Check the
licence class table and the minimum driving experience requirements for the licence you want to get.
If you hold a current driver's licence and meet the minimum driving experience requirements you can drive a motor vehicle of that class without a learner's permit - but only under
learner’s permit conditions and laws.
If you don't meet the minimum driving experience requirements you may be able to obtain a learner’s permit for that class by applying for an exemption or passing a training-in-lieu of experience course.
Applying for an exemption or a restricted licence
You can apply for an exemption if you have special circumstances (eg employment in farming or transporting produce). Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and aren't available for a MC class licence. To apply for an exemption telephone 13 10 84 or visit a Service SA customer service centre.
To apply for a restricted HR licence you must be at least 17 years and six months of age and have held a class C licence for at least one year.
To apply for the issue of a restricted HC licence you must be at least 18 years and six months of age and have held a class C licence for at least two years.
You'll need to include the following information in your application:
- your name, address, date of birth and licence number
- the name and address of your employer (the farmer who operates the farming property) and the location of the property
- a signed statement from your employer confirming your employment
- the nature of the agricultural or horticultural pursuits in which you will be engaged
- the details of the vehicles which you will be required to drive i.e. the registration numbers and Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of all trucks, truck/trailer combinations and articulated motor vehicles.
Following approval of your application, a learner's permit may be issued.
To apply for an exemption you'll need to provide all of the above information and send it to The Coordinator, Licence Review, PO Box 407, Melrose Park, SA, 5039.
Training–in-lieu-of-experience courses
If you're applying for a HC class licence and have held a C-class licence for at least 2 years you can undertake an approved training-in-lieu-of-experience course. You must obtain a learner’s permit before in-vehicle training can begin.
For more information telephone 13 10 84 or visit a Service SA customer service centre.
For all classes of licences, except MC class, you can choose to pass either a practical driving test (vehicle-on-road test) or a competency-based training course with an authorised driving instructor.
If you're applying for a MC class licence you will need to pass the competency-based training course in a B-double vehicle.
You can find driving instructors listed under Driving Schools in the Yellow Pages.
- Vehicle-on-road-test (VORT)
Heavy vehicle specifications for practical driving tests are available in the pamphlet Heavy vehicle driving tests available from a Service SA customer service centre. - Competency-based training course (CBT)
Information is available in the trainee guide that records the training tasks as they are completed throughout the course.
You can download trainee information below:
When you pass the VORT or CBT you will receive a certificate of competence that can be presented to obtain your heavy vehicle driver’s licence.
To apply for a licence, take your certificate of competence, your current driver’s licence and complete a driver’s licence replacement application at a Service SA customer service centre.
Your licence will be endorsed with the new class on payment of the fee.
Learner’s conditions apply when driving a higher class of vehicle until the licence is upgraded.
Remember...
You must carry your licence with you at all times when driving a vehicle over 4500 kg gross vehicle mass.
More information
Telephone 13 10 84 or visit a Service SA customer service centre.