Heavy Combination (HC) Licence Upgrade

Locations: Australian Capital Territory and Queanbeyan, NSW.

An HC licence entitles you to drive the following types of Heavy Combination Vehicles:

  • a prime mover attached to a single semitrailer plus any unladen converter dolly.
  • a rigid motor vehicle attached to a trailer with a GVM over 9 tonnes plus any unladen converter dolly.

Before applying or starting Heavy Combination (HC) driver training, you must meet the following requirements: 

  • You need to have held a Medium Rigid (MR) or Heavy Rigid (HR) vehicle licence for at least 12 months

  • Be a minimum of 19 years old

  • Must pass the Combination Vehicle Knowledge test.

  • Be medically fit to drive heavy vehicles, including completing a Commercial Driver’s Health Assessment (CDHA).

✅ Step 1: Pass the Combination Vehicle Knowledge Test & CDHA

  • You must pass the Combination Vehicle Knowledge Test to be eligible for the HC licence class – It is valid for 2 years.
    If you’ve previously passed this test and still hold a valid certificate, you do not need to retake it.

  • You must be completed and passed a Commercial Driver’s Health Assessment (CDHA) – It is valid for 6 months.

✅ Step 2: Complete HC Driver Training & Practical Assessment

  • Undertake and pass a practical driving assessment in a Heavy Combination Vehicle.
    The assessment must be conducted by an approved training provider, such as Smartto Driving Academy (SDA). 
    Practical Driving Assessment Certificate is valid for 3 months.

✅ Step 3: Apply for Your Licence Upgrade

Once you have successfully passed your Practical Driving Assessment, follow the steps below to complete your licence upgrade:

🔹 Visit an Access Canberra Service Centre
🔹 Bring the following documents with you:

  • Your ACT driver licence

  • Your Heavy Rigid Vehicle Knowledge Test certificate.

  • Your Practical Driving Assessment Certificate [issued by a training provider such as Smartto Driving Academy(SDA)], and must be issued within the last 3 months.

  • A completed and passed a Commercial Driver’s Health Assessment (CDHA).
    ℹ️ Please note: The CDHA is mandatory for MR, HR, HC, and MC licences, and must be valid within the last 6 months. If you have already submitted a valid CDHA to Access Canberra within the last 6 months, you are not required to complete another assessment.Combination

Fees and Packages

Heavy Combination (HC) Licence Upgrade

 ❗Please Note: SDA provides a training and assessment vehicle equipped with a Synchromesh Gearbox (“B” Condition). This enables students to obtain a “B” condition licence, which qualifies them to operate heavy vehicles fitted with a synchromesh manual transmission and Automatic.
 

Service

Your Own Vehicle

Our SDA Vehicle

2 hours Driver Training

$500

$550

1 hour and 30 minutes Assessment Only

$520

$580

* P.S. Kindly ensure the Lesson fee is paid in full (via cash or online transfer) before the lesson begins.

One Day Training Course (Total: 8 Hours – includes 2-HoursPre-Eligibility Check Lesson, prior 3 working days)
Includes: 
2 hours Pre-Eligibility Check Lesson (Must be completed at least prior 3 working days before the One Day Course BOOKING, with 2 clear working days in between, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays).

4 hours and 30 minutes Training (includes 30-minute break).

1 hour and 30 minutes Final Practical Driving Assessment.

One Day Training Pricing Breakdown

Your Own Vehicle

Our SDA Vehicle

 

2-Hours Pre-Eligibility Check Lesson (prior 3 working days)

 

Day 1 – 6hours

4 hours and 30 minutes Training (includes 30-minute break)

 

1 hour and 30 minutes final Practical Driving assessment

 

 

$500

 

 

 

$1000

 

 

$520

 

 

$550

 

 

 

$1100

 

 

$580

 

Subtotal

 

Discount Applied

 

 

$2020

 

-$120

 

$2230

 

-$230

 

Total to Pay (8 Course Hours)

 

 

$1900

 

$2000

 

* Payment Terms: Kindly ensure the $550 Pre-Eligibility Check Lesson(2hours) fee is paid in full (via cash or online transfer) before the lesson begins. The remaining course fee is only payable if the student is assessed as ready to proceed with the One Day Training Course and Full payment must be made at time of booking. If additional preparation is needed, further training may be recommended before continuing.

* If a student cannot complete the One day Training course within the allocated Training hours, additional lessons will be charged.

 

❗ Important Notes for One Day Training Course:

1) The 2-HoursPre-Eligibility Check Lesson must be completed at least prior 3 working days before the One Day Training course booking, with 2 clear working days in between, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

2) The One Day Training Course is only recommended after completing a minimum of 2 or 4 hours of initial training. This lesson helps determine if the student is ready for the One Day Training Course or requires additional preparation.

3) If a student cannot complete the course within the allocated course hours, additional lessons will be required. In such cases, students must pay the 2-Hours rate for each additional 2-Hours session, on top of the One Day Training Course package price.50

Before making a booking, please ensure that you meet all licence class prerequisites.

❌ Cancellations: 

     1) Cancellations made less than 7days prior to the training start date are NOT eligible for a refund, you can reschedule prior to 7 days without cancellation.

      2)  Failure to attend the training on the scheduled day will also result in NO refund.

✅ Rebooking in Exceptional Circumstances:

     1) In the event of genuine emergencies or medical reasons, a rebooking may be offered at our sole discretion, provided:

          a) A valid medical certificate is supplied

           b) It is presented before or on the day of the absence

🔄 Rescheduling:

     We understand that circumstances can change. To avoid penalties, we strongly recommend contacting us as early as possible, preferably 7 days prior to your scheduled Training session. 

ℹ️ General Advice: 

      We strongly recommend notifying us at least 7 days prior if you are unable to attend your scheduled training. Early communication helps us better accommodate your needs.

Start Your Journey to a Safer Future with Smartto Driving!

Accredited Driving Instructors & Assessors | ACT & Queanbeyan, NSW. At Smartto Driving, we believe safe driving starts with smart learning. Our experienced and accredited instructors provide professional, calm, and supportive training tailored to every learner. Whether you're a first-time driver or need an assessment.

Book your lesson today and drive towards a smarter, safer future!