HR license advice please!

[lilstookie]

I would like to pick up my HR license soon as there seem to be plenty of driving jobs listed around the place. Only one site has given more detailed info about the type of trucks they have. Am I best to just do the crashbox course or would the synchro be suitable for many jobs (farming/bus type driving I guess). Does knowing a crashbox mean you can drive a synchro (like a manual license means you can also drive an auto car)?

Lil

[jwb]

when I got mine about 6 years ago in brisbane
The vehicle had a RR gearbox (crash box)
learn that & you should be able to drive any of the others.
That said I have been sending out my resume
for a few advertised hr jobs and have had a very slow
responce rate. The experience I have is with an MR
Vehicle not actually an HR.
I'm thinking the MR bit might be working against me?
Best of luck
Cheers

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[jimsiron]

HR license in Vic means you should have to do the crash box test. You will then be able to drive MR and LR as per the licensing scales and sycro boxes. I did mine 12 months ago and found it quite easy overall.
regards
Jimsiron

[UR-50-LO]

Do the training/test with a RR gearbox as it opens up alot more options for you. Many new trucks are synchro mesh and even automatic these days but most of the older trucks will have crash boxes. It only takes a few hours to master, going up through the gears is a piece of piss, and once you realize where your revs should be when down shifting it will become easy enough for you. Took me about 2 hours before I was able to drive unassisted, and was ready to test after the next lesson...

Once your confident double clutching the RR box, see if they will teach you to drive it clutchless. You will be thankfull after working 12+hr shifts lol!!!

[shanegtr]

I agree with whats been said above. Syncro vs non syncro is a bit like auto vs manual in regards to licences. Get a truck with a Road Ranger box and you'll be able to drive the lot.

Here in WA im pritty sure you have to double clutch for the licence pass - when I done my test my double clutch effort was just for show, just enough to make it look like I was putting in the effort but not actually doing any clutching action

[Tuco]

Good on you for going for the HR licence.

Be aware that in some states the 0.05 alcohol limit that applies to open licences - does not apply to HR licence holders - it must be 0.00 (zero).

[lilstookie]

Thanks guys. I'm inclined to go for the crash box, though it's a fair bit more $$ and time. I think I would see returns on that quicker. To be honest, I think I'll enjoy it that little bit more too


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[speewa158]

When l got my HR all we had was Crash Box , Drive em like you hate em . 

[Bird]

how much is the upgrade test?

I'd do the cheaper one and see if driving is your gig...

I saw many people come and go in driving when I went up and down the road.
It all sounds awesome, but it isnt all its cracked up to be depending on who you drive for and what your carrying. some companies expectations are not realistic...

There are good jobs out there, but they usually dont come up often, and go by word of mouth, or people just dont leave them. Thus why theres always Shit loads of jobs out there for drivers.

I'm glad to be out of truck drivin now... great job back when I was single.

[lilstookie]

Lost, at this stage, I'm not doing it for permanent work. Just want to open up some options while we're on the road. They're desperate for drivers during the sugar cane crushing season and even gigs like driving mobile libraries are available in many areas. I would much rather be driving in heat/flies/other horrible yukkiness than picking fruit or fencing

[BigJules]

The courses seem to be around $1000, what do you get for that?

I need to get my HR license as well, though I've driven plenty of big trucks already.

[crackacoldie]

Do any testing with a crash box and you will be able to drive a syncro, if you are looking for casual work while travelling look at getting your HC licence, it opens up a lot more avenues to be able to tow a trailer.

  Cracka

[two+four]

I am just looking into in WA at the moment.

Aprox $17 to do the theory test 8 correct answers required out of 10 from a pool of 17 questions. Pass that and it is a $70 fee for your learners permit which incudes the cost of your first practical assessment.

Driving schools seem to charge from $90 to $120 for an hours lesson. It appears you can sit an Auto. Synchro or Crash box test in WA now and it will be recorded on your license. Some Training outfits  do the lot in a day for around a $1000.

If you have a mate with an HR license (for more than 4 years) and a track he can train you without getting the permit (pretty sure you still need to pass the theory at some point though) Most schools require you to get it first though.

I am planning to do the Theory get some school lessons then pick up some extra experience at work before sitting my test.

Neil

[lilstookie]

This from an email I sent to one training provider:

"HR Synchro (8 gears -split 4 & 4)  5 hour course for $732.00, or HR Non-Synchro (Double clutch - 18 speed road ranger gearbox/also called crash box by old truckers) 12 hour course for $1,308.00."

I think HC you have to have held HR for 2 years?

EDIT: From VicRoads website

"Heavy Combination (HC) You may drive a prime mover or single semi trailer exceeding 9 tonne, or rigid vehicle plus trailer greater than 9 tonnes GVM. A Mass and Dimension permit may also be required. To apply for this category you must have held an Australian car driver licence for at least 24 months, including Medium Rigid or Heavy Rigid licence for at least 12 months."

[lilstookie]

Just had another look. Seems Barklys do a 14hr one-on-one crashbox course over 3 days for $990. $400 difference for 2hrs less training is a significant difference!