Q. What is the highest licence I can upgrade to, from a car licence?
A. Class HR, however you must have manual car driving experience as you will be driving a Roadranger (Constantmesh gearbox) or a 9-speed Synchromesh gearbox. You must also hold a Class C (2nd year of Green P-Plates) or higher. See our 1 & 2 Day Courses page for course availability.
Q. What is the difference between a Constantmesh and Synchromesh Gearbox?
A. The Constantmesh (Roadranger) gearbox is found in older model vehicles. Operators with older fleets or trucks will require their drivers to have Roadranger experience. This gearbox requires ‘double-declutching’ or ‘double-shuffling’ to make gear changes.
The Synchromesh gearbox is found in newer model vehicles (late 90’s and newer). This gearbox is similar to driving a manual car and only requires a single clutch movement to go from one gear to another. Synchromesh upgrades will result in a ‘condition B’ restriction being put on your licence. If the vehicle you are planning to drive is less than 10-12 years old it is unlikely that you will need a Constantmesh upgrade, a Synchromesh upgrade should suffice.
Q. How can I remove a "B-Restriction" from my Class HR/HC?
A. There are two options available to you.
- Apply for and sit a 'Short Manual Driving Test' with the RTA where you will be tested on your ability to control the vehicle using a Constantmesh gearbox.
- Wait 12 months and upgrade to the next licence class using CBA in a Constantmesh vehicle.
Q. I wish to join the NSW Ambulance Service, what licence do I need to hold?
A. You will be required to upgrade to a Class LR, contact ABC Driving School - Parramatta, Penrith or Central Coast, to arrange a one-day course. Learn to drive an ambulance.
Q. I am interested in going to work in the Mining Industry, what class of licence do I need to hold?
A. Most employers in the Mining Industry will require you to hold an Unrestricted (Constantmesh) HR driving licence.
Q. Can ABC Driving School upgrade me to an Unrestricted HR or HC licence?
A. Yes, at ABC Driving School, we have both HR and HC trucks that are fitted with Constantmesh (Roadranger) gearboxes. This will ensure that you are issued with an Unrestricted licence. See our 1 & 2 Day Courses for details.
Q. I have an overseas Heavy Vehicle driving licence, can I drive a truck in Australia?
A. No. Your overseas driving licence will only entitle you to drive a Class C (Car). The only exception is a New Zealand Heavy Vehicle drivers licence, this may be exchanged for a NSW truck licence at any Motor Registry.
Q. I already hold a Class MR licence, what is the highest licence that I can upgrade to?
A. If you have held your MR licence for at least 12 months, then you may upgrade to a Class HC Constantmesh or Synchromesh - available at ABC Parramatta Heavy Vehicle Training Centre.
Q. I am on my Red P-Plates, what is the highest licence that I can upgrade to?
A. None. Red P-Plate holders are NOT allowed to upgrade to any licence class.
Q. I am on my Green P-Plates, what is the highest licence that I can upgrade to?
A. First year of Greens – Class MR. Second year of Greens – Class HR. See our 1 & 2 Day Courses for course availability.
Q. Can I use my own truck to upgrade my licence through CBA?
A. Yes, however the truck must be legally compliant, including tyres, Rego, all lights and wipers must work and the vehicle must be loaded to 75% of its GVM (buses and motorhomes excepted), capable of demonstrating ropes/straps/dogs and chains, to comply with Competency #41 (Securing the load).
Q. If I have already started a CBA course with another Driving School, can I change to ABC Driving School to complete my course?
A. Yes, under CBA guidelines you may change Driving Schools or Assessors at any time - that choice is entirely up to you.
Q. If I have already started a CBA course using a Constantmesh vehicle, can I change to a Synchromesh vehicle to complete my course?
A. Yes, under CBA guidelines you may change gearbox type without the need to resit the Knowledge Test or to change your CBA Logbook. Note: if you complete your course in a Synchromesh vehicle you will be issued with a B-restriction on your licence. (see Q2 above).
Q. I have only 5 Competencies left to complete my course, but I don’t want to return to my previous Driving School. What can I do?
A. You can change Driving Schools at any time during your course. ABC Driving School will be happy to discuss your concerns in complete confidence and if requested, will arrange a single block of tuition to complete your course.
Q. I want to upgrade my licence but I work Monday – Friday, can you help?
A. Yes, please contact your local ABC Driving School to arrange lessons at the weekend. Courses are run 7 Days a week at no extra charge.
Q. I don’t want to take too much time off work to upgrade my licence, what can I do?
A. ABC Driving School runs one-day and two-day training courses, 7 days a week, for Heavy Vehicle upgrades. See our 1 & 2 Day Courses for details
Q. I have been banned from driving for drink-driving, can I get my truck licence back with ABC Driving School using CBA?
A. No, you must either pass an RTA Driving Test in the truck of the class that you want restored, or pass a Class C (car) Driving Test with the RTA and then proceed through the CBA system in the same way that any other Class C licence holder would.
(See: What to do next)
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