Whether you're entering the workforce or looking to change careers, you may be wondering:
"Can I drive both a car and a truck with one licence?"
YES, but only under certain licence classes.
Australia has a tiered driver licensing system, and if you're planning to drive both light and heavy vehicles, you'll need the right class of licence. This blog will break down what's allowed with each licence and what you need to do to drive both cars and trucks legally.
What Licence Do You Need to Drive a Car in Australia?
To drive a standard car in Australia, you must hold a C-Class Licence. This licence allows you to drive:
- Passenger vehicles (sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs)
- Vans and utes (up to 4.5 tonnes GVM)
- Some light trailers (up to 9 tonnes GVM if the combined weight is under the limit)
A C-class licence is the foundation. It's also the starting point for upgrading to a truck licence.
What Licence Do You Need to Drive a Truck?
If you want to drive a truck, you'll need to upgrade your licence to a higher class.
Here is a breakdown:
LR Licence
- Vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM, up to 8 tonnes
- Includes small trucks, minibuses, and vans
- Requires 1 year on a C-class licence
MR Licence
- Trucks or buses with 2 axles and over 8 tonnes
- Ideal for delivery and courier work
- Requires 1 year on a C-class licence
HR Licence
- Trucks or buses with 3+ axles
- Includes tipper trucks, garbage trucks, and larger buses
- Requires 2 years on a C-class licence
HC Licence or Multi Combination MC Licence
- Semi-trailers and road trains
- Requires previous experience with HR license
Can You Drive Both with One Licence?
Yes. If you upgrade to a Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence or above, you can legally drive both trucks and cars.
Here's how it works:
- Your HR, MR, or LR licence automatically includes C-class vehicle privileges
- You don't need to hold two licences—it's a cumulative licence system
- You can still drive a regular car, even after upgrading to a truck licence
Upgrading doesn't take away your car licence—it adds truck driving capabilities on top of it.
Why Upgrade to an HR Licence?
If you are considering driving a truck and want flexibility to use your car still, the HR licence is a great all-in-one option. It gives you access to a wide range of driving jobs and doesn't restrict your car-driving rights.
Benefits of an HR Licence:
- Drive heavy vehicles and buses
- More job opportunities in logistics and transport
- Higher earning potential
- Includes car driving privileges
- Offers automatic and manual options (including Road Ranger)
Check out the latest HR licence price in Brisbane.
FAQs
1. Do I need a separate licence to drive a car after getting my HR licence?
No. Your HR licence includes permission to drive all lower licence classes, including C-class.
2. Can I drive a truck on a car licence?
Only if the truck's GVM is under 4.5 tonnes, anything heavier requires an LR, MR, HR or higher licence.
3. Is there a combined car and truck licence?
No combined licence is issued, but HR/MR/LR licences automatically cover C-class driving as well.
4. Will I lose my car licence if I get a truck licence?
No. You keep all existing privileges and add new ones.
5. Can learner drivers get a truck licence?
No. You must have held a C-class licence for at least 1–2 years, depending on the truck class.
Final Thoughts
So, can you drive both a car and a truck with one licence? Absolutely—if you upgrade to the appropriate truck licence. An HR, MR, or LR licence covers both vehicle types, allowing you to switch from personal driving to professional work without needing two licences.
Whether you're in Brisbane or anywhere else in Queensland, upgrading your licence could be the next step in your career.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're in Brisbane and ready to take the next step, contact a trusted Brisbane driving school , truck licence brisbane and Truck Licence Training courses in Brisbane for expert training in Heavy Rigid, Medium Rigid, Light Rigid, MC Training or Heavy Combination licences—offered in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu.
