assessments that you need to pass in order to obtain a heavy vehicle licence.
- Knowledge test
- Eyesight test
- On-Road Heavy Vehicle Driving Test
- Off-Road Heavy Vehicle Assessment – Reversing Test
Once you have successfully completed the above assessment tests, you will be given a Certificate of Competence for the licence upgrade. Within 12 months of the date on the certificate, you need to go to your state office and officially have the new licence endorsed, which does involve fees on your part.
After this, you finally receive your endorsed heavy vehicle licence, and you are able to apply for a job as a truck driver, provided that the vehicle does not exceed the licence limitations.
