Frequently Asked Questions
Truck Licences & Driver Fatigue
Q. Do I have to complete the heavy vehicle Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) before I can book in to do a driving course with your school?
A. Yes. You must complete the DKT and also obtain the two Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) books (2xGreen Books) before we can book you for a course. Without the CBTA books the trainer/assessor cannot record successful completion of each competency or conduct your final assessment.
Q. Can I do get a truck licence in my own truck?
A. Yes. Providing that your truck meets the minimum standards for vehicles being used for an assessment, eg. must be the correct class, must be roadworthy, must have a seat belt for both the driver and passenger (assessor) and must be loaded to 75% of its rated capacity. Accredited assessors are not permitted to conduct training and/or assessment in a vehicle that does not comply with the minimum standards.
Q. How long is the truck licence course?
A. The time will vary depending on prior experience and/or your ability to successfully meet the required competencies during training. Roads and Maritime Austhority regulations mandate a minimum time in vehicle for each licence class. Some individuals may complete the course in one day, while others may require several shorter sessions (eg. 2 hour sessions) spread over a number of days. The trainer/assessor will make a determination on which training strategy will best suit you.
Q. Will my interstate licence be OK to do a truck course in NSW?
A. No. You will need to hold a current NSW licence.
Q. I have a heavy rigid licence but I am restricted to automatic only. What do I have to do to be able to drive a heavy rigid with a manual gearbox?
A. You will need to arrange with your local Motor Registry Office for them to assess you in a manual gearbox vehicle for the licence class you currently hold.
Q. I want to upgrade from HR to HC, but my HR licence restricts me to automatic only. Does this mean I can only do my HC in an automatic?
A. No. If you complete the HC course in a vehicle fitted with a manual gearbox and pass the assessment, the Motor Registry Office will issue your new licence without the restriction.
Q. Do I have to complete a driver fatigue management course to get my truck licence?
A. No. Information on Driver Fatigue Management can be found at NSW RMS Heavy vehicle driver fatigue reform
Q. I have been told that under the new heavy vehicle driver fatigue laws, I must now complete the new drivers work diary even if I only drive trucks within 100km of my depot, is this correct?
A. No. Ministerial exemptions provide that heavy vehicle drivers operating under standard driving hours within 100km of their depot, are not required to record their work in the new drivers work diary. However, your employer must be able to show (either by time sheets or other records) that your daily work routine provides adequate rest breaks. More information can be found at Exemption Notices 2008
Q. I want to apply to drive dump trucks on construction or mine sites, what will it cost me to get a dump truck licence?
A. There is no specific Australian State or Territory licence class for a 'dump truck'. Most construction and mining companies will require you to hold an appropriate State or Territory heavy vehicle licence (usually HR class) as a pre-requisite.
Construction and mining companies generally conduct their own in-house training for dump trucks.
There are everal private training providors (mainly in QLD & WA) who conduct dump truck courses.
For information go to our Mining link