DRIVING LOW LOADERS WITH LOW
LOADER DOLLY COMBINATIONS –
MULTI COMBINATION CLASS
LICENCE REQUIREMENT
Roads and Maritime Services is reminding truck drivers that drive low loaders with low loader
dolly combinations require a Multi Combination (MC) class licence.
Drivers who operate a low loader trailer, connected to a low loader dolly attached to a prime
mover must ensure they hold the appropriate licence class or risk serious fines if caught.
It is vital that truck drivers hold the correct licence for the vehicle they are operating to ensure
they have the right skills to manage the vehicle combination for the safety of all road users.
Drivers and operators who are on the road without an appropriate licence may also risk
voiding insurance should there be an incident.
This requirement also applies to interstate licenced drivers who are driving these multi
combinations on NSW roads. They must have an MC class licence to avoid enforcement
action.
Why enforce the MC class licence?
As a regulatory body, Roads and Maritime is
responsible for setting standards, ensuring
compliance, and enforcement for the safety of all
road, harbour and waterway users.
Enforcing this licencing requirement is consistent
with the agreed national licence classes, stated in
Clause 7 of the Road Transport (Driver Licensing)
Regulation 2008 and also part of Roads and
Martime’s responsibility.
Roads and Maritime is urging heavy vehicle drivers
to check they hold the appropriate licence class for
the safety of all road users.
Will this affect interstate drivers?
Yes. All interstate drivers who operate a low loader
trailer, connected to a low loader dolly attached to a
prime mover are also required to comply. They
require an MC class licence that may be issued
through any State road agency.
Is this a national requirement?
On road inspection
Roads and Maritime consulted with the heavy
vehicle industry earlier this year. Concerns about
the licence status of heavy haulage drivers were
raised. Industry agreed a six-month transition
period was required during which formal warnings
were issued by Roads and Maritime inspectors
instead of penalty notices. This notice period ended
on 30 September 2015.
Yes. States and Territories have laws that reflect
the provisions of the National Driver Licensing
Scheme, except Queensland.
Nevertheless, this requirement applies to interstate
licenced drivers who are driving these
combinations on NSW roads.
What is the difference between a HC and
MC class licence?
MC class licence allows you to drive all types of
vehicles except motorcycles.
Roads and Maritime Services
Level 9, 101 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 |
Locked Bag 928, North Sydney NSW 2059 |
www.rms.nsw.gov.au | 13 22 13
Heavy combination (HC) licence class holders can
drive any prime mover attached to a semi-trailer or
a rigid vehicle towing a trailer with a gross vehicle
mass of more than nine tonnes plus any unladen
converter dolly.
to an MC class licence until you hold a full HR
or HC class licence.
•
Pass an MC knowledge test
•
Pass an eyesight test
•
Pass a medical examination
•
Prime mover attached to a semi-trailer
Complete Heavy Vehicle Competency Based
Assessment (HVCBA). Drivers are assessed in
clearly defined competencies relating
specifically to heavy vehicle driving.
Rigid vehicle towing a trailer
Note: Assessments are conducted using the
National Heavy Vehicle Competency Based
Framework with applicants issued a national
unit of competency TLILIC3018B - Licence to
drive a multi combination vehicle
HC licence class holders can also drive any vehicle
in the heavy rigid (HR) to C licence classes,
excluding motorcycles.
MC class licence holders can drive a low loader
combination consisting of a low loader trailer
connected to a low loader dolly that is attached to a
prime mover, B-double, road train and any other
vehicle included in the heavy combination (HC) to
class C licence classes, excluding motorcycles.
Roads and Maritime is urging heavy vehicle drivers
to check they hold the appropriate licence class
and discuss training requirements with an
accredited training provider or their employer.
You can find Registered Training Organisations
accredited by Roads and Maritime Services to
provide Heavy Vehicle Competency Based
Assessment (HVCBA) on our website.
Low loader trailer connected to a low loader
dolly attached to a prime mover
B-double
Roads and Maritime conducts joint operations
with the NSW Police
Road train
How would I get an MC class licence?
To apply for a MC class licence, drivers must:
•
Have held a class HR or HC licence or
equivalent for at least one year.
Note: Any time spent on a Provision P2 Heavy
Rigid licence is recognised. However, drivers
can't practice to drive a MC vehicle or upgrade
How will the MC class licence be
enforced?
Roads and Maritime and NSW Police enforce this
regulatory requirement. Drivers are considered
unlicensed if they do not hold an MC class licence
and the vehicle will be grounded.
Roads and Maritime will assist the driver in
contacting the operator and making arrangements
for the vehicle and load to continue on the journey.
What is the penalty?
A penalty notice fine of $637 applies for a first
offence and $1,275 applies for a second or
subsequent offence for anyone caught with an
inappropriate class of licence.
The fine system is designed to influence behaviour
by making sure individuals take responsibility for
actions which break the law.
Road train: MC class licence
What happens if I don’t finalise my fine?
If you do not finalise your fine by the due date on
the Penalty Reminder Notice, SDRO will issue an
Overdue Fine Notice adding additional costs.
Roads and Maritime Inspection Officer
What are my options if I receive a fine?
If you receive a fine, you can:
1. Pay the State Debt Recovery Office (SDRO) in
full either:
a. on line
b. via bpay
c. by phone
d. in person at any Service NSW centre or
Australia Post
2. Make part payment, provided it is paid in full by
the due date on the penalty reminder notice
3. Request a review either online or by post if
there were special circumstances and attaching
documentary evidence
4. Take the matter to court either online or by
post.
Also if you do not pay or finalise the fine by the due
date on the reminder notice, SDRO will begin
enforcement action by issuing an enforcement
order. The enforcement order will have an
additional $65 fee applied and if the enforcement
order remains unpaid by the due date, further costs
may be added
More information
Further information on heavy vehicle licence
classes is available on the Roads and Maritime
website at www.rms.nsw.gov.au.
Note: Courts may impose additional costs.
The SDRO is the fines division of the Office of
State Revenue. It is responsible for the receipt and
processing of fines and fees issued by various
government agencies and authorities, and
administering the fines enforcement system for the
collection of unpaid fines and fees.
Rigid truck and trailer: HC class licence: