MR vs HR Licence: What's the Difference?
In Western Australia, you may drive a truck with a Medium Rigid (MR) or Heavy Rigid (HR) licence. They are for various vehicle sizes and career choices. An MR licence is easier to get generally and is suitable for medium rigid trucks used for local delivery and transit. With an HR licence, you may drive larger rigid trucks and there are multiple classes of gearbox. An HR licence will also provide you with a wider variety of occupations in freight, construction, regional transport and mining. Both licences are subject to your eligibility based on your driving history, professional training with an approved provider and successful completion of the Department of Transport theoretical and practical tests. The proper licence will depend on your expertise, the cars you want to drive and your long-term professional aspirations.
Mega Truck Training is an expert MR and HR licensing training provider in Perth. Knowing the difference between MR and HR licences might help you select the correct training and licence for your driving career.
What is an MR Licence?
An MR (Medium Rigid) licence allows you to legally drive a two-axle truck over 8 tonnes GVM. It also covers lighter rigid vehicles and allows you to tow a trailer up to the permitted limit. MR licences are designed for medium-sized commercial vehicles commonly used in local transport.
Common Vehicles You Can Drive
With an MR Licence you can drive:
- Local delivery trucks
- Two-axle rigid trucks 12.
- Mini dump trucks
- Medium-sized buses
These trucks are widely utilised for delivery, courier and commercial transportation services.
Eligibility Requirements
To obtain an MR licence in Western Australia, you must:
- Hold a full WA C Class licence for at least 12 months
- Meet the required eyesight and medical standards
- Pass the required theory and practical assessments
MR Licence Training
Mega Truck Training offers professional MR licence training with experienced instructors, practical on-road lessons, and vehicles for your driving assessment. Training is available in both automatic and manual (synchromesh) trucks, helping you gain the skills and confidence needed to obtain your licence.
What is an HR Licence?
An HR (Heavy Rigid) licence allows you to drive rigid trucks with three or more axles over 8 tonnes GVM. It also covers all lower licence classes, including MR, LR, and C Class vehicles. HR licences are required for operating larger commercial vehicles used across transport, construction, and industrial sectors.
Common Vehicles You Can Drive
With an HR licence, you can operate:
- Large tipper trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Crane trucks
- Three-axle freight trucks
- Large rigid buses
These vehicles are commonly used in freight, construction, mining, and heavy transport industries.
Eligibility Requirements
To obtain an HR licence in Western Australia, you must:
- Hold a full WA C Class licence for at least 2 years, or
- Hold an LR or MR licence for at least 1 year
- Meet the required eyesight and medical standards
- Pass the required theory and practical assessments
HR Licence Categories
HR licences are available in three transmission classes:
- HR-A (Automatic): Allows you to drive automatic heavy rigid vehicles only.
- HR-B (Synchromesh): Covers synchromesh manual and automatic trucks.
- HR Open (Roadranger): Allows you to drive all HR vehicles, including Roadranger (constant-mesh) gearboxes, providing the greatest driving flexibility.
HR Licence Training
Mega Truck Training offers professional HR licensing training with expert instructors, practical on-road courses and assessment-ready cars. Training is given for HR-A, HR-B and HR Open (Roadranger) to enable drivers to gain the skills and confidence they need to pass the Department of Transport practical assessment and qualify for a wider choice of heavy vehicle employment.
Understanding the Heavy Vehicle Licence Path: C → MR → HR → HC → MC
The Western Australian Department of Transport (DoT) sets out a structured heavy vehicle licensing pathway, allowing drivers to progress from a C Class licence to MR, HR, HC, and MC as they meet the required experience and eligibility criteria.
- Car (C class)
- Light Rigid (LR) (not required, but covers 1 axle up to 8 t)
- Medium Rigid (MR) – after 1 year on C
- Heavy Rigid (HR) – after 1 year on MR (or 2 years on C)
- Heavy Combination (HC) – after 1 year on MR/HR and 3 years on C (allows prime movers + semi‑trailers)
- Multi Combination (MC) – after 1 year on HC/HR (for B-doubles, road trains).
In practice, if you already have 3 years on a car licence and 1 year on MR or HR, you can skip direct to HC, and so on. Each step requires submitting forms to DoT, passing required theory tests (for MR/HR upgrades) and a Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) with a DoT examiner.
Comparing MR vs HR
Feature | MR Licence (Medium Rigid) | HR Licence (Heavy Rigid) |
Vehicles Allowed | Rigid truck with 2 axles, >8 t GVM. May tow one trailer (≤9 t) | Rigid truck with 3+ axles, >8 t GVM. May tow one trailer (≤9 t) |
Includes | All LR (≤8 t) and Cars/Mopeds | All MR, LR, Cars/Mopeds |
Eligibility | Hold C licence ≥1 year | Hold C licence ≥2 years or MR/LR licence ≥1 year |
Age | ≥18 years | ≥19 years (DoT generally specifies 19+ for HR) |
Medical/Vision | Pass DoT eye test (6/9 & 6/18); Declare any medical conditions | Same vision standard; More rigorous medical check may apply for HR |
Gearbox | Synchromesh manual or auto (Condition B) | HR-A (auto only), HR-B (synchro/manual), HR-Open (any, incl. Roadranger) |
Training (Typical) | ~4–6 hours (1 day) RTO training + DoT test | 5–7 hours (1–2 days) training + DoT test |
RTO Cost (approx.) | ~\$850 for 4h course +\$140/hr extras | HR-A/B: ~\$1,190 for 5h; HR-Open: ~\$1,490 for 7h +\$165–\$185/hr extra |
Career Jobs | Local couriers, delivery services, warehouse trucks, small freight | Heavy freight, linehaul/regional trucking, waste services, tippers, bus driving, mining contractors |
Pros/Cons | Quicker/cheaper to train; Good for local work; Limited to smaller trucks. | Larger licence (more training/cost); Unlocks highest-paying jobs; Required for specialized roles (e.g. interstate, oversize loads). |
This table highlights the difference between MR and HR licences. In short, MR is a stepping-stone license good for local transport and shorter hauls, while HR is the larger license needed for heavy freight, specialized roles, and broader career options.
MR vs HR Licence Career Opportunities
MR Licence Jobs
MR licence holders commonly work as delivery drivers, couriers, tradespeople transporting materials, and small bus operators.
HR Licence Jobs
If you have an HR licence you can get better paid jobs in freight transport, waste management, bus driving, mining, construction and dump truck driving.
Salary Estimates
MR drivers typically earn $60,000–$70,000 annually, while HR drivers average $75,000–$85,000+. Earnings may increase with overtime, shift allowances, or specialised heavy vehicle roles.
Decision Guide: Should I Get MR or HR?
Job Goals
Choose MR for local delivery and entry-level driving jobs. Choose HR if you want to drive larger trucks, buses, or pursue higher-paying transport careers.
Experience & Time
You need 2 years on a car licence (or 1 year on an MR licence) before applying for an HR licence. If you’re not yet eligible, start with MR.
Budget
MR training is generally more affordable, while HR training costs more due to additional lessons and licensing requirements.
Flexibility
An HR licence allows you more flexibility while driving larger vehicles and more career prospects. Many drivers start with MR and then upgrade to HR as they advance their careers.
MR vs HR Licence: DoT Testing Process Explained
Step | MR Licence | HR Licence | Applies to Both |
1. Eligibility & Learner Permit | Meet MR eligibility requirements, pass the DoT eye test, and complete the Heavy Vehicle Theory Test to obtain an MR Learner’s Permit. | Meet HR eligibility requirements (usually after holding the required licence), pass the DoT eye test, and complete any required heavy vehicle theory. | ✔ Eligibility requirements must be met before training. |
2. RTO Training | Complete TLIC3003 training with practical lessons covering vehicle checks, driving, reversing, docking, and safety. | Complete TLIC3004 training with advanced driving skills for larger heavy vehicles. | ✔ Training is completed through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). |
3. DoT Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) | Complete the DoT practical driving test in an MR vehicle. | Complete the DoT practical driving test in an HR vehicle. | ✔ Assessment includes pre-trip inspection, vehicle control, observations, and safe driving. |
4. Licence Issuance | Pay the required DoT fees and receive your MR licence after passing. | Pay the required DoT fees and receive your HR licence after passing. | ✔ Government fees and licence endorsement apply to both. |
5. Post-Licence Requirements | Follow heavy vehicle regulations, including carrying a National Driver Work Diary when required. | Follow the same heavy vehicle compliance requirements. | ✔ Maintain licence renewals, medical requirements, and work diary obligations where applicable. |
Get Your MR or HR Licence with Mega Truck Training
Mega Truck Training offers flexible scheduling (weekday/weekend), modern dual-control trucks, and one-on-one coaching tailored to DoT tests. Whether you’re aiming for an MR licence or stepping up to HR (A/B/Open), our experienced instructors will help you pass with confidence.
Call Mega Truck Training today to book your licence course and hit the road to a new career!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Heavy Rigid (HR) licence?
An HR licence is a “class 3” heavy vehicle licence allowing you to drive rigid trucks with 3 or more axles and over 8,000 kg GVM. It’s required for operating most large trucks and buses. On it you can also drive all MR, LR, car and moped classes.
- What is a Medium Rigid (MR) licence?
MR lets you drive trucks with two axles and over 8,000 kg GVM. It includes any lighter truck (under 8 t) plus cars/mopeds. You can tow one single trailer (up to 9 t). In short: two-axle heavy vehicles.
- Can I upgrade from MR to HR later?
Yes. Once you’ve held MR for 1 year (and meet all other health/age conditions), you can take the HR training and test. No need to “re-learn” the vehicle basics; it’s an add-on process. Your RTO will guide you through the new test requirements.
- Q: What is an HR-A vs HR-B vs HR-Open licence?
These indicate transmission training:
- HR-A: Automatic-only. If you test on an auto truck, your HR licence is limited to automatics.
- HR-B: Synchromesh manual. Covers manual (except crash) and auto trucks.
- HR-Open: Roadranger/manual. Covers all heavy rigid trucks including those with crash gearboxes. This is the most versatile and is recommended if you want the widest job options.