4 ways in which an HC truck is different from an LR truck

What kind of truck do you want to drive? The type you choose will solely depend upon your needs, career and eligibility. Apart from the difference in size between a light rigid (LR) and heavy combination (HC) truck - experience plays a major role in determining a truck driver’s career.

We are going to run through the differences between an HC truck and an LR truck to help you determine the kind of vehicle you need or want to drive.

HC vehicles include:

●        Articulated vehicles with three or more axles

●        Heavy rigid vehicle trailer combinations including unladen dolly, with three or more axles

●        Any towed trailer with a GVM of more than nine tonnes

What is the difference between an LR truck and an HC truck: obtaining your licence in Sydney

1)      Vehicle Built: A heavy combination truck has over 8 tonnes GVM towing either one trailer or a semi-trailer. These vehicles also contribute highly to road damage and wear due to the increase in axle weight. The number of steering axles and the suspension type also plays a role in influencing the amount of road damage. LR trucks are designed similarly to cars and other automobiles, saving bulk and weight.  

2)      Size: LR trucks are usually used as pickup trucks and have a similar size to a large van. While medium rigid trucks are a little larger but comparatively smaller than HC vehicles. They are most commonly used for local delivery and public services. HC trucks are the largest trucks on the road and are used in various professional applications such as heavy dump trucks, concrete pump trucks etc.

3)      Licence: each heavy vehicle class requires a different licence. It is important that you understand what kind of vehicle you want to drive and thereafter visit The Roads Maritime Services to see the type of licence required.

4)      Cost: HC trucks are more expensive and have more features than other trucks. Maintenance and repair may also be more costly when driving an HC truck.

Obtaining your light rigid truck licence in Sydney

A light rigid (LR) licence caters for a narrow range of vehicles, with limited gross vehicle masses (GVM). The Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) define the light rigid class as, small trucks with a gross vehicle mass up to 8 tonnes - any towed trailer must not weigh more than nine tonnes GVM. These vehicles can also be buses that seat more than 12 adults including the driver and a GVM up to 8 tonnes.

The light rigid licence is an upgrade from the regular basic Class C licence, and in order to secure a light rigid licence in Sydney, you must first hold a Class C licence for a least 1 year (not including a learners licence). People who want to drive small delivery trucks, buses and other transport vehicles will typically apply for a light rigid licence.

A simple step-by-step: obtaining your light rigid licence in Sydney

1)      Complete a knowledge test at a licensing centre

2)      Passing the knowledge test

3)      Passing a driving assessment in a light rigid vehicle

4)      Pass an eyesight test

Are you interested in driving an LR or HC vehicle? AHVT is the leading provider of truck licence courses in NSW! Enquire today for more information.