Heavy Vehicle Training in Nowra

Experienced Trainers & Assessors

Looking to become job-ready to industry standards? Des’s Driving School in Nowra offers a wide range of truck driving training, including day courses and comprehensive licence instruction.


We provide training to receive New South Wales and Queensland licences for:


  • Light Rigid (light trucks & buses with a gross vehicle mass of up to 8 tonnes)
  • Medium Rigid (trucks & buses over 8 tonnes & with two axles)
  • Heavy Rigid (trucks & buses over 8 tonnes & with three or more axles)
  • Heavy Combination (articulated vehicles or heavy rigid vehicle-trailer combinations with three or more axles)
  • Multi Combination (B-doubles, prime mover-trailer combinations, road trains)


To learn more about our heavy vehicle training, contact us on (02) 4446 6861.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What licence do I need to drive a heavy vehicle in Australia?

    Heavy vehicle licences range from LR to MC, and each covers different vehicle sizes and combinations. The right one depends on what you want to drive, such as buses, rigid trucks or articulated vehicles. Most classes require holding a Class C licence for a set period, completing knowledge and eyesight tests, then undertaking practical training. Understanding these licence levels helps you choose the correct pathway for your job or career goals.

  • How long does heavy vehicle training usually take?

    Training time varies based on experience, the licence class and whether competency-based assessment or a test is required. Some people complete training in a day, while others spread sessions over several days to build confidence. Courses include safety checks, practical driving and manoeuvring skills to ensure you can safely manage a larger vehicle before assessment.

  • What should I expect during a heavy vehicle driving assessment?

    Assessments usually include a vehicle safety check, a practical driving route and specific manoeuvres such as reversing or hill starts. You’ll be assessed on observation, control, positioning and overall safety. The process ensures you can manage a heavy vehicle independently and confidently in real driving conditions.

Semi-Truck Travels on a Winding Road Through a Countryside Landscape at Sunset — Des’s Driving School in Callala Bay, NSW

Types of Licence Upgrades

The Medium Rigid is one of the most common licence upgrades as it covers a variety of trucks and buses.


To apply for one, you have to have held your class C licence or equivalent for one year or more. You can learn on a P1, but cannot practice driving without at least a P2. Next up is an MR knowledge test, an eyesight test and you have to complete a Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment.


As driving a Heavy Rigid vehicle is so different from a car—the sheer size affecting your perspective, braking, turning lines and manoeuvring—upgrading to an HR licence is the biggest upgrade a person can take. Eligibility is similar to the MR, but you must have had your C licence for at least two years and take an HR test.


To learn more about these licences, or obtain information on other classes of heavy vehicle training, contact Des’s Driving School today.