Heavy Vehicle Drivers' Handbook
The Heavy Vehicle Drivers’ Handbook has information to help you learn about:
- rules and regulations specific to heavy vehicles
- the skills you need to drive a heavy vehicle.
You should also read the Road Users’ Handbook and Load Restraint Guide .
Get the complete Heavy Vehicle Drivers’ Handbook PDF (5.5 MB)
Individual sections of the handbook
Instead of downloading the full Heavy Vehicle Drivers' Handbook, you can get individual sections below.
- Front cover, disclaimer, introduction and important information PDF (437.1 KB)
- Section 1 - how to use this handbook PDF (405.6 KB)
- Section 2 - licences PDF (708.4 KB)
- Section 3 - driver management PDF (530.3 KB)
- Section 4 - safe driving PDF (638.2 KB)
- Section 5 - heavy vehicle road rules PDF (838.7 KB)
- Section 6 - knowing the vehicle PDF (908.1 KB)
- Section 7 - vehicle dimensions and loading PDF (1.6 MB)
- Section 8 - penalties PDF (439.8 KB)
Learn to drive a heavy vehicle
To get your heavy vehicle licence, you must learn to drive a heavy vehicle. This step is part of getting your driver licence.
You can get professional training provided by an approved heavy vehicle training and testing provider or your employer.
If you know someone with a heavy vehicle licence, they can also help with your training.
They must have a current licence for the type of vehicle that you're learning to drive.
Before your training
To prepare for your training, you must read the following:
During the training
Your trainer must sit next to you, or in buses, the closest seat to you.
You must display a 'driver under instruction' sign at the back of the vehicle.
The sign must be:
- at least 530mm wide and 300mm high
- with DRIVER UNDER INSTRUCTION in black writing, at least 75mm high on a yellow background.
If driving a vehicle more than 15 tonnes GVM, you must have a zero blood alcohol concentration.
Apply for a light rigid licence
To apply for a light rigid (LR) licence, you must:
- hold a current Northern Territory (NT) driver licence
- have held a class C driver licence for at least one year.
Before you apply
You must learn to drive an LR vehicle from a driver who holds the same or higher heavy vehicle (HV) licence.
Find out how to learn to drive a heavy vehicle.
How to apply
Once you've learned to drive a heavy vehicle, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Pass the theory test
You must pass one of the following:
- an LR training course with an approved HV training provider
- a rigid HV theory test at an MVR office.
Find out how to practise and take the theory test.
Step 2. Pass the practical driving test
You must pass one of the following:
- a final competency test organised through your approved HV training provider
- a competency test with an authorised HV driving examiner.
The vehicle you use must:
- have a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of at least 4.5 tonnes but less than 8 tonnes
- be loaded to at least 75% of the GVM.
You must show you can safely secure a load.
During your test, a camera will record the front of your vehicle as well as the inside.
Your examiner must keep this recording for 6 months and MVR may request a copy at any time.
Step 3. Submit your application
You can apply in person, by email or mail.
You must provide one of the following:
- statement of attainment and final competency test form
- competency test form.
In person
Step 1. Submit your supporting documents at an MVR office.
Step 2. Pay your licence fee by Mastercard, Visa, cash or EFTPOS.
By email or mail
Step 1. Submit your supporting documents by:
- email: mvr@nt.gov.au
- mail: Motor Vehicle Registry, GPO Box 530, Darwin NT 0801.
Step 2. Call MVR on 1300 654 628 to pay your licence fee over the phone using Visa or Mastercard.
After you apply
Once your application has been processed, you will get a receipt as your authority to drive.
You must have this with you when driving until you receive your driver licence card.
It will be mailed to the address shown on your receipt.
Apply for a medium rigid licence
To apply for a medium rigid (MR) licence, you must:
- hold a current Northern Territory (NT) driver licence
- have held a class C or a light rigid driver licence for at least one year.
Before you apply
You must learn to drive an MR vehicle from a driver who holds the same or higher heavy vehicle (HV) licence.
Find out how to learn to drive a heavy vehicle.
How to apply
Once you've learned to drive a heavy vehicle, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Pass the theory test
You must pass one of the following:
- an MR training course with an approved HV training provider
- a rigid HV theory test at an MVR office - if you haven't done so for a previous HV licence.
Find out how to practise and take the theory test.
Step 2. Pass the practical test
You must pass one of the following:
- a final competency test organised through your approved HV training provider
- a competency test with an authorised HV driving examiner.
The vehicle you use must be a 2-axle rigid vehicle:
- with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) greater than 8 tonnes
- loaded to at least 75% of the GVM.
You must show you can safely secure a load.
During your test, a camera will record the front of your vehicle as well as the inside.
Your examiner must keep this recording for 6 months and MVR may request a copy at any time.
Step 3. Pass an eye test
You must pass an eyesight test at one of the following:
- an MVR office
- with a health professional.
Step 4. Submit your application
You can apply in person, by email or mail.
You must provide:
- one of the following:
- statement of attainment and final competency test form
- competency test form
- eyesight test report from a health professional - if applicable.
In person
Step 1. Submit your supporting documents at an MVR office.
Step 2. Pay your licence fee by Mastercard, Visa, cash or EFTPOS.
By email or mail
Step 1. Submit your supporting documents by:
- email: mvr@nt.gov.au
- mail: Motor Vehicle Registry, GPO Box 530, Darwin NT 0801.
Step 2. Call MVR on 1300 654 628 to pay your licence fee over the phone using Visa or Mastercard.
After you apply
Once your application has been processed, you will get a receipt as your authority to drive.
You must have this with you when driving until you receive your driver licence card.
It will be mailed to the address shown on your receipt.
Apply for a heavy rigid licence
To apply for a heavy rigid (HR) licence, you must:
- hold a current Northern Territory (NT) driver licence
- have held a:
- class C driver licence for at least 2 years or
- light or medium rigid (MR) licence for at least one year.
Before you apply
You must learn to drive an HR vehicle from a driver who holds the same or higher heavy vehicle (HV) licence.
Find out how to learn to drive a heavy vehicle.
How to apply
Once you've learned to drive a heavy vehicle, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Pass the theory test
You must pass one of the following:
- an HR training course with an approved HV training provider
- a rigid HV theory test at an MVR office - if you haven't done so for a previous HV licence.
Find out how to practise and take the theory test.
Step 2. Pass the practical test
You must pass one of the following:
- a final competency test organised through your approved HV training provider
- a competency test with an authorised HV driving examiner.
The vehicle you use must be a rigid vehicle with at least 3 axles and:
- not being an unladen prime mover
- a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of at least 15 tonnes
- be loaded to at least 75% of the GVM.
You must show you can safely secure a load.
During your test, a camera will record the front of your vehicle as well as the inside.
Your examiner must keep this recording for 6 months and MVR may request a copy at any time.
Step 3. Pass an eye test
You must pass an eyesight test at one of the following:
- an MVR office
- with a health professional.
This does not apply to you if you have already passed one for an MR licence.
Step 4. Submit your application
You can apply in person, by email or mail.
You must provide:
- one of the following:
- statement of attainment and final competency test form
- competency test form
- eyesight test report from a health professional - if applicable.
In person
Step 1. Submit your supporting documents at an MVR office.
Step 2. Pay your licence fee by Mastercard, Visa, cash or EFTPOS.
By email or mail
Step 1. Submit your supporting documents by:
- email: mvr@nt.gov.au
- mail: Motor Vehicle Registry, GPO Box 530, Darwin NT 0801.
Step 2. Call MVR on 1300 654 628 to pay your licence fee over the phone using Visa or Mastercard.
After you apply
Once your application has been processed, you will get a receipt as your authority to drive.
You must have this with you when driving until you receive your driver licence card.
It will be mailed to the address shown on your receipt.
Apply for a heavy combination licence
To apply for a heavy combination (HC) licence, you must:
- hold a current Northern Territory (NT) driver licence
- have held a medium or heavy rigid licence for at least one year.
Before you apply
You must learn to drive an HC vehicle from a driver who holds the same or higher heavy vehicle (HV) licence.
Find out how to learn to drive a heavy vehicle.
How to apply
Once you've learned to drive a heavy vehicle, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Pass the training course
You must pass an HC training course with an approved HV training provider.
Once you pass, you will receive a statement of attainment.
Step 2. Pass the practical driving test
You must pass a final competency test organised through your approved HV training provider.
The vehicle and trailer combination you use must be loaded to at least 75% of the vehicle's gross combination mass (GCM).
It can be one of the following:
- a prime mover with:
- at least 3 axles
- a single semi-trailer with at least 2 axles
- a heavy rigid vehicle towing a trailer with:
- at least 2 axles
- a gross vehicle mass of at least 12 tonnes.
You must show you can safely:
- uncouple and re-couple the trailer
- secure a load.
During your test, a camera will record the front of your vehicle as well as the inside.
Your examiner must keep this recording for 6 months and MVR may request a copy at any time.
Once you pass, you will receive a final competency test form.
Step 3. Submit your application
You can apply in person, by email or mail.
You must provide your:
- statement of attainment
- final competency test form.
In person
Step 1. Submit your supporting documents at an MVR office.
Step 2. Pay your licence fee by Mastercard, Visa, cash or EFTPOS.
By email or mail
Step 1. Submit your supporting documents by:
- email: mvr@nt.gov.au
- mail: Motor Vehicle Registry, GPO Box 530, Darwin NT 0801.
Step 2. Call MVR on 1300 654 628 to pay your licence fee over the phone using Visa or Mastercard.
After you apply
Once your application has been processed, you will get a receipt as your authority to drive.
You must have this with you when driving until you receive your driver licence card.
It will be mailed to the address shown on your receipt.
Apply for a multi-combination licence
To apply for a multi-combination (MC) licence, you must:
- hold a current Northern Territory (NT) driver licence
- have held a heavy rigid or heavy combination licence for at least one year.
Before you apply
You must learn to drive an MC vehicle from a driver who holds a current MC licence.
Find out how to learn to drive a heavy vehicle.
How to apply
Once you've learned to drive a heavy vehicle, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Pass the training course
You must pass a training course with an approved HV training provider.
Once you pass, you will receive a statement of attainment.
Step 2. Pass the practical driving test
You must pass a final competency test organised through your approved HV training provider.
The vehicle and trailer combination you use must be at least 22m in length and be loaded to at least 75% of the vehicle's gross combination mass (GCM).
It must be a prime mover of at least 3 axles with one of the following:
- a single semi-trailer of at least 3 axles and a b-double trailer of at least 3 axles
- a single semi-trailer of a least 3 axles attached to a converter dolly with a second semi-trailer of at least 3 axles.
You will be assessed while driving on a road train route in the NT.
You must show you can safely:
- uncouple and re-couple the first and second trailer
- secure a load.
During your test, a camera will record the front of your vehicle as well as the inside.
Your examiner must keep this recording for 6 months and MVR may request a copy at any time.
Once you pass, you will receive a final competency test form.
Step 3. Submit your application
You can apply in person, by email or mail.
You must provide your:
- statement of attainment
- final competency test form.
In person
Step 1. Submit your supporting documents at an MVR office.
Step 2. Pay your licence fee by Mastercard, Visa, cash or EFTPOS.
By email or mail
Step 1. Submit your supporting documents by:
- email: mvr@nt.gov.au
- mail: Motor Vehicle Registry, GPO Box 530, Darwin NT 0801.
Step 2. Call MVR on 1300 654 628 to pay your licence fee over the phone using Visa or Mastercard.
After you apply
Once your application has been processed, you will get a receipt as your authority to drive.
You must have this with you when driving until you receive your driver licence card.
It will be mailed to the address shown on your receipt.
Approved heavy vehicle training providers
You will need to complete a training course to apply for the following classes:
- heavy combination (HC) licence
- multi-combination (MC) licence.
You must do this through an approved training provider.
Approved heavy vehicle training providers follow the below code:
Code of practice for NT driving instructors and driving examiners PDF (758.8 KB)
Code of practice for NT driving instructors and driving examiners DOCX (656.3 KB).
After the training course
Once you finish your training course, you will need to complete a final competency practical assessment with an authorised heavy vehicle driving examiner.
This should be organised through the approved training provider.
At the end of the practical assessment, the examiner will issue you with a heavy vehicle test sheet to confirm you have completed the final competency assessment.
Your approved training provider will issue your statement of attainment.
To upgrade your licence, you will need to present to the MVR the following:
- statement of attainment
- final competency assessment test sheet.
If you don't upgrade your licence within 12 months of these documents being issued, you will be reassessed.
You will need to pay a fee when you upgrade your licence.
Registered training organisations
The below table shows registered training organisations approved by the MVR for heavy vehicle licence training and course assessment.
Registered training organisation | Phone | LR | MR | HR | HC | MC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Charles Darwin University | 1800 061 963 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Logic Transport Training | 0408 439 490 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Northern Territory Training Services | 0418 912 414 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Authorised heavy vehicle driver examiners
Authorised heavy vehicle examiners are approved through the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.
They must follow the code of practice:
Code of practice for NT driving instructors and driving examiners PDF (758.8 KB)
Code of practice for NT driving instructors and driving examiners DOCX (656.3 KB).
To book a practical competency test, contact an examiner in or near your region.
Your practical competency test result will remain valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Light, medium and heavy rigid
The below list shows authorised heavy vehicle driver examiners by region for licence classes LR, MR and HR.
Darwin region
Name | Phone |
---|---|
Ari Polychronopoulos | 0439 831 167 |
Dion Simonsen | 0419 641 974 |
Errol Holmes | 0437 854 035 |
Ged Ryan | 0427 817 547 |
Glen Holmes | 0417 823 514 |
Graeme Traill | 0438 898 582 |
Guy Field | 0409 456 422 |
Jason Hamood | 08 8946 7689 |
Jeff Sylva | 0476 236 976 |
Jimmy Morton | 0477 059 493 |
Raj Jassal | 0470 292 864 |
Scott Watts | 0400 311 755 |
Stuart McLean | 08 8946 7321 |
Sarah Kendall | 0438 829 806 |
Alice Springs region
Name | Phone |
---|---|
Adrian Couchman | 08 8955 0444 |
Ari Polychronopoulos | 0439 831 167 |
Craig Pankhurst | 08 8955 0444 |
Craig Whan | 08 8955 0444 |
Dion Simonsen | 0419 641 974 |
Ged Ryan | 0427 817 547 |
Guy Field | 0409 456 422 |
Jason Hamood | 08 8946 7689 |
Jeff Sylva | 0476 236 976 |
Jimmy Morton | 0477 059 493 |
Stuart McLean | 08 8946 7321 |
Sarah Kendall | 0438 829 806 |
Tom Shilling | 0417 815 870 |
Katherine region
Name | Phone |
---|---|
Ari Polychronopoulos | 0439 831 167 |
Dion Simonsen | 0419 641 974 |
Ged Ryan | 0427 817 547 |
Guy Field | 0409 456 422 |
Jason Hamood | 08 8946 7689 |
Jimmy Morton | 0477 059 493 |
Sarah Kendall | 0438 829 806 |
Stuart McLean | 08 8946 7321 |
Jeff Sylva | 0476 236 976 |
Heavy and multi-combination
For class HC and class MC licence upgrades, read the list of approved training providers.
Heavy vehicle theory test
To get a heavy vehicle licence, you need to take the heavy vehicle theory test. This is also called the knowledge test.
This step is part of getting your driver licence.
There are 2 heavy vehicle theory tests:
- heavy vehicle rigid - for class LR, MR and HR
- heavy vehicle articulated - for class HC and MC.
For licence classes LR, MR and HR, you may need to pass a theory test at an MVR office or through an approved training provider.
For licence classes HC and MC, you must go to an approved training provider to complete your training course. This includes your theory test.
Prepare for the test
To prepare for the theory test, you must read the following:
What you'll be tested on
You will be tested on your knowledge for all of the following:
- general road rules that apply to all drivers
- specific rules that apply to heavy vehicle drivers
- vehicle dimensions that apply to heavy vehicles
- how to safely secure a load
- tyres, wheels and axle load limits for standard heavy vehicle configurations
- rules that apply to heavy vehicle drivers in other jurisdictions. Read more information about specific rules that apply to driving heavy vehicles interstate.
Check if you're ready
Before you take the test, check if you're ready by taking the online heavy vehicle practice test.
You can also practise with the:
- heavy vehicle rigid practice theory test PDF (3.1 MB)
- heavy vehicle articulated rigid practice theory test PDF (2.9 MB).
About the test
The test has 30 multiple choice questions. They're selected from a pool of more than 250 questions.
You must get at least 26 out of 30 questions correct to pass.
How to take a test at an MVR office
You can take a test at any MVR office up to one hour before the office closes.
To take a test, you should follow these steps:
Step 1. Make sure you're eligible for the relevant heavy vehicle licence.
Step 2. Provide evidence of your ID (your current NT driver licence).
Step 3. Pay the theory test fee before you can begin.
If you pass and you don't want to immediately apply for your licence, the result will remain valid for 12 months.
If you're taking the heavy vehicle licence training and test with an approved training provider, you don't need to do the heavy vehicle theory test with MVR.