My heavy vehicle licence
Multi-combination (MC class)
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Getting my MC class licence
Tenure (minimum driving experience) based pathway
To apply for your Multi Combination (MC) class licence, you must:
- have held a Heavy Rigid (HR) or Heavy Combination (HC) class licence for at least one year (known as the minimum driving experience)
- be at least 20 years old.
To get your MC class licence, you will need to pass a practical driving test in an MC vehicle. This must be completed with an authorised examiner from a registered training organisation.
To drive a motor vehicle of that class without a learner's permit, you must meet all these criteria:
- You hold a current driver's licence.
- You meet the minimum driving experience requirements.
- You drive only under learner's permit conditions and laws.
An exemption or restricted licence is not available for an MC class licence.
MC Licence Program
The MC Licence Program gives eligible heavy vehicle drivers who do not have the minimum driving experience an alternative pathway to get an MC licence. This is another way for them to gain experience to get an MC licence.
Heavy vehicle drivers complete a structured learning program with their employer’s support.
Drivers can follow the current minimum driving experience pathway if they do not want to complete the MC Licence Program. To get an MC Licence under the current minimum driving experience pathway, drivers must hold a HC or HR licence for at least 12 months.
Both options support drivers to gain the skills they need to drive safely on our roads.
Read more on the MC Licence Program requirements for heavy vehicle drivers and employers.
Changes for overseas licence holders
South Australia no longer accepts overseas heavy vehicle driving experience for drivers wanting to get an MC licence.
The change applies to all countries, except New Zealand.
Before applying for an MC licence, overseas drivers must either:
- hold a South Australian HR or HC licence for at least 12 months
- complete the new MC Licence Program.
Read more about the requirements for overseas licence holders.
National heavy vehicle changes
There are two separate national projects that aim to improve heavy vehicle driver skills on Australian roads. These initiatives are:
- reviewing the existing National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework
- reviewing the current policy for Overseas Driver Licensing.
It will take time to undertake these reviews and introduce recommended changes. This is why we have introduced two interim state-based initiatives.
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