Getting Light Rigid License

Lukeyson · 14-07-2005, 07:05 PM

Hi guys
looking to get a LR licence in NSW, had a look at RTA website to see what kind of test i need to do, but couldnt find anything. Anyone able to tell me what test i need to do ?? (i have had unrestricted license for 6 years, not on P's or anything)

Thanks

loxxr6 · 14-07-2005, 07:11 PM

I'm not sure if this is the right category but see if these guys can help.

http://www.deca.com.au/CourseInforma...Selection.aspx

sfr rob · 14-07-2005, 07:14 PM

spend a bit more and get your HEAVY rigid licence. it will come in handy i reckon.

i am in VIC.. on my p's about off them now... and have my HEAVY RIGID licence. there are no restrictions on P platers here.. dont know about inter state.. and i dont think there should be an issue if you can pass both the tests!

oh yeah.. and shop around before you do a test with any company... some are stupidly priced!!!

:

GRNKPR · 14-07-2005, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfr rob

spend a bit more and get your HEAVY rigid licence. it will come in handy i reckon.

i am in VIC.. on my p's about off them now... and have my HEAVY RIGID licence. there are no restrictions on P platers here.. dont know about inter state.. and i dont think there should be an issue if you can pass both the tests!

oh yeah.. and shop around before you do a test with any company... some are stupidly priced!!!

:

I am also in Vic and have a heavy rigid dont waste your time on light unless you want to drive a mini bus full of old ladies to the pokies

My advice go heavy anything under is a waste of money

wulos · 14-07-2005, 10:45 PM

Speaking from experience with the NSW reg's. You'll find that (as previously pointed out) the LR licence is about as useful as a room full of politicians. Which leaves you the coice between a MR & a HR, the only real difference between the 2 licences is the number of axles you can drive with (MR = only 2 axled trucks, HR = trucks with multiple axles, though NOT articulated)
& a small weight carrying difference.
The testing procedure in NSW is practically IDENTICAL for MR & HR, as will the costs(with driver schools) so if you're after an opinion - go for the HR

Dave_au · 14-07-2005, 11:42 PM

Yeah go MR as a minimum.

Shonky · 15-07-2005, 12:03 AM

What restrictions are there in getting HR or MR in NSW?

You need to have at least MR to become an ambo in NSW (why, I do not know...) but after whats just been said about the lack of difference between MR and HR I think I'll just do my HRs as soon as possible.

I am 17 at the moment, and on my red Ps.

Lukeyson · 15-07-2005, 08:00 AM

oh ok thanks guys, only reason i was looking at LR is because of a job i have been offered driving one of those pantek things, but will look into MR/HR.
Ta

Lukeyson · 15-07-2005, 10:28 AM

Dropped into RTA today, to get a LR you just do a knowledge test and you got it.

Shonky · 15-07-2005, 11:23 AM

Hmm... what do you have to do for MR or HR?

Lukeyson · 15-07-2005, 12:11 PM

the hours learning and a prac test i gather

Dave_au · 15-07-2005, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Young 'un

What restrictions are there in getting HR or MR in NSW?

You need to have at least MR to become an ambo in NSW (why, I do not know)

Much like the same reason as the board - so you are capable of driving the larger paramedic rescue/specialist trucks

wulos · 15-07-2005, 04:06 PM

It may have changed, however it was hold car licence for 12 months, then do theory test to get your MR/HR learners. You then have 12 months to learn competancies, & do practical competancy examination.
In the 12 months you are shown the skills, show proficiency at the skill when told to perform & then are assessed by performing the skill without being prompted, told you are being assessed for that task etc. You may be one of the unlucky ones that is required to take an rta licensor for a drive to show that you (& your instructor) are up to standards. One of the things I could never understand is why a truck driver under instruction(basically an L Plate truck driver) is not req'd to display L plates.
Id imagine its pretty much that way for all of the licences now except for car/rider licences.
the expensive bit is in the log books (make sure ya get them when you do the theory test....)

Shonky · 15-07-2005, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_au

Much like the same reason as the board - so you are capable of driving the larger paramedic rescue/specialist trucks

I didn't think anyone but rescue would drive the rescue trucks...

MotherNature · 15-07-2005, 11:34 PM

You dont need a log book for MR .... well I dont ......... I have had my MR for about 10yrs now ....... may have changed but I had to do a computer test (passed 100% I will add :P ) and a driving test .......... Past that easlily as well .......

All I can suggest is read the book and dont let common sence prevail ......... having had a father & an ex in the industry I knew some of it was crap .... but thats whats in the book & thats whats on the tests ..........

Bottom line is if you take the time and learn their ways anyone can get one ...... even me LOL

I could be wrong ..... but arnt ambos classd as long wheel base or is it the weight ???????? I know thats the reason I had to get my MR .... well was 3C back in those days ....... Dad had a long wheelbased F350 .......... my car licence woulndt cut it because of the weight .....

Keepleft · 16-07-2005, 12:22 AM

XR8fella:-
You need to download and study the NSW RTA's 'Heavy Vehicle Driver's Handbook'. Right click the first link and choose 'save as'. 1.96MB, 141 pages.

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/...ndbook2001.pdf

Read that in conjuntion with RTA's new 2005 'Road Users Handbook', which now costs $10, a fifteen or so dollar reduction over the previous sloppy production, much more information!! (I suggest purchasing the item, its an A5 size book). Downloadable Pdf and 2.48MB.

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/...englishweb.pdf

wulos · 16-07-2005, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotherNature

You dont need a log book for MR ....

In NSW you most certainly DO need one. The log book is to record your driving experience in whilst you are undergoing training under instruction. With the new competancy based system you are required to log in all hours(& individual skills learnt) prior to being allowed to sit for practical test. Not really that hard as the log book lists the skills, just to be signed off.
About the hardest issue you may experience is that you now need experience on a vehicle that is at least 75% fully laden. Can be a bit of fun using a crash box, especially if you're used to driving a nice synchro box in a light car.