HR practical driving assessment

Prepare, drive and reverse a rigid truck

This page is only about the Heavy Rigid on-road assessment. It explains the DL25D scoring areas for a rigid truck: preparing to drive, smooth vehicle control, safe road decisions and reversing.

Read the HR licence guideHC assessment preparationMC assessment preparation

During the assessment

What to expect in the truck

The practical driving assessment takes approximately 35 minutes.

Heavy rigid assessment truck cab with one camera facing the driver and another facing the road
Two cameras in the assessment vehicle: one facing the cab and one facing the road.
CAMERAS

Two cameras record the assessment

One camera faces inside the cab and the other faces forward towards the road.

GPS

Tracking and possible live access

GPS data may also be recorded, and the camera feed may be viewed live by Transport WA.

Monitoring arrangements can vary. Your assessor can explain the camera and monitoring setup before the assessment begins.

The HR assessment task

Three parts of the rigid-truck assessment

An HR assessment uses a rigid vehicle.

Three stages of an HR practical assessmentCabin preparation, safe on-road driving in a three-axle rigid truck, and a controlled left-hand reverse around a corner from start to end position.1 PREPARE TO DRIVE2 DRIVE SAFELY3 REVERSE WITH CONTROL

Illustration: the HR task is a rigid-truck assessment. Follow the assessor's directions and the current official method.

DL25D score sheet

The eight HR scoring sections

The DL25D Light, Medium and Heavy Rigid on-road score sheet groups the observed performance into eight sections.

Prepares to drive

  • Legal requirements confirmed.
  • Cabin drill, mirrors, seat and seat belt.
  • Safe engine start and instrument use.
  • Correct shutdown, parking and securing.

Manages the accelerator

  • Apply and release smoothly.
  • Maintain a suitable selected speed.
  • Adjust for gradients, corners and bends.

Manages the brakes

  • Brake efficiently, smoothly and steadily.
  • Reach the intended stopping point accurately.

Manages the steering

  • Maintain an accurate path.
  • Use both hands unless operating controls.
  • Position hands and steer smoothly.

Manages the gears

  • Change gears smoothly.
  • Select a gear suitable for speed and conditions.
  • Prepare before gradients and lower gears.

Coordinates vehicle controls

Combine accelerator, brakes, steering, gears and other controls without losing observation, stability or direction.

Uses safe driving procedures

  • Check mirrors and signal before slowing or moving laterally.
  • Follow road rules and interact safely with traffic.
  • Complete manoeuvres legally and in good time.

Reversing

  • Select an appropriate starting position.
  • Maintain observations and controlled speed.
  • Position the rigid vehicle accurately.

How the ratings work

Satisfactory, Fair and Poor

The score sheet uses Satisfactory, Fair and Poor ratings. Treat every correction as a signal to regain safe, consistent control.

4 Fair = 1 PoorFair ratings are converted when the result is calculated.
2 Poor = failTwo or more Poor ratings across sections 1 to 8 means the standard is not met.
Safety firstAn assessment may be discontinued where continuing is unsafe.
Do not memorise a script. Build repeatable observation, control and decision-making habits. The assessor's directions and current Transport WA requirements take priority over this educational guide.

Before assessment day

Prepare for consistent performance

BOOKING

Confirm the details

  • HR class, date, time and location.
  • Vehicle, gearbox and possible restriction.
  • Identification, eligibility and eyesight documents.
VEHICLE

Know the truck

  • Seat, mirrors, controls and warning systems.
  • Brake, steering and gearbox characteristics.
  • Dimensions, rear overhang and reversing reference points.
ON THE DAY

Stay composed

  • Rest properly and wear enclosed footwear.
  • Listen to each direction and ask if unclear.
  • If a minor error occurs, maintain control and continue safely.

Official material

Check the current source

HR practical driving assessment

Transport WA - book and pass the HR PDA

RTO training and assessment

Transport WA - heavy vehicle RTO process

Educational information based on the DL25D Light, Medium and Heavy Rigid on-road assessment score sheet supplied for review. The current official method and authorised assessor's directions take priority. Updated 10 August 2026.