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.

You must pass one of the following:

Find out how to practise and take the theory test.

You must pass one of the following:

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.

You must pass an eyesight test at one of the following:

This does not apply to you if you have already passed one for an MR licence.

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.


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