Course Category: Heavy Combination (HC)
Course
ACT Heavy Combination (HC)
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Transport Industries Skills Centre Inc. (TISC) is qualified to conduct heavy vehicle truck licence training and assessment on behalf of both the ACT and NSW Governments. Our facilities and fleet is located at the Sutton Road Training Centre with everything in one place to help you get your truck licence. Training and Assessments are delivered one-on-one with the trainer so students receive high quality training that can be customised to meet the students’ various needs.
The following course information is specifically for the Heavy Combination (HC) Synchromesh, Non-Synchromesh and Automatic licence classes issued in the ACT.
There are different course information pages for larger vehicle classes and NSW licences.
Before applying for a HC licence you must:
- Have held a current medium or heavy rigid driver licence (provisional licence accepted) for a minimum of 1 year.
- Be a minimum of 19 years old.
- Pass the Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test at a Road Ready Centre in Kambah (6109 0152) or Mitchell (6162 5152).
- Pass the ACT Commercial Driver’s Health Assessment for MR – MC with your medical practitioner.
HC Course Content
- Load restraint assessment using ropes, load binders (dogs) and chains, and ratchet/winch and straps.
- Ability to drain the test vehicle’s air tank (where fitted).
- Knowledge of the height of the vehicle’s load.
- Ability to perform a pre-test safety check, including tyres, wheels, wheel nuts, fluid and air leaks etc.
- Thorough knowledge of the test vehicle’s controls.
- Ability to uncouple and couple the trailer using the correct procedures.
- A comprehensive driving assessment including but not limited to gear selection, steering, braking, forward driving, turning, mandatory signs, reversing, hill start, overtaking, hill ascent and compliance with system of vehicle control.
What is a Heavy Combination vehicle?
- A prime mover to which is attached a single semitrailer plus any unladen converter dolly.
- A rigid motor vehicle to which is attached a trailer with a GVM over 9 tonne plus any unladen converter dolly.
- Articulated vehicles with 3 or more axles
- Any towed trailer with a GVM more than 9 tonnes.
What is a Heavy Combination Licence?
This licence class is applied to trucks with a trailer.
If you’ve held a medium or heavy rigid class driving licence for at least 1 year, you could upgrade your driver licence to a heavy combination licence and further your career in the transport industry.
Completing the course will give you a class HC licence which will allow you to drive automatic and synchromesh manual vehicles or a vehicle with a non-synchromesh gearbox. You will be able to safely drive a rigid vehicle attached to a trailer with a GVM over 9 tonne plus any unladen converter dolly or a prime mover to which is attached a single semi-trailer plus an unladen converter dolly.
Meeting the necessary HC licence requirements means you will be able to legally drive and operate a variety of vehicles used in the transport industry – increasing your skills and employability.
What is the difference between a Synchromesh, a non-Synchromesh gearbox and an automatic gearbox?
Automatic Transmission
A type of transmission (vehicle gearbox) that requires no input from the driver to change forward gears and thus removes the need for a clutch pedal and gear shifter
Synchromesh Transmission
A transmission in which the speeds of the gears are matched or ‘synchronised’ by means of in-built synchronising clutches before they are meshed (Transport for NSW). It ensures smooth transmission of engine power to the wheels
Non-Synchromesh Transmission
A transmission, often referred to as a ‘crash box’. It is a manual transmission that does not use the synchronising system. These transmission types require the driver to manually match the engine speed (input speed to the transmission) to that of the drive shaft or road speed (output speed of the transmission). These transmission types are much more difficult to learn and operate and require greater input from the driver. It takes an average of approximately 20 hours before someone is competent in the use of a non-synchromesh gear box due to the complexities in operating this gearbox. Training sessions are recommended in 2 hour or 4 hour slots.
Resources for this Licence Class
Practice Heavy Vehicle Combination Knowledge Test
ACT Heavy Vehicle Drivers’ Handbook
ACT Commercial Driver’s Health Assessment for HC
Application for upgrade of Driver Licence
Additional Information
Online Truckie First Aid Course (non-accredited)
How to tie a truckies hitch video
- All pricing includes GST
- Full payment must be made at time of booking
- Please note that we do not accept AMEX payments.
- Students are required to complete a minimum of 2 hours of training before an assessment.
| Licence Class | 2 Hours Training Own Vehicle / TISC |
Daily Training Rate Own Vehicle / TISC |
Assessment Only Own Vehicle / TISC |
| Heavy Combination Automatic | $560 / $590 | $1,865 / $1,995 | $595 / $625 |
| Heavy Combination Synchromesh | $560 / $590 | $1,865 / $1,995 | $595 / $625 |
| Heavy Combination Non-Synchro | $565 / $595 | N/A | $605 / $635 |
Individual training and assessment sessions can be booked in the following time blocks:
- 8:00am – 10:00am
- 10:15am – 12:15pm
- 1:00pm – 3:00pm
In the first training session, students must complete a pre-departure check, load restraint and cabin controls before they can commence the practical driving component. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the course commencing to complete the relevant paperwork.
All students must:
- Have a moderate level of English language. A language, Literacy and Numeracy assessment might require completion prior to enrolment.
- Have held a medium or heavy rigid driver licence (provisional licence accepted) for a minimum of 1 year.
- Be a minimum of 19 years old.
- Be confident in driving a manual vehicle.
- Pass the Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test at a Road Ready Centre in Kambah (6109 0152) or Mitchell (6162 5152).
- Pass the ACT Commercial Driver’s Health Assessment for MR – MC
- Have a completed TISC Enrolment Form e-mailed to office@suttonroad.com.au together with your driver licence and knowledge test to finalise the full enrolment process or complete the enrolment at the bottom of this page. During the online enrolment process, you will be asked to upload your driver licence and knowledge test so please have this ready.
- Current driver licence.
- Knowledge Test issued by an ACT Road Ready Centre.
- Students are required to bring their own lunch; however fast food outlets are located in Queanbeyan if you prefer to purchase it. A fridge, microwave, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.
- Enclosed shoes and comfortable clothing suitable for the expected weather.
- High visibility vest. (We can provide you with one on the day)
- Additional items depending on the weather such as a hat, sunscreen or rain jacket where required.
If you want to use your own vehicle, please note the following:
- Someone who is licenced to drive this class will need to accompany you or bring and collect the vehicle.
- Your vehicle must be ACT or NSW registered. (It cannot be federally registered)
- Must be 60% loaded – this load cannot be dangerous goods, livestock, or fluid (excludes busses) – we will require a weighbridge ticket.
- Must have two or more seats, all fitted with full seatbelts.
- We will require a copy of your vehicle registration papers with your enrolment forms.
The practical driving assessment is a 1 hour and 30 minutes evaluation of an applicant’s driving skills, which includes the following components:
- Ensure vehicle is loaded to 60% of its capacity.
- Load restraint assessment using ropes, load binders (dogs) and chains, and ratchet/winch and straps.
- Ability to drain the test vehicle’s air tank (where fitted).
- Knowledge of the height of the vehicle’s load.
- Ability to perform a pre-test safety check, including tyres, wheels, wheel nuts, fluid and air leaks etc.
- Thorough knowledge of the test vehicle’s controls.
- Ability to uncouple and couple the trailer using the correct procedures.
- A comprehensive driving assessment including but not limited to gear selection, steering, braking, forward driving, turning, mandatory signs, reversing, hill start, overtaking, hill ascent and compliance with system of vehicle control.
The course is assessed with a practical demonstration that meets the heavy vehicle licensing assessment requirements set by Road User Services. If a student is ‘Not Yet Competent’, they need to enrol in another individual assessment at a later date and pay the associated fee.
Students who are found competent will not be licenced to drive a Heavy Combination vehicle yet. You first need to present the appropriate documentation provided by the TISC Assessor to an Access Canberra Shopfront that offers Road Transport Authority Services. The course price does not include the cost for issuing a new driver licence.
As the assessment for this course is regulated, we are unable to RPL or credit transfers for students. Students with existing experience driving a heavy vehicle can complete a reduced amount of training but will still have to complete the practical assessment.
Students have a right to appeal any assessment decision. A student wanting to make a complaint or appeal will need to complete the Assessment Complaints and Appeals Recording Form. Students can obtain a hard copy of the Assessment Complaints and Appeals Recording Form from reception or request it via email.
As part of TISC’s obligation to the learner, we will ensure that all training is compliant with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) 2015.
The ACT Knowledge Test results must be received no later than 7 days prior to your booking to allow your assessment to be scheduled with the heavy vehicle regulator through Access Canberra. Failure to do so will result in your booking being cancelled and any paid course fees will not be refunded.
Any cancellations made less than 7 days prior to this course commencing will not be eligible for a refund. Failure to attend training on the day will also not result in a refund.
Sutton Road Training Centre at their sole discretion may offer to rebook the student on a later course upon the presentation of a medical certificate.
We at located at 441 Sutton Road, Majura, ACT. Our training facilities are located on the left side of the road, approximately 900m from the Sutton Rd/Pialligo Ave intersection. There is ample free onsite parking for students.
Before making a booking, you will need to answer some qualifying questions to determine if you meet the licence class prerequisites.
If you are eligible to enrol for this course, you will be directed to the booking page where you will need to upload the printed page with your details from your Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment Logbook and a copy of your current Driver Licence. Please ensure you have this ready to complete the online booking.
Course
NSW Heavy Combination (HC)
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Transport Industries Skills Centre Inc. (TISC) is qualified to conduct heavy vehicle truck licence training and assessment on behalf of both the ACT and NSW Governments. Our facilities and fleet is located at the Sutton Road Training Centre with everything in one place to help you get your truck licence. Training and Assessments are delivered one-on-one with the trainer so students receive high quality training that can be customised to meet the students’ various needs.
The following course information is specifically for the Heavy Combination (HC) Synchromesh, Non-Synchromesh and Automatic licence classes issued in the NSW.
There are different course information pages for larger vehicle classes and ACT licences.
Before applying for a HC licence in NSW you must:
- Have held a current medium or heavy rigid driver licence (provisional licence accepted) for a minimum of 1 year.
- Be a minimum of 19 years old.
- Pass the Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test from a Transport for NSW Centre prior to enrolling in any heavy vehicle training or assessments. Students can complete this at the Queanbeyan Service Centre (13 77 88).
- Pass an Eyesight Test
- Obtain the Competency Based Assessment logbook from a Transport for NSW Centre.
*NSW licence holders are required to complete a new Driver Knowledge Test’even if they already hold a heavy vehicle driver licence in a smaller class and only want to upgrade their licence.
The HVCBA has a training element and an assessment element called the Final Competency Assessment
The Final Competency Assessment is the final practical test you must complete at the end of your HVCBA training. Your trainer and assessor will be 2 different people.
In order to pass the assessment, you must demonstrate the skills you have learned in your HVCBA training and show that you can operate a heavy vehicle safely.
Once you pass this assessment, the assessor will submit your results to Transport for NSW and keep your log book.
You can then attend a service centre in person to upgrade or obtain your new heavy vehicle licence.
HC Course Content
-
- Criteria 1 – Pre-operational check
- Criteria 2 – Cabin drills
- Criteria 3 – Start, move off, shut down and secure
- Criteria 4 – Manage steering
- Criteria 5 – Manages gears
- Criteria 6 – Manages brakes
- Criteria 7 – Manages accelerator
- Criteria 8 – Create and maintain crash avoidance space
- Criteria 9 – Protect crash avoidance space
- Criteria 10 – Road rules and directions
- Criteria 11 – Reversing
- Criteria 12 – Hill stop/start
- Criteria 13 – Load securing
- Criteria 14 – Bus stop procedure (if course is conducted in a bus only)
What is a Heavy Combination vehicle?
- A prime mover to which is attached a single semitrailer plus any unladen converter dolly.
- Articulated vehicles with 3 or more axles
- Any towed trailer with a GVM more than 9 tonnes.
What is a Heavy Combination Licence?
This licence class is applied to trucks with a trailer.
If you’ve held a medium or heavy rigid class driving licence for at least 1 year, you could upgrade your driver licence to a heavy combination licence and further your career in the transport industry.
Completing the course will give you a class HC licence which will allow you to drive automatic and synchromesh manual vehicles or a vehicle with a non-synchromesh gearbox. You will be able to safely drive a rigid vehicle attached to a trailer with a GVM over 9 tonne.
Meeting the necessary HC licence requirements means you will be able to legally drive and operate a variety of vehicles used in the transport industry – increasing your skills and employability.
What is the difference between a Synchromesh, a non-Synchromesh gearbox and an automatic gearbox?
Automatic Transmission
A type of transmission (vehicle gearbox) that requires no input from the driver to change forward gears and thus removes the need for a clutch pedal and gear shifter
Synchromesh Transmission
A transmission in which the speeds of the gears are matched or ‘synchronised’ by means of in-built synchronising clutches before they are meshed (Transport for NSW). It ensures smooth transmission of engine power to the wheels
Non-Synchromesh Transmission
A transmission, often referred to as a ‘crash box’. It is a manual transmission that does not use the synchronising system. These transmission types require the driver to manually match the engine speed (input speed to the transmission) to that of the drive shaft or road speed (output speed of the transmission). These transmission types are much more difficult to learn and operate and require greater input from the driver. It takes an average of approximately 20 hours before someone is competent in the use of a non-synchromesh gear box due to the complexities in operating this gearbox. Training sessions are recommended in 2 hour or 4 hour slots.
If you complete the course in a vehicle with a non-synchromesh gearbox, you will obtain an unrestricted HC licence.
Resources for this Licence Class
Practice Online Knowledge Test
Guide to Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment
NSW Heavy Vehicle Drivers Handbook
Additional Information
Online Truckie First Aid Course (non-accredited)
How to tie a truckies hitch video
- All pricing includes GST
- Full payment must be made at time of booking
- Please note that we do not accept AMEX payments
- NSW students are required to complete a minimum of 5 hours training before attempting an assessment.
| Licence Class | 2 Hours Training Own Vehicle / TISC |
Daily Training Rate Own Vehicle / TISC |
Assessment Only Own Vehicle / TISC |
| Heavy Combination Automatic | $560 / $590 | $1,865 / $1,995 | $595 / $625 |
| Heavy Combination Synchromesh | $560 / $590 | $1,865 / $1,995 | $595 / $625 |
| Heavy Combination Non-Synchro | $565 / $595 | N/A | $605 / $635 |
Individual training and assessment sessions can be booked in the following time blocks:
- 8:00am – 10:00am
- 10:15am – 12:15pm
- 1:00pm – 3:00pm
In the first training session, students must complete a pre-departure check, load restraint and cabin controls before they can commence the practical driving component. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the course commencing to complete the relevant paperwork.
Heavy Combination Automatic and Synchromesh – Students that have no experience in driving this vehicle class often require more than 6 hours of training before attempting the assessment.
Heavy Combination Non-Synchromesh – This is quite challenging and students take an average of 10 x 2 hour training sessions to be found competent. As a result, students are recommended to only book 2 – 4 hours of training at a time and then book an individual assessment when confident.
All students must:
- Have a moderate level of English language. A language, Literacy and Numeracy assessment might require completion prior to enrolment
- Be confident in driving a manual vehicle.
- Have held a medium or heavy rigid driver licence (provisional licence accepted) for a minimum of one year .
- Be a minimum of 19 years old.
- Have completed the Driver Knowledge Test from a Transport for NSW Service Centre prior to enrolling in any heavy vehicle training or assessments. Students can complete this at the Queanbeyan Service Centre (13 77 88).
- Obtain the Competency Based Assessment logbook from a Transport for NSW Centre.
- Pass an Eyesight Test
*NSW licence holders are required to complete a new Driver Knowledge Test even if they already hold a heavy vehicle driver licence in a smaller class and only want to upgrade their licence.
- Current driver licence.
- Competency Based Assessment logbook provided by a Transport for NSW Centre.
- Students are required to bring their own lunch; however fast food outlets are located in Queanbeyan if you prefer to purchase it. A fridge, microwave, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.
- Enclosed shoes and comfortable clothing suitable for the expected weather.
- High visibility vest. (We can provide you with one on the day)
- Additional items depending on the weather such as a hat, sunscreen or rain jacket where required.
If you want to use your own vehicle, please note the following:
- Someone who is licenced to drive this class will need to accompany you or bring and collect the vehicle.
- Your vehicle must be ACT or NSW registered. (It cannot be federally registered)
- Must be 75% loaded – this load cannot be dangerous goods, livestock, or fluid (excludes busses) – we will require a weighbridge ticket.
- Must have two or more seats, all fitted with full seatbelts.
The course is assessed with a practical demonstration that meets the Transport for NSW heavy vehicle licensing assessment requirements. There is no written or verbal assessment conducted on this course. There is no guarantee that students will pass the assessment and if they are found to be ‘Not Yet Competent’, they need to enrol in another individual assessment at a later date and pay the associated fee.
Students who are found competent will not be licenced to drive a Heavy Combination vehicle yet. You first need to present the appropriate documentation provided by the TISC Assessor to a Transport for NSW Centre. The course price does not include the cost for issuing a new driver licence.
As the assessment for this course is regulated, we are unable to RPL or credit transfers for students. Students with existing experience driving a heavy vehicle can complete a reduced amount of training but will still have to complete the practical assessment.
Students have a right to appeal any assessment decision. A student wanting to make a complaint or appeal will need to complete the Assessment Complaints and Appeals Recording Form. Students can obtain a hard copy of the Assessment Complaints and Appeals Recording Form from reception or request it via email.
As part of TISC’s obligation to the learner, we will ensure that all training is compliant with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTO) 2015 and is delivered to a high standard.
The HVCBA logbook for NSW must be received no later than 7 days prior to your booking to allow your assessment to be scheduled with the heavy vehicle regulator through Transport NSW. Failure to do so will result in your booking being cancelled and any paid course fees will not be refunded.
Any cancellations made less than 7 days prior to this course commencing will not be eligible for a refund. Failure to attend training on the day will also not result in a refund.
Sutton Road Training Centre at their sole discretion may offer to rebook the student on a later course upon the presentation of a medical certificate.
We at located at 441 Sutton Road, Majura ACT. Our training facilities are located on the left side of the road, approximately 900m from the Sutton Rd/Pialligo Ave intersection. There is ample free parking for students onsite.
Before making a booking, you will need to answer some qualifying questions to determine if you meet the licence class prerequisites.
If you are eligible to enrol for this course, you will be directed to the booking page where you will need to upload the printed page with your details from your Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment Logbook and a copy of your current Driver Licence. Please ensure you have this ready to complete the online booking.