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Please Note: Due to ongoing development works in the East Devonport area - including construction of the new ferry terminal and associated road upgrades—this location is currently unavailable for Multi Combination (MC) testing.

Works are expected to continue through to October 2026. As a result, MC testing in Devonport has been suspended until safe and consistent access can be restored.

We acknowledge that this is an extended period however, safety for workers, assessors, applicants and road users is our highest priority. Roadworks in the area are constantly changing, and navigating these conditions during an assessment is considered unsafe. MC testing is restricted to the B-Double network and alternative suitable assessment routes are not available in the area.

Please note that work is underway to review and maintain continuity of Heavy Combination (HC) test routes in Devonport.  MC testing remains available in Launceston and Hobart.

1. What sort of heavy vehicle learner licence can I get?

The type of learner licence you can get depends on what sort of licence you have now. For some heavy vehicle licences, you don’t need to go and get a new learners licence but the conditions of being a learner will still apply to you. The rules around this are in the handbook and the licence hierarchy below:

2. How do I get a heavy vehicle learner licence?

You must visit a Service Tasmania and:

*questions in the driver knowledge test are found in the Tasmania road rules handbook (PDF 11.9 MB) and the heavy vehicle handbook (PDF 1.9 MB).

3. What are the requirements on heavy vehicle learners?

When you’re learning to drive a heavy vehicle you must:

  • have a Supervisory Driver sitting next to you who has a licence of the same or higher class of heavy vehicle that you’re learning and has held that licence for at least 12 months.
  • display L-plates clearly at the front and back of the vehicle.
  • never drive with alcohol in your body,
  • obey the learner speed limit of 90km/h even when a higher speed limit applies.

These requirements apply whether or not you’re required to hold a heavy vehicle learner licence.

4. Are there exemptions to heavy vehicle eligibility requirements?

You can apply for a heavy vehicle licence exemption (PDF 39.9 KB) by emailing driver.licensing@stategrowth.tas.gov.au. To apply for an exemption, you must:

  • be at least 17 years old,
  • meet the exemption requirements and
  • have held an Australian car licence (other than a learner licence) for at least 12 months.

5. How do I get my full heavy vehicle licence?

To progress beyond the learner stage, you must:

  • meet the eligibility requirements for the licence class (listed in the licence hierarchy table (PDF 86.7 KB)),
  • successfully undertake a competency test or complete an approved training course and final competency assessment.

Learner’s licence will be valid for 12 months from issue date. Following completion of these steps, you can go to Service Tasmania and get your full licence (fees apply).

6. What conditions apply to me on my full heavy vehicle licence?

If you have your full heavy vehicle licence, you will need to:

  • have a blood alcohol content of zero (for driving buses or vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of greater than 15 tonnes),
  • complete a work diary if you drive 100 km or more from their home or operate under basic fatigue management or advanced fatigue management (see the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Website or go into Service Tasmania for more information or to receive a work diary),
  • abiding by any conditions on your licence.

Synchromesh and automatic transmission

When applying for a heavy vehicle licence, if you were tested in a vehicle fitted with a synchromesh or automatic transmission you will:

  • have a synchromesh (B) condition or automatic (A2) condition placed on your licence, and
  • only be permitted to drive a heavy vehicle with a synchromesh or an automatic transmission.

Note: If you are tested in a Synchromesh or automatic and you hold a MR or above with no condition A2 or B condition applied then you will be exempt from having the A2 or B condition applied when you upgrade your licence.

7. What are the heavy vehicle driving assessments?

To get your heavy vehicle licence, you need to pass the:

  • Heavy Vehicle driver knowledge test
  • pass a Competency and Final Competency Assessment.

Further information can be found at About My Driving Assessment.

8. How do I book my heavy vehicle assessment?

Heavy vehicle assessments

On Road Off Road Training

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