There are few vehicles more integral to our current system of commerce and interlinked infrastructure than the heavy rig. This type of vehicle is the backbone of so much in our modern lives, even if we don’t always pay it much mind. After all, heavy rigs are responsible for shipping the products that you consume on a daily basis. Each day, these truckers haul products from their original warehouses to many stores across the country, and even to your doorstep in the case of an online delivery. The world of online delivery is predicated upon the notion that vehicles such as these can ship you your products in a quick and timely manner.
Add to that the fact that these vehicles are quite imposing, and that truck drivers have true job security, and it isn’t hard to see why acquiring a heavy rigid licence is a goal for many would-be agents within the trucking and shipping industry. Here is a quick overview of this type of vehicle, as well as the type of classes you’ll need to take in order to attain the credentials and licences needed to become a truck driver.
What is a Heavy Rig Vehicle?
Let’s start at the beginning—what, precisely, is a heavy rig vehicle? You may think that this is an obvious question, but there are very specific qualities that identify a heavy rig vehicle, and you’ll have to know what they are in order to get that licence. Simply put, a heavy rig is a particular type of vehicle class that sports 3 or more axles and has a gross vehicular mass that exceeds 8 tonnes. There are also certain licence qualifications and restrictions that you want to keep in mind as well. For example, those in possession of a Class C (car), LR (light rigid), or MR (medium rigid) licence may seek to upgrade to an HR (heavy rigid) licence after two years of first receiving the initial licence, assuming there are no outstanding or otherwise preventative violations to that driver’s name.
What You’ll Learn
Let’s say you’re looking to attend heavy rigid licence training in Melbourne. What can you expect to learn?
To begin with, you’ll need to know the laws of the road and regulations that apply specifically to the class of vehicle you’re looking to drive. In addition, you’ll be learning skills such as defensive driving, proper driving etiquette, and road attitude.
From there, it’s on to the practical “ins and outs” of driving a heavy rigid. You will experience on-road training and vehicular control training, in addition to how to reverse, load securing chains, straps, ropes, and other elements of the vehicle’s overall operation. One other thing to note? Classes are performed on a one-on-basis, with each instructor assisting one driver, giving you the personalised approach you need in order to pass the test.
All of this is done in an effort to prepare you for an on-road driving test, an off-road test in reversing and other automotive skills, and a test on the theory of driving a large, shipping vehicle. So, get the training you need, and get started on a great, adventurous career with your newly minted HR licence.