Commercial Heavy Vehicles: Upgrading Your License Class
Posted on: 16 March 2016
If you currently hold the standard Car 'C' class license, you can legally handle small commercial motor vehicles. These automobiles can include trucks and cars with or without attached trailers, as long as the gross vehicle mass does not exceed four and a half tonnes. Moreover, you can drive a passenger vehicle that is designed and fabricated to carry twelve or less passengers. If you are planning on expanding your business operation in the near future, you should also consider upgrading your license class. This will allow you to handle heavy vehicles that are more suited for supply, delivery and general haulage operations. Here is some critical information that you need to know about upgrading to a higher driving license class.
Eligibility for Class Upgrade
If you are a current holder of an open or even provisional license, you can legally learn to handle an automotive in the next highest vehicle class. For example, as a C class license holder, you are eligible for an upgrade to the first licence category of heavy vehicles: the light rigid or medium rigid class licence. Basically, these licences will allow you to handle vehicles that are heavier than four and a half tonnes but less than nine tonnes. However, there are additional conditions for the upgrade. You must be eighteen years to be accepted as a potential candidate, and you should have had the C class licence for a minimum period of one year.
Learning to Drive
When learning how to drive any heavy vehicle, you must have a driving supervisor who holds an open licence in the category of interest. In addition, that individual should have had that particular license for a period of at least one year. You will be required to adhere to the regulations imposed on people holding a C class learner licence. Basically, when handling a heavy vehicle, the learner plates must be displayed on the front and rear. You will also be required to produce the learner license immediately when requested by police. In addition, a strict zero alcohol limit is imposed, which means that you must have no alcohol in your system.
Offences and Penalties
You will be subject to serious consequences if you commit any driving offence while handling a heavy vehicle with a learner's permit. Therefore, request for an offence outline from your instructor during the beginning of the training. Most crimes will attract demerit points and fines, but the details can vary. For example, driving without supervision will often attract demerit points and a fine.
For more information, contact All Onsite Training and Assessment or a similar company.
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