Licence to drive a
Heavy Combination (HC) - Auto
VicRoads Licence only or Nationally Recognised Training Qualification
Eligibility: Candidates must have held an Australian car driver licence for 2 years (24 months) and a medium or heavy rigid licence for 1 year (12 months)
Tullamarine Training Centre , VicRoads approved • Nationally recognised (optional NRT) • Heavy-combination specialists
Note: B-doubles and road trains require an MC licence, ask about our Multi-Combination program if that’s your goal.
Vehicle type
This licensing course is for a primer mover which is attached to a single, semi trailer that has a GVM more than 9 tonnes.
Delivery
- Heavy combination Auto – 1 day (8 hours including breaks)
- All course study materials will be issued at the time of booking
- Delivery method – face to face (theory & practical
- Students are required to complete some pre-reading prior to arriving for the course
- Access to internet, smart phone, tablet or laptop for pre-work
- HC vehicle is supplied
- For participants completing the Nationally Recognised Training Qualification, you require a USI that can be verified to ensure release of Statement of Attainment
Course content
Theory review:
- Driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques
- Efficient driving techniques
- Engine power management and safe driving strategies
- Vehicle controls, instruments and indicators, and their use
- Vehicle handling procedures
- Pre-operational checks carried out on the vehicle and related action
- Relevant state/territory driver licensing authority road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements
Practical:
- Pre-start checks
- Cabin drill
- Load restraint
- Skill manoeuvres/reversing
Prerequisites and entry requirements
To obtain a Heavy Combination licence the following criteria apply:
- Current valid Australian motor vehicle driver licence. Candidates must have held an Australian car driver licence for 2 years (24 months) and a heavy or medium rigid licence for 1 year (12 months)
- Communication skills at a level to communicate with other road users
- Must meet VicRoads eligibility requirements
- Provide evidence of identity as required by VicRoads
- Applicants must be aged 18 years and older
- Pass VicRoads commercial drivers eyesight test
- Participants will also need to have the physical capacity to undertake the practical training and assessment components of the unit (for example getting in and out of a heavy vehicle, sitting in a truck for the duration of training and assessment)
- Basic English, literacy and numeracy skills at a level sufficient to read and interpret VicRoads guidelines, traffic rules, signages and workplace documentation. You will be required to complete a language, literacy, numeracy and digital assessment to assess their capacity to meet unit requirements as part of the enrolment process
- For participants completing the Nationally Recognised Training Qualification, you require a USI that can be verified to ensure release of Statement of Attainment
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of your licence course, your assessor will work with you to lodge your application for heavy vehicle endorsement via the VicRoads partner portal. Please note that the VicRoads Issue Fee is payable directly to VicRoads via online Mastercard or VISA only. No cash payment can be accepted. If the Nationally Recognised Training Qualification is completed, participants will also receive a Statement of Attainment for TLILIC3017 – Licence to drive a heavy combination vehicle
National Recognised Training
In addition to getting a Heavy Combination licence to operate this type of vehicle in Victoria, you may enrol in the unit TLILIC3017 – Licence to drive a heavy combination vehicle to obtain a Statement of Attainment upon successful completion of your course.
By undertaking Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) you will need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) that gives you access to your online USI account that contains all your nationally recognised training records. The main benefit of the USI is that you will have easy access to your training records and results throughout your life.
Qualification pathways: This unit of competency can contribute to Certificate qualifications from the Transport and Logistics Training Package.
Vocational pathways: Obtaining this unit of competency will allow individuals to apply for a VicRoads licence to drive a heavy combination vehicle and work as a heavy combination driver in the transport, construction and logistics industries (but not restricted to these industries) if they wish after obtaining their licence.
Choose the course date that gets you qualified and ready for work.
Choose the course date that gets you qualified and ready for work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We have answers to help you get started.
What is the Heavy Combination (HC) licence course?
This comprehensive 1-day course prepares you to safely operate heavy combination vehicles including prime movers with semi-trailers and articulated vehicles, qualifying you for your official VicRoads Heavy Combination (HC) licence. You’ll learn complex articulated vehicle control, advanced hazard management, and exacting safety standards through theory and hands-on practical training.
What vehicles can I drive with an HC licence?
With an HC licence, you can drive prime movers attached to a single semi-trailer with a GVM more than 9 tonnes. This includes articulated heavy combination vehicles, B-doubles, and other heavy freight vehicles on interstate networks.
What's the difference between HC and HR licences?
What will I learn?
You’ll master complex articulated vehicle control systems, expert traffic and road condition monitoring, vehicle performance in challenging freight environments, advanced hazard management for heavy combinations, exacting safety standards for articulated operations, efficient driving techniques, engine power management, and coupling and uncoupling trailers.
What's the difference between nationally recognised and licence-only training?
Will my VicRoads HC licence be valid outside Victoria?
Can I progress to Multi-Combination (MC) licences?
Yes, the HC licence is a prerequisite for obtaining a Multi-Combination (MC) licence, which allows you to operate road trains and multiple trailer combinations.
What career opportunities does this open up?
This qualification enables you to work in interstate freight operations, long-haul transport, construction and logistics industries, B-double operations, and professional trucking across Australia’s freight networks.
How long is the licence valid for?
What are the entry requirements?
- 18 years or older
- Hold a current valid Australian car driver’s licence for at least 24 months
- Hold a Medium Rigid (MR) or Heavy Rigid (HR) licence for at least 12 months
- Meet VicRoads eligibility and eyesight requirements
- Complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) assessment
- Physical capacity to safely complete practical components
Do I need an HR licence before getting my HC?
Yes, you must hold either a Medium Rigid (MR) or Heavy Rigid (HR) licence for at least 12 months before you can obtain your HC licence.
Who should take this course?
Do I need commercial driving experience?
You must have held an MR or HR licence for at least 12 months, which means you’ll already have commercial driving experience. Additional heavy combination vehicle experience is beneficial but not mandatory for this course.
Do I need to be employed to do this course?
What are the physical requirements?
Are there any medical requirements?
You must meet VicRoads medical standards for holding a heavy vehicle licence. If you have any medical conditions that may affect your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle, you may need to provide medical clearance. Contact VicRoads or speak with us before enrolling if you have concerns.
Do I need a USI (Unique Student Identifier)?
Only if you choose the nationally recognised training option. A USI is required to issue your Statement of Attainment (TLILIC3017) and allows you to access your accredited training records for life. It’s not required for the VicRoads licence-only option. Create or retrieve your USI at usi.gov.au.
Can you accommodate language, literacy or accessibility needs?
Yes. Contact us before enrolling so we can discuss reasonable adjustments while still meeting VicRoads licensing and safety standards.
How long does the course take?
The course is 1 day (approximately 8 hours including breaks). You’ll also need to pre-read the Heavy Combination and Multi Combination Learner Guide and complete a workbook before attending.
Where is the training held?
Is parking available
Do I need to bring my own vehicle?
No, a compliant HC vehicle is supplied for training and assessment.
What should I bring on the day?
Bring your current Victorian Driver’s Licence (essential – must carry it at all times during training), proof of identity for VicRoads as required, your completed workbook, and wear enclosed suitable footwear and clothing for practical training.
When do I receive my course materials?
All required course study materials are provided at the time of booking. You must complete the pre-reading and workbook before your scheduled training session. You’ll need access to the internet and a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to complete the pre-reading and workbook activities.
What does the course include?
The course includes pre-reading materials and a workbook (provided at booking), 1 day of face-to-face theory and practical training at the Tullamarine Training Centre, instruction on pre-operational checks and cabin drill, load restraint techniques, skill manoeuvres and reversing practice, coupling and uncoupling procedures, written and practical assessments, and the official VicRoads examination process.
What assessments are involved?
You’ll complete a theory review and written assessment, practical assessment covering pre-operational checks, cabin drill, load restraint, skill manoeuvres (including reversing), coupling and uncoupling procedures, and the official VicRoads licence assessment conducted as part of the program.
What certification will I receive?
What happens if I don't pass the assessment?
We’ll provide feedback and discuss reassessment options or additional training if needed. Additional training or assessment fees may apply.
How much does it cost?
Please see our website for course pricing and availability.
What is included in the fee?
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact us as soon as possible by emailing us at info@awftc.com.au. Cancellations made more than 7 days before the course start date will receive a refund or transfer to another date for an Administration fee. Cancellations within 7 days may incur fees. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions or contact our Customer Service team for full details.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 2–3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date, though we’ll do our best to accommodate shorter notice bookings where places are available.
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