The handbook does not really say when someone can actually get behind the wheel to drive a vehicle for the purposes of learning to drive on a public road. The handbook only says that the Heavy vehicle knowledge test and eyesight test need to be done before the candidate undertakes his/her assessment. One is through a recognised driving school, the other way is through a competency based assessment using an RMS assessor in your own vehicle. The Heavy Vehicle handbook states that there are 2 ways to become qualified/licensed to drive a Heavy Vehicle. This is fairly straightforward, however we have found some people have a different interpretation, and the RMS cannot clarify the position for us.

At this point they begin learning with a qualified driver (from this step onwards, is covered by RFS SOP) until they are ready to undertake a competency based assessment.When they pass the test they undertake an eyesight test, and upon passing that test they receive a log book to record their training hours.The member then takes this letter to the RMS office and then undertakes a Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test appropriate to the vehicle class they wish to learn on.This letter also exempts the member from certain fees at the RMS office. A member who holds a Class C license to approach his/her district administration office and request a letter stating that this member is granted permission to undertake Driver training in a service vehicle.

The current widely accepted procedure is … at what point is it legal for a person to get behind the wheel of a heavy vehicle and begin learning to drive? Is it before or after a theory and eye sight test at an RMS/Service NSW office?

A volunteer with the RFS asks a question with respect to driver training:

Hr licence qld practice test