While it is true that driving is a skill that offers freedom and flexibility, it is also true that it is governed by a set of rules and regulations. One such regulation refers to the categories on your driving license. These categories dictate which vehicle types you are legally allowed to drive.
For instance, you might want to start driving a motorcycle, a larger vehicle, or a vehicle with a trailer. Before you can start driving, you should add the necessary categories to your driving license. Here is everything you need to know if you want to add categories to your.
Driving Licence Categories Basics
Before starting the process of adding categories to your license, you should first understand what these categories mean. Australia has a specific set of categories
Class C – Car license, includes vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes GVM;
Class R – Rider license, motorcycle license;
Class LR – Light rigid licence, includes vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM, but less than 8 tonnes GVM;
Class MR – Medium rigid license, includes two axles and vehicles over 8 tonnes GVM;
Class HR – Heavy rigid license, includes three or more axles and vehicles over 8 tonnes GVM;
Class HC – Heavy combination license, includes HR vehicles with a trailer over 9 tonnes GVM;
Class MC – Multi combination license, includes multi-combination vehicles such as B-doubles or road trains.
Determine Eligibility Requirements
First of all, it’s essential to determine eligibility requirements. Each category has specific eligibility criteria. For instance, that includes ages, already existing license requirements, and even driving experience in some cases.
There are specific requirements for certain categories. For example, if you want to apply for a Class LR license, you should hold a Class C license for at least a year before you apply.
Obtain a Learner’s Permit
This step isn’t always required, only in specific cases. For instance, some categories such as Class R (motorcycles), demand that you first obtain a learner’s permit.
Obtaining a learner’s permit is a simple process. All you need to do is pass a knowledge test and, in some cases, a basic skills test.
Medical Examination
You should get all the necessary medical documentation to ensure that you are always safe on the road. The medical examination is required for almost all categories, but the emphasis is on the categories involving heavy vehicles.
Classes LR, MR, HR, HC, and MC are those categories. The examination is obligatory as it ensures that you are fit to handle the demands of driving such large vehicles.
Practical Training and Assessment
Another step in adding categories to your driving license is passing a theory test and doing your practical training. The theory tests usually cover road rules, vehicle-specific regulations, and safety practices. Thanks to professional car driving lessons in Sydney, you should quickly pass all the necessary tests!
Handling and safety of the vehicles isn’t always simple. For that very reason, it’s important to get the necessary practical training. As soon as you’re done with the training, you’ll have to pass a practical driving test, to ensure you’re ready to get on the road.
Apply for Category Addition
When all of the necessary tests and assessments are completed successfully, you can finally apply for the new category to be added to your driving license.
Usually, this involves simply submitting your test results, current driving license, and the application form. You submit all these documents to the state or territory’s road authority and wait for the process to be done!
Tips for Success
While all of these steps are simple, some additional tips will help you add categories quickly. For instance, studying the theory will surely help. Make sure to read all necessary handbooks and practice some tests to prepare for your test.
Then, choose a reputable training provider. The training provider you pick should be accredited and they should have great reviews.
Ensure that you are also prepared for the medical exam. Try to stay in good health before getting your medical exam. Consult with your doctor about possible medical conditions that might affect your driving ability.
Finally, don’t underestimate practicing. Gain as much practical experience as you can to build more confidence when you get into the vehicle.
Conclusion
Adding categories to your license is a simple process. As long as you are aware of the possible requirements and have all the necessary documentation, you should quickly add categories to your driving license.
