Can I use my own vehicle to be assessed or tested?
You can learn and be assessed or tested in your own vehicle, as long as it is registered and roadworthy and meets the following vehicle and load requirements.
Vehicle requirements
The vehicle that you use for CBA must be the right type for the class of licence for which you are applying.
If you are applying for a heavy rigid (HR) or heavy combination (HC) licence, there are additional minimum standards for vehicles which can be used. For more information see the Heavy Vehicle Drivers’ Handbook.
Load requirements
All heavy vehicles (except buses) presented for the heavy vehicle driving test must be loaded to at least 75% of the maximum mass allowable for the vehicle to be driven on public roads. This is at least 75% of either the “legal mass limit”, Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) for rigid vehicles or Gross Combination Mass (GCM) for articulated or heavy trailer combinations, whichever is the lowest.
There must be a lap-sash retractable seat belt fitted to the front passenger seat of the vehicle for the testing officer (MR and HR buses excepted).
The following vehicles must not be used for a driving test:
- Armoured security vehicles.
- Vehicles carrying dangerous goods.
- Federal Interstate registered vehicles.
- Vehicles carrying livestock.
- Buses carrying passengers.
For further information see A Guide to Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment.
Heavy vehicle licence conditions
If you undertake CBA in a heavy vehicle fitted with an automatic or synchromesh gearbox, a condition will be added to your licence which will only allow you to drive heavy vehicles with a similar transmission.To have the condition removed you need to pass a shortened version of the RTA test in a vehicle fitted with a constant mesh gearbox.
Special test tips
- Activate hazard warning lights before starting to reverse.
- Where practical, signal at least 60 metres before a turn, changing lanes, etc.
For further enquiries phone 13 22 13 (8.30am - 5pm Mon-Fri and 8.30am - noon Sat).
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