Short answer: An MR licence (Medium Rigid) lets you drive any 2-axle rigid vehicle including trucks and buses, and tow a trailer up to 9 tonnes GVM. It’s the first step up from a car licence in NSW’s heavy vehicle ladder, and you can get it in a single day of training and assessment at ALLTRUCK Driver Training in Horsley Park.
If you’re looking to get into truck driving in NSW, the MR licence is where most people start. It opens the door to delivery work, bus driving, and a range of trade and logistics roles — and once you hold it, you’re on the path to HR and HC as well.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what the MR licence lets you drive, the eligibility requirements, the step-by-step process, what to expect on training day, and the career options it unlocks.
What Can You Drive with an MR Licence?
An MR licence authorises you to drive any 2-axle rigid vehicle. Under Transport for NSW rules, this includes:
2-axle rigid trucks
Any rigid truck with 2 axles, including delivery trucks, tray trucks, and service vehicles.
Medium rigid buses
Buses with 2 axles used in public transport, tourism, and charter services.
Towing up to 9 tonnes GVM
May tow a trailer with a GVM of no more than 9 tonnes, within GCM limits.
Special purpose vehicles under 15 tonnes
Includes tractors and bob-tail prime movers with a GVM of less than 15 tonnes.
Condition B restriction: There is one type of MR licence in NSW: Medium Rigid Condition B. This means your licence starts with an automatic/synchromesh gearbox restriction. To remove Condition B and drive vehicles with a constant mesh gearbox, you need to complete a Condition B Removal Competency Test.
MR Licence Eligibility Requirements
Before you can enrol in MR licence training, you need to meet the following requirements set by Transport for NSW:
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1
Hold a Class C licence (non-learner) for at least 12 months
This can include time on your P1 or P2 plates. Any suspension period does not count. Interstate or international licences may count — you’ll need to convert to a NSW licence first. -
2
Pass an eyesight test
Completed at Service NSW before or at the time of applying. -
3
Pass the Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test (DKT)
A computer-based knowledge test at a Service NSW centre. Study using the NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook. -
4
Obtain your HVCBA logbook and learner guide
The Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVCBA) logbook records your training progress. Collect it from Service NSW before your training day.
Free preparation: ALLTRUCK offers a free online HVCBA Preparation Course to all enrolees. It’s optional, but taking it before your training day will help you understand what to expect and reduce stress on the day.
Step-by-Step Pathway to Getting Your MR Licence
Here’s the complete process from start to finish, in the order you need to do it.
This is the starting point. You need to have held your car licence (open or P-plates) for at least 12 months. No suspensions count toward this period.
Study the NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook and book your knowledge test through Service NSW. Allow 1 to 2 weeks for a test appointment.
Once you have passed the DKT, pick up your HVCBA learner guide and logbook from a Service NSW centre. This is required before you can book training.
Book your single-day training and assessment at ALLTRUCK’s Horsley Park facility. Up to 8 hours included in the initial fee.
Once you have completed and passed your assessment, submit your completed HVCBA logbook to Service NSW to apply for the MR licence. Processing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Total time from start to finish: For applicants who already hold their Class C for 12 months, the process from booking the DKT to receiving your MR licence typically takes 3 to 6 weeks.
MR Licence Training at ALLTRUCK Driver Training
ALLTRUCK Driver Training is a TfNSW-recognised RTO (Code 70253) based in Horsley Park, Sydney. The MR licence course runs as a single day, with up to 8 hours of training and assessment included in the initial fee.
What the training day covers
| Module | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Pre-operational Check | Inspect the vehicle before driving — tyres, brakes, lights, fluid levels, and safety systems |
| Cabin Drill | Dashboard controls, mirror adjustment, and correct cabin setup before moving off |
| Start, Move Off, Shut Down | Correct procedures for starting, moving off, securing and shutting down the vehicle |
| Managing Steering, Gears and Brakes | Gear shifting (manual and automatic options), braking technique, and steering on turns and inclines |
| Crash Avoidance Space | Maintaining safe following distances and anticipating traffic patterns in a large vehicle |
| Road Rules and Directions | Heavy vehicle-specific road rules including speed limits, lane use, and fatigue management obligations |
| Reverse | Controlled reversing in a rigid vehicle — one of the most tested competencies |
| Hill Stop / Start | Safe stopping and moving off on inclines |
| Load Securing | Fundamentals of load restraint and securing cargo to NHVR standards |
| Final Competency Assessment | Your assessor observes your performance across all modules and records results in your HVCBA logbook |
Automatic and manual options: The MR course offers both automatic/synchromesh and manual (Condition B removal) training. If you’re starting out, Condition B (automatic) is the standard entry point.
Location
All training runs from the ALLTRUCK facility at 2C Burley Road, Horsley Park NSW 2175 — near Eastern Creek and Wetherill Park in Western Sydney. Easy access from the M7.
MR Licence Cost in NSW
The MR licence involves several cost components across the full process:
| Item | Provider | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Vehicle DKT | Service NSW | Booked and paid at a Service NSW centre |
| HVCBA logbook and guide | Service NSW | Available at Service NSW centres |
| Training and assessment | ALLTRUCK Driver Training | Call 1300 521 289 for current fee schedule. Up to 8 hours included. Extra hours at discounted rate if needed. |
| Licence application fee | Service NSW | Paid when submitting logbook to apply for the licence |
Government funding available: Eligible applicants in NSW may qualify for government-funded training. ALLTRUCK is a recognised provider under Transport for NSW. Check if you qualify for a government funded truck licence before you enrol.
Career Opportunities with an MR Licence
The MR licence opens a practical range of roles across NSW and nationally. Entry-level MR drivers typically earn between $55,000 and $75,000 per year, with roles in specialised or high-demand industries paying more.
Freight and delivery
Delivery runs for retail, e-commerce, food distribution, and courier services. High demand in Sydney metro and regional NSW.
Bus driving
MR is the minimum licence for many bus operator roles. Public transport positions often include penalty rates and long-service entitlements.
Site deliveries and trade vehicles
Carrying materials, tools, and equipment for construction contractors, council, and utilities.
Pathway to HR and HC
Holding MR for 12 months qualifies you for HR training, cutting the waiting period compared to going straight from Class C.
The MR as a career launch pad: Many drivers use the MR licence to start working immediately while progressing toward the HR licence and eventually the HC licence. Each class unlocks higher-paying roles and greater flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q
How long does MR licence training take?
Training and assessment at ALLTRUCK is completed in a single day, with up to 8 hours included in the initial fee. If you need more time to reach competency, additional hours are available at a discounted rate.
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Q
What is Condition B on an MR licence?
Condition B restricts you to vehicles with automatic or synchromesh gearboxes. All new MR licences in NSW are issued with Condition B. To drive vehicles with a constant mesh (manual) gearbox, you need to complete the Condition B Removal Competency Test at ALLTRUCK.
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Q
Do I need an MR licence before getting an HR licence?
No, it’s not mandatory — but it’s strongly recommended. Without an MR, you need to hold your Class C licence for 24 months before applying for HR. With an MR, that drops to 12 months. Getting MR first also means you can start working sooner while you wait.
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Q
Can P-plate drivers apply for an MR licence?
Yes. Time on P1 and P2 plates counts toward the 12-month Class C holding requirement. So if you’ve been on your P2 licence for 12 months or more, you meet the eligibility requirement.
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Q
Is there government funding available for MR licence training?
Yes. Eligible applicants in NSW may qualify for a government-funded truck licence. ALLTRUCK is an approved provider under Transport for NSW. Contact us before enrolling to check if you’re eligible.
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Q
What vehicles are NOT covered by the MR licence?
The MR licence does not cover vehicles with 3 or more axles (that requires HR), articulated vehicles or prime movers with semi-trailers (HC), or B-doubles and road trains (MC). For those, you’ll need to progress to the next licence class.
Ready to Get Your MR Licence?
ALLTRUCK DRIVER TRAINING has been running TfNSW-approved heavy vehicle courses in Sydney for over 30 years. One call is all it takes to get started.
Established Over 30 Years
RTO Code 70253
Single-Day Assessment
Or call us: 1300 521 289 | info@adt.nsw.edu.au