Western Australia · HC licence guide
HC Licence Perth — Heavy Combination Training Explained.
Check whether HC is the right class, understand the WA eligibility pathway, then prepare for combination-vehicle training and the practical driving assessment.
Your HC pathway: 1. Confirm the vehicle class and licence history → 2. Complete DTMI and provider eligibility steps → 3. Train, complete the PDA, obtain endorsement
Checked: 8 August 2026 · Plain-English education · not government advice
Important distinction: an HC licence covers a prime mover with one semi-trailer, or an HR-class rigid vehicle towing a trailer over 9,000 kg GVM. The vehicle used for an HC PDA must meet stricter assessment standards.
Start with the vehicle
What does an HC licence cover?
A WA HC licence authorises single heavy-combination vehicles and also includes HR, MR, LR, car and moped classes.
HC · LICENCE AUTHORITY
What you can drive
- A prime mover attached to one semi-trailer.
- An HR-class rigid vehicle attached to a trailer with GVM over 9,000 kg.
- HR, MR, LR, car and moped classes.
- One additional trailer up to 9,000 kg GVM, or an unladen converter or low-loader dolly.
Check the actual configuration. Axles, trailer type, GVM and the number of heavy trailers determine whether the vehicle is HC or MC.
PDA · ASSESSMENT VEHICLE STANDARD
The combination used on the day
- Prime mover option: at least 3 axles, GVM over 15 t, one semi-trailer at least 10 m long with GVM 16 t or more; minimum on-road mass 28 t.
- Rigid-plus-trailer option: rigid vehicle with at least 3 axles and GVM over 15 t, one trailer at least 7 m long with GVM 16 t or more; minimum on-road mass 29 t.
- The combination must be licensed, roadworthy and accepted for assessment.
Choose the right class
Do you actually need HC?
Use this only as a first check. The actual vehicle configuration decides the licence class.
Vehicle you need to drive
Likely class
Why
Rigid truck, 2 axles, GVM over 8 tonnes
MR
MR generally covers a 2-axle rigid vehicle over 8 tonnes GVM.
Rigid truck, 3 or more axles, GVM over 8 tonnes
HR
This generally falls within the HR licence class.
Truck or prime mover towing one trailer over 9 tonnes GVM
HC
The heavy trailer moves the combination beyond HR towing authority.
Heavy combination towing 2 or more trailers over 9 tonnes GVM each
MC
This generally requires Multi Combination authority.
Vehicle definitions, special configurations and licence conditions can change the answer. Confirm with DTMI or an approved RTO.
WA eligibility
Check these points before training
Transport WA states that an HC applicant must not be a provisional licence holder and must meet both licence-history requirements below.
01
Licence history
Hold a C class licence for at least 3 years and an MR or HR class licence for at least 1 year.
02
Full licence
You must no longer be a provisional licence holder when applying for the HC class.
03
Health and eyesight
Pass the commercial vehicle eyesight check and declare medical eligibility and relevant restrictions truthfully.
04
Theory and PDA
Pass the Heavy Vehicle Theory Test and complete an HC practical driving assessment in a suitable combination.
Provider verification: an approved RTO checks eligibility through LAPS, requires the E114 eligibility form and commercial eyesight result, requires TLIC3005 training, and reconfirms eligibility on assessment day.
International and overseas licences
Let DTMI confirm the pathway before you book
An overseas heavy-combination licence is not automatically a WA HC authorisation. DTMI must first check the licence, country, class and supporting evidence.
01
Transfer your base licence
WA residents may use a current overseas licence for up to 3 months after moving to WA. Original identity and licence documents are required, and translation rules depend on the country category.
02
Check the country category
From 1 November 2025, the former Experienced Driver Recognised category no longer exists. Use Transport WA's current recognised or non-recognised country pathway.
03
Complete verification
DTMI may require direct licence verification, an approved English translation or a letter from the issuing authority, consulate or embassy.
04
Complete heavy-vehicle tests
For a recognised-country heavy licence, LR equivalent requires a PDA; other heavy classes generally require the HVTT and a PDA. New Zealand rules differ.
Country-specific verification: Transport WA currently says licences from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia or Iraq need a verification letter and the process may take about 4 weeks. Pakistani licences are checked through a government portal. Always read the current country page.
The HC pathway
Five steps from checking to endorsement
HC training should build safe, consistent control of the complete vehicle combination. It should not be sold as a guaranteed pass.
STEP 01
Confirm
Check the truck class, your licence history and any overseas evidence.
STEP 02
Apply
Complete the DTMI application, eyesight and theory requirements for your pathway.
Complete TLIC3005 training with an approved provider and build consistent control of the prime mover, trailer and coupling systems.
Your Title Goes Here
STEP 03
Train
Complete TLIC3005 training with an approved provider and build consistent control of the prime mover, trailer and coupling systems.
STEP 04
Prepare
Use a mock drive to identify gaps before attempting the practical assessment.
STEP 05
Endorse
After a pass, take the signed E114 copy and proof of identity to DTMI for endorsement.
A practical training plan
Build the skill before chasing the pass
MODULE A
Prepare the combination
- Licence and assessment-vehicle requirements
- Cabin drill, instruments and air systems
- Pre-trip inspection sequence
- Coupling safety and communication
MODULE B
Control the combination
- Trailer tracking and road position
- Smooth acceleration, braking and gear use
- Wide turns, intersections and roundabouts
- Mirrors, hazards and following distance
MODULE C
Practise all four assessment parts
- Pre-trip inspection
- Uncoupling and coupling
- Mid-trip inspection
- Assessment-style on-road drive and feedback
TLIC3005 is broader than the licence drive. It includes inspecting the combination, coupling and uncoupling, low-risk driving, monitoring hazards and vehicle performance, and reporting faults.
Practical assessment overview
Four mandatory assessment parts over at least two hours
2+ hours
The current HC/MC assessment information sheet specifies a minimum two-hour assessment, including at least one hour of on-road driving. Actual timing can be longer.
Every part matters: Not meeting the standard in any one of the four parts results in the overall assessment being Not Met Standard.
PART 01
Pre-trip inspection
Identify and describe required vehicle, trailer, coupling, load, tyre, light, air and safety checks in English.
PART 02
Uncoupling and coupling
Safely position, secure, disconnect, inspect, reconnect and confirm the combination using the approved sequence.
PARTS 03 + 04
Mid-trip inspection and on-road drive
Complete the mid-trip inspection, then demonstrate safe combination control in varied traffic for at least one hour.
Recording on the day: approved RTO heavy-vehicle PDAs use in-cabin video, audio and GPS recording. Eligibility is reconfirmed on the day.
What the assessor checks
Eight HC skills assessed across the four parts
AREA 01
Pre-trip inspection
Systematically check and explain the prime mover, trailer, coupling, load, tyres, lights, air system and safety equipment.
AREA 02
Uncoupling
Secure and position the combination, disconnect services and coupling equipment, support the trailer and move clear safely.
AREA 03
Coupling
Inspect components, align correctly, connect and secure every coupling and service, then complete confirmation checks.
AREA 04
Mid-trip inspection
Recheck the combination, load, coupling, tyres, lights, air system and any signs of movement, heat, damage or leaks.
AREA 05
Vehicle control
Use accelerator, brakes, steering and gears smoothly while managing the size, weight and response of the combination.
AREA 06
Road position and tracking
Allow for trailer cut-in, tail swing and clearance while turning, changing lanes, negotiating roundabouts and stopping.
AREA 07
Observations and road rules
Use mirrors and signals early, maintain space, identify hazards, obey road rules and make safe independent decisions.
AREA 08
Low-risk combination driving
Manage speed, following distance, braking, gradients and hazards without unsafe intervention or assistance.
Where HC is used
Industries that commonly use HC drivers
A licence is one requirement. Employers may also require experience, site tickets or specialised training.
Linehaul and freight
Prime mover and semi-trailer work between depots, distribution centres and regional destinations.
Bulk and waste transport
Walking-floor, tipper, tanker and waste-transfer combinations, subject to employer and load requirements.
Construction and civil
Truck-and-trailer, side-tipper, float and plant-support work across construction and civil projects.
Agriculture and livestock
Single semi-trailer and rigid-plus-trailer work supporting farms, livestock and regional freight.
Containers and ports
Single semi-trailer container movements between terminals, depots and customer sites.
Specialist transport
Machinery, refrigerated, tanker and other combination-vehicle roles, subject to employer requirements and endorsements.
Other requirements may include: load restraint, fatigue management, dangerous goods, forklift, white card, site induction, passenger transport authorisation or employer training.
Common questions
Small details can change the pathway
Does an overseas HC licence transfer automatically?
No. DTMI must check the licence, country, class and documents. Heavy-vehicle theory and practical testing may be required.
What gearbox restriction can apply after the HC PDA?
An automatic assessment can result in an A restriction, while a synchromesh assessment can result in a B restriction. Confirm the vehicle and restriction outcome with DTMI or the approved provider before booking.
How long is the HC practical assessment?
The current DL68 information sheet specifies a minimum two-hour assessment, including at least one hour of on-road driving. Briefings, inspections, coupling work and actual conditions can make the total longer.
Can a trainer guarantee an HC pass?
No. A responsible provider can explain the standard, assess readiness and recommend more practice, but cannot guarantee an assessment result.
Where can I study the HC assessment method?
Use our assessment preparation guide, coupling resources and the official DL68 HC/MC assessment information sheet.
Before you book
Ask the right HC question first
Tell us the combination you want to drive, your current C, MR or HR licence history, and whether you hold an interstate or overseas licence. We reply by email.
Referral disclosure: WA Truck Training is an information and referral service, not an RTO. If you choose a provider we introduce, we may receive a referral fee. Training and assessment are delivered by that provider/RTO.
- No address or phone number is shown.
- Eligibility is confirmed by DTMI or an approved RTO.
- No responsible provider can guarantee an assessment pass.
Ask about HC training
Official references
Check the current rule before you act
Information checked: 8 August 2026. Rules, forms, fees and overseas verification can change. DTMI, the authorised assessor and the current RTO procedure take priority over this educational page.