Heavy Transport Licences

Heavy Transport

If you wish to drive a vehicle that has a mass of over 4.5 tonnes, or a vehicle that seats more than a dozen adults, you must obtain a special licence. This special licence will authorise you to drive a heavy vehicle and make heavy transport deliveries.

Heavy Class Vehicles

Any vehicle with a gross mass that is over 4.5 tonnes is considered a heavy class vehicle. There are many types of heavy transport vehicles that all require special licencing.

  • Light Rigid- A light rigid heavy class vehicle has a gross mass that is over 4.5 tonnes, but has a maximum of 8 tonnes. There is no axle limit to these vehicles.

  • Medium Rigid- A medium rigid heavy class vehicle has a gross mass that is over 8 tonnes and has 2 axles. You must have your Class C licence for a year before you can obtain this licence.

  • Heavy Rigid- A heavy rigid heavy class vehicle has a gross mass that is over 8 tonnes and has 3 or more axles. You must have your Class C licence for at least two years, or your light rigid class licence for at least one year, to obtain the heavy rigid licence. You may also have your medium rigid class licence for a year.

These types of vehicles require special licencing to operate. Although these vehicles may seem large; there are even bigger vehicles in which you need special licencing.

  • Heavy Combination- A heavy combination heavy vehicle class licence is needed when you have a prime mover that is attached to a single semi-trailer, or a rigid motor vehicle that is attached to the trailer. These vehicles will have a gross mass that is over 9 tonnes.

  • Multi- Combination- A multi-combination heavy class vehicle has a gross mass of over 9 tonnes. These driving assessments are conducted by private training organisations. These are heavy combination vehicles that tow one or more trailers.

You must have a Class C licence for 3 years to obtain these licences. A medium or heavy rigid class license must be obtained for a year for a heavy combination licence. A heavy rigid or heavy combination class licence is needed for a year to obtain a multi-combination class license.

Special licencing is needed for all types of heavy transport deliveries. It is always best to get started right away as certain licences are needed before you can obtain the heavier class of heavy transport licences.

Westbound Enterprises is a family owned business that has been in the transport industry for over 40 years. We specialise in over sized transport for any industry.