Some of the larger motorhomes require a light rigid license. I am interested to hear from those that have one just how difficult and expensive it is to obtain one of these. I presume there is a driving test; can it be done using the motorhome?
Guess it depends on what state you live in. I'm in Queensland and upgraded from car to HR last year (only needed an LR but training company said cost was same for either LR or HR so I aimed for the top). Just had to learn some heavy-vehicle related rules and did a few practice runs on the Transport Department's website for the written part of the test - all questions in the test were part of the online practice so flew through that bit (needed to get 8 out of 10 correct - multiple-choice questions also helped!). Did three hours training in a truck then one hour for the practical test. No problems, just common sense and remembering a few tips from the instructor (don't clip kerbs on corners, constantly check mirrors, etc). Unfortunately my medical condition meant that with the HR licence I needed to have a medical test every year, so I've just downgraded to an LR, which only requires a medical every two years. My bus has a GVM of 5.73 tonnes so I'm still well under the 8-tonne limit.
Cheers
Joe
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Hino Rainbow motorhome conversion towing a Daihatsu Terios
Some of the larger motorhomes require a light rigid license. I am interested to hear from those that have one just how difficult and expensive it is to obtain one of these. I presume there is a driving test; can it be done using the motorhome?
Hi,
I sold my MH last year and it needed a LR licence. Some buyers were put off by that. However the couple who purchased it, liked it and were happy to get one. I was going to deliver it home for them but by the time their money was available the husband had his licence and said it was no problem and his wife had already started to do hers. They used the truck provided.
If you have some years experience, as most people here have, then it is pretty easy to get through a 'service provider' here in NSW. I guess that assumes you can drive OK. I have had my HR for many years now. Most MHs drive easily it is only the size that needs practice to get used to.
Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Tuesday 30th of June 2015 09:36:54 AM
-- Edited by Jaahn on Tuesday 30th of June 2015 09:37:34 AM
Although I am now 76!! I still have a heavy combined licence (Qld). Wonder if they'll try to down grade me next year when licence is up for renewal. Alice
You are required to get a learners permit first then it just involves taking a driving test. They do like making money from issuing the learners permit but after that it just a matter of organising the test. The Learners permit lasts for 12 months. This is in WA but I believe that all states are the same except you are required to take the driving test in your home state.
I assumed the reason for the licencing Dept advising all states operate under the same rules meant we could do the test in another state. Not so. That is where the plan fell over. I suppose I should have realised that at the time. 12 months lapsed before we got back to WA. Buggar.
Hubby recently upgraded his C-Class to MR in NSW ... Test is same as for LR however there are additional questions relating to heavy vehicles that are not in the online test, such as some loading and lashing, technical stuff about the vehicle, emergency response, Fatigue management, etc. they gave us a copy of the additional questions and just had to learn and understand their application like you do the online ones. the practical test is done after the Knowledge Test is successfully,completed .... Cost for a full day training from an RMS approved training provider was $850 all inclusive. The day started 6.30am with him having car licence and finished with him having MR licence at 4.30pm using a bus as trainer did not have LR vehicle and our motorhome had not as yet been upgraded. at the discretion of the RMS they may have one of their assessor spend the final hour of the training with you and actually conduct the final assessment .... This was not done for hubby ... Maybe because they consider it more important to allocate their own personnel to drivers who need the licence for their livelihood or young drivers.
when I do mine later in the year I am able to use the motorhome ... Only problem is at the moment I can not legally drive the MH. The trainer we have chosen is actually a highway patrol officer and trains police drivers also, so confident we will come out of the experience better and more aware drivers...... Not sure how he gets around having 2 jobs ... One being his own business.
Anyway, hope our experience answers some of your questions.
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The Maccas ....
2013 Avida Esperance Motorhome - based in northern NSW.
as I currently hold a HC and a 4b licence I can legally tow my combination of a Pajero and a 21 foot Jayco but I am not afraid to say there should be a licence classification for towing dual axel vans and mandatory training in how to handle one on the road, as it stands today you can go from only ever having driven a car the size of a Mini to a Landcruiser towing a 3.5 ton caravan that is 30 feet long, to me that is crazy and inviting trouble.
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You don't need a learners permit in Victoria, you can go from a full car licence to a LR, MR or HR. It's not that hard and if you find a good provider they will certainly help you get through it.
I have an HR licence and my wife who doesn't have the heavy licence can drive our motorhome so long as I am in the front passenger seat.
Same in NSW Shogun for heavy vehicle licences ... Only prob for me is the licence holder that has to be in the vehicle with you must have had the licence for 12 months ...... so will be another 10 months before I can drive the motorhome legally under supervision even though we could drive the motorhome legally a month ago before the GVM upgrade ..... Catch22 ....
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The Maccas ....
2013 Avida Esperance Motorhome - based in northern NSW.
Don't know what state you live in, and it is clear that the situation varies between states.
In Vic, the Driver obtained his MR licence a few years back. We were working seasonal jobs in tourist industry up north and he thought it might come in handy. He did a training course with a Melbourne company that trains truck drivers and the like, and they saw him through the test. It was very straightforward, but cost a few hundred dollars.
I got my HR decades ago - things were very different (easier) then.
They used the truck provided.
I guess that assumes you 
