Good preparation on assessment day reduces avoidable stress. Confirm the booking, documents, vehicle and gearbox before travelling to the provider. Do not assume every organisation follows the same arrival process.
Before leaving home
- Confirm the date, arrival time and location.
- Bring your current driver licence and requested identification.
- Bring glasses or contact lenses if required.
- Wear enclosed footwear suitable for operating heavy-vehicle pedals.
- Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict steering or observation.
- Avoid alcohol and any substance that may affect driving.
- Ask for medical advice if medication may cause drowsiness.
Confirm your eligibility
The approved RTO must verify eligibility through the Licence Assessment Provider System. You may need to complete and sign the Heavy Vehicle PDA Customer Eligibility form E114 and pass the commercial vehicle eyesight check. An expired or otherwise ineligible licence can prevent the assessment from proceeding.
Confirm the vehicle and gearbox
Before paying, verify that the booking is for HR and ask which transmission is fitted. The assessment vehicle can affect whether an automatic or synchromesh restriction is recorded.
Camera recording
Approved RTOs must use in-cabin video, audio and GPS equipment to record heavy vehicle PDAs. The E114 process includes acknowledgement of the recording. Transport WA states that a candidate may request to view the recording after the assessment.
Before the drive
The assessor should explain the process and give directions. Listen carefully and ask for clarification if a direction is not understood. The assessor cannot coach you through the assessed task.
The HR assessment areas
The HR on-road assessment considers your ability to:
- prepare the truck and complete the cabin drill;
- manage the accelerator and brakes;
- steer accurately;
- select and change gears where applicable;
- coordinate the vehicle controls;
- use safe driving procedures in traffic; and
- complete the required reversing task.
During the drive
- Follow the assessor’s directions and all road rules.
- Check mirrors before braking, signalling, turning or moving laterally.
- Plan speed and gears early.
- Maintain a legal and accurate road position.
- If you make a small error, stay composed and continue safely.
- Tell the assessor immediately if a direction cannot be followed safely.
After the assessment
The assessor will advise the result and provide feedback according to the approved process. If you pass through an RTO, the result is uploaded digitally. You will then need to follow Transport WA instructions to have the class endorsed, including taking the required E114 copy and proof of identity to a service centre or regional agent.
If the standard is not met
Ask which skill areas require improvement. Book focused training before reassessment instead of repeating the same full lesson without a plan. If you have concerns about the process or recording, use the provider’s complaint pathway and the current Transport WA contact information.
Final five-minute check
- Licence and identification.
- Glasses or contacts.
- Correct location and arrival time.
- Enclosed footwear.
- Calm, rested and ready to follow directions.
For the full scoring overview, read HR Assessment Preparation WA.
Official reference: Transport WA—heavy vehicle training and assessment with an RTO.
Important: This is an educational guide. Current Transport WA requirements, your approved provider’s procedure and the assessor’s directions take priority.
