There are seven categories of driver licences in Victoria. When applying for a licence other than a car or motor cycle licence, you will have to hold the lower category of licence for a certain period of time before you can apply for a higher category.
Licence Categories
New driver licence categories were introduced in Victoria in September 1995.
|
Licence Categories
from September 1995 |
Description and Eligibility |
| Car |
You can drive a vehicle that does not exceed 4.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and can seat up to 12 adults including the driver. This does not include motor cycles and motor trikes.
Can drive as soon as you get a car licence. |
| Motor Cycle (R) |
You can drive any two or three wheeled vehicle that includes a sidecar, forecar or trailer and includes a motor trike.
Can drive as soon as you get a motorcycle licence. |
| Light Rigid (LR) |
You may drive any rigid vehicle, including bus and truck, greater than 4.5 tonnes GVM but equal to or less than 8 tonnes GVM or a vehicle that seats more than 12 adults including the driver that has a GVM not greater than 8 tonnes GVM.
To apply for this category you must have held a car driver licence for at least 12 months. |
| Medium Rigid (MR) |
You may drive any two axle rigid vehicle, including bus and truck, greater than 8 tonnes GVM. You may tow a single trailer (other than a semi trailer) up to 9 tonne GVM or to the manufactures specifications (whichever is less).
To apply for this category you must have held a car driver licence for at least 12 months. |
| Heavy Rigid (HR) |
You may drive any rigid vehicle with three or more axles, including bus or truck, greater than 8 tonnes GVM. You may tow a single trailer (other than a semi trailer) up to 9 tonne GVM or to the manufactures specifications (whichever is less).
To apply for this category you must have held a car driver licence for at least 24 months. |
| Heavy Combination (HC) |
You may drive a prime mover or single semi trailer exceeding 9 tonne, or rigid vehicle plus trailer greater than 9 tonnes GVM. A Mass and Dimension permit may also be required. Check with VicRoads by calling 13 11 71.
To apply for this category you must have held a car driver licence for at least 24 months, including Medium Rigid or Heavy Rigid licence for at least 12 months. |
| Multi Combination (MC) |
You may drive a heavy combination vehicle with one or more additional trailers.
To apply for this category you must have held a Heavy Combination, Heavy Rigid or a combination of Heavy Rigid and a Heavy Combination vehicle licence for at least 12 months, plus the completion of an approved course. |
NOTE: Medium Rigid and Heavy Rigid licence holders may tow a single trailer (other than a semi - trailer) that has a GVM not greater than 9 tonnes.
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
Means - the maximum loaded mass of the vehicle -
Heavy Vehicle Exemptions
You can apply for an exemption from the minimum time you are required to hold your licence before applying for a higher heavy vehicle licence category if:
- you would be caused undue hardship without the licence due to employment or family circumstances, and
- road safety is not compromised
To obtain an exemption you will need to apply in writing to:
Att: Heavy Vehicle Exemptions
VicRoads Bendigo CSC
PO Box 204
Bendigo, Victoria 3552
You will also require a supporting letter from your employer (current or potential) giving reason as to why the licence is needed and why hardship will occur if the exemption is not granted.The exemption, if granted, is purely for the minimum time required to hold a licence and does not put aside any requirements for testing.On passing the applicable tests, you will be issued with a restricted licence to ensure that the vehicle is only used for the reason the exemption was granted.
Motorcycle licence applicants must hold an Australian or overseas motorcycle learner permit for a minimum of three months continuously in the period immediately before applying for the licence.
VicRoads has the legal power to provide an exemption from the minimum time a learner permit must be held. The grounds for exemption are that the nature of a person's occupation, employment or family circumstances are such that compliance with the minimum holding period would impose undue hardship on the person or their family. An exemption can only be provided if VicRoads is satisfied that the issue of a licence will not impose any increased road safety risk to the driver or the community.
All applications for an exemption must be in writing and will require supporting evidence. Applications must be sent to:
VicRoads
Exemptions
Locked Bag 5000
KEW VIC 3101
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