Practical guide · Queensland heavy vehicles
Which Queensland truck licence class do you need next?
LR, MR, HR, HC and MC describe increasingly capable heavy vehicle classes. The right next class depends on the vehicle you need to drive and the licence you already hold.
01
The short answer
Choose the class by vehicle configuration, then check eligibility.
LR covers certain light rigid vehicles, MR extends to two-axle rigid vehicles over 8 tonnes, and HR covers larger rigid vehicles with more than two axles. HC covers a heavy rigid vehicle towing a trailer over 9 tonnes GVM, while MC covers multi-combination vehicles such as B-doubles and road trains.
You cannot choose only from the vehicle description. Queensland also requires you to hold an eligible lower class for a minimum period before upgrading.
- LR: class C vehicles plus buses or trucks not more than 8 tonnes GVM
- MR: class LR vehicles plus buses or trucks over 8 tonnes GVM with no more than 2 axles
- HR: class MR vehicles plus buses or trucks over 8 tonnes GVM with more than 2 axles
- HC: class HR vehicles plus trucks over 8 tonnes GVM towing a trailer over 9 tonnes GVM
- MC: class HC vehicles plus B-doubles and road trains
02
Minimum holding periods
Your current licence controls the next available step.
A Queensland class C licence held for at least one year can generally lead to LR or MR. A class C licence held for at least two years can generally lead to HR.
Moving from LR or MR to HR generally requires one year. Moving to HC generally requires MR or HR for one year. Moving to MC generally requires HR or HC for one year. The qualifying period must fall within the relevant recent licence history.
- C for 1 year: LR or MR
- C for 2 years: HR
- LR or MR for 1 year: HR
- MR or HR for 1 year: HC
- HR or HC for 1 year: MC
03
The MC difference
Multi-combination upgrades use a specific pathway.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads does not conduct a practical driving test for an MC licence. Applicants complete the Drive Multi-combination Vehicle competency unit TLIC4006 through an approved provider, unless an eligible HC holder uses the accepted driving-experience declaration pathway.
An HR holder currently completes at least 16 hours of training and assessment. An HC holder completes at least 8 hours, or may use the employment-experience declaration pathway when all current requirements are met. Confirm the provider, documentation and eligibility before booking.
- Current HR or HC generally needs to have been held for at least one year
- HR pathway: TLIC4006 through an approved provider with at least 16 hours of training and assessment
- HC training pathway: TLIC4006 through an approved provider with at least 8 hours of training and assessment
- Eligible HC experience pathway: form F3272 with employer-confirmed evidence
- A Statement of Attainment or accepted experience evidence forms part of the application pathway
04
Prepare the enquiry
Send evidence, not guesses.
Before contacting a trainer, check the class and issue history shown on your licence. Identify the type of vehicle you need to drive and whether your employer has a specific transmission or configuration requirement.
A clear enquiry makes it easier to identify eligibility issues early and prevents time being spent on the wrong class.
- Current licence class and how long it has been held
- Target vehicle and target licence class
- Transmission requirements
- Location and preferred timing
- Relevant recent driving experience
Official references
Sources used for this page
- Queensland Government: licence types, classes and conditions↗
- Queensland Government: upgrading a licence↗
Requirements can change. Confirm current rules with the relevant authority before making licensing or workplace decisions.
Know your current class
Now tell us what you need to drive next.
Send your current class, target class, location and experience so we can confirm the next conversation.