Heavy vehicle licence assessment

The knowledge test is a written test based on the material in The Victorian Bus and Truck Drivers’ handbook.

The heavy vehicle knowledge test must be passed when you are applying for a heavy vehicle licence for the first time.

Multi Combination (MC) applicants must pass a knowledge test based on information presented during the training course.

The knowledge test must be passed before the applicant is permitted to commence the Competency Test (CT) or the Final Competency Assessment (FCA).

There are two types of practical assessment: a competency test (CT) and a final competency assessment (FCA). The CT is permitted where a licence applicant believes that he or she has the knowledge and skills to successfully demonstrate the competencies required to pass the assessment, without any formal training. The FCA can only be completed after formal training has been undertaken.

The practical assessment is made up of the on-road and off-road competencies outlined below.

Off-road competency

On-road competency

Addtional risk management

The Competency Test (CT)

Where a CT applicant exceeds the number of allowable errors or performs an action that is assessed as an “Immediate Failure” during the on-road assessment, the assessor must terminate the test and take over the driving.

Only applicants undertaking a training and assessment program for a rigid vehicle may at any time choose to undertake a CT rather than continuing with the training and assessment process.

The Final Competency Assessment (FCA)

Where an FCA applicant exceeds the number of allowable errors during the on-road assessment, the assessor may permit the applicant to continue to drive the vehicle for training purposes.

In cases where an FCA applicant performs an action that is assessed as an “Immediate Failure”, the assessor may permit the applicant to continue to drive the vehicle for training purposes as long as safety is not compromised. Where safety has been compromised the assessor must take over the driving.

If an applicant fails the on-road assessment for either an CT or a FCA, a full on-road re-assessment must be undertaken. Off-road tasks successfully undertaken will continue to be valid for up to 12 months from the date of completion.

Minimum requirements for assessment vehicles

Vehicles used for assessment purposes must have approved seats and seat belts fitted to ensure all occupants are restrained in a safe manner during the test. You must undergo an assessment in a vehicle appropriate for the category of licence you are seeking.

When making your test booking, check that the vehicle you intend to use is suitable and has the type of transmission you want to use when you are licensed. The heavy vehicle must be equipped with a seat belt for all occupants present during the assessment.

Assessment vehicle types

Buses or motor homes will be permitted to be used as an assessment vehicle for light rigid assessments only as long as the vehicle fits the specification for a light rigid vehicle (see above).

Restricted vehicle types

Most vehicles will be suitable for on-road tests, however some have restrictions placed on them as follows and cannot be used for licence testing:

• armoured vehicles
• dual control vehicles
• vehicles displaying trade plates
• vehicles carrying a placard of dangerous goods
• Special Purpose Vehicles (except emergency service vehicles)
• cranes, specialised road working vehicles and farm machinery
• Federal Interstate Registered vehicles.

These vehicles may only be used if a special permit has been supplied by the relevant transport authority:

• livestock transport vehicles, if the load is livestock
• buses, coaches and motor homes
• buses or motor homes will only be permitted to be used as an assessment vehicle for light rigid assessments only as long as the vehicle fits the specification for a light rigid vehicle
• for all other vehicle categories, buses, coaches and motor homes will only be approved for use as an assessment vehicle in special circumstances as determined by VicRoads. In such circumstances these vehicles are exempt from carrying a load. Assessments must not be conducted in these vehicles when carrying passengers, with the exception of VicRoads auditors.

In Cabin technology

For assessment purposes heavy vehicles will be equipped with cabin technology approved by VicRoads. The practical assessment will now be recorded using audio, video and GPS technology. Both the applicant and assessor will be recorded during the assessment.