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Step 2 - Licence Types |
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Different licence classes are required by drivers of rigid vehicles:
- A Light Rigid 'Class LR' covers a rigid vehicle with a GVM of more than 4.5 tonnes but not more than 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than 9 tonnes GVM. Also includes vehicles with a GVM up to 8 tonnes which carry more than 12 adult including the driver and vehicles in class 'C'.
- A Medium Rigid 'Class MR' covers a rigid vehicle with 2 axles and a GVM of more than 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than 9 tonnes GVM. Also includes vehicles in class 'LR'.
- A Heavy Rigid 'Class HR' covers a rigid vehicle with 3 or more axles and a GVM of more than 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than 9 tonnes GVM. Also includes articulated buses and vehicles in class 'MR'.
If driving passengers for a fare or other form of payment, a Public Passenger Vehicle Driver Authority issued by the Ministry of Transport is required.
Articulated and combination vehicles
Different licences are required for driving different types of articulated vehicles:
- A 'Class HC' Licence covers heavy combination vehicles like a prime mover towing a semi-trailer, or rigid vehicles towing a trailer with a GVM of more than 9 tonnes. Also includes vehicles in class 'HR'.
- A 'Class MC' Licence covers multi-combination vehicles like Road Trains and B-Double Vehicles. Also includes vehicles in class 'HC'.
Paying passengers
The driver of a vehicle carrying paying passengers (such as a school bus or tourist coach) requires:
- An appropriate driver licence.
- A Public Passenger Vehicle Driver Authority which is issued by the Ministry of Transport.