Not all motor vehicle driving licenses are created equal, especially when it comes to heavy vehicles. If you’re looking to drive the big rigs, like road trains or B-doubles, you’ll need more than just a standard license. An MC license is the go-to.
The MC, or Multi-Combination driver license, sits at the top of the permit hierarchy and is, by far, the hardest to get. Your journey would typically start with lighter vehicles and then work your way up through the ranks: Light Rigid, Heavy Rigid, Heavy Combination, and finally, the MC license.
Given this whole journey to get there, it would be disheartening if you dropped the ball in the application stage. This guide is here to pinpoint the mistakes that may prove costly so you can steer clear and increase your odds of getting approved.
Not Meeting Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for this heavy vehicle license, consider checking out the prerequisites. First, you must be a holder of a valid Heavy Rigid (HR) or Heavy Combination (HC) license.
These former allows you to drive large buses, garbage trucks and heavy delivery trucks while the latter makes you eligible to drive tankers and large tipper trucks with one trailer. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may need to have held these licenses for at least two years.
Skipping the Necessary Training
Before getting the MC license, you must take and pass a test issued by an authorised examiner. This test demands prior preparation, or you risk missing out on the permit entirely.
To get this right, enroll in an accredited MC license training course or any others you prefer. These courses teach you the skills you need to handle multi-combination vehicle class safely. You may get to hone your skills in coupling/uncoupling, maneuvering, load management, and so on.
Once you’re absolutely sure you’re well-prepared, take the test. Keep in mind the fact that these tests aren’t a walk in the park. Expect to be tested on how to connect/disconnect trailers safely, reversing with multiple pivot points, and precise backing maneuvers in tight spaces.
Your gearbox knowledge and advanced vehicle control skills can also be tested. Can you handle longer vehicle lengths? Can you turn wide? Can you manage trailer swing? All these will contribute to your overall test performance.
Finally, there are theory and knowledge tests. These will test your knowledge of traffic laws, mass and load limits, and so on. Given these complexities, it goes without saying that being well-prepared can go a long way towards helping you get that completion certificate.
Failing to Submit Complete Documentation
You’ll generally need a few documents when applying for an MC license. For starters, you’ll need to fill out and submit a driver license application form (Form DLA1). Accompanying this would be proof of identity, which varies depending on the state/territory. More often, though, it’s a valid passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued identification.
Apart from these legal documents, you’ll also need to pass a commercial vehicle standard eye test and declare whether you have any conditions that might impair your ability to drive a heavy vehicle. Remember that part about training? You’ll need to provide documentation showing successful completion. Once you have this in order, you’ll need to pay an application fee.
Make sure you read through the list of required documents before submitting, and follow it to the end. This will increase the odds of your application going through. It’ll also likely help you steer clear of bottlenecks which might cost you opportunities.
Forgetting to Renew Supporting Licenses
It’s common for applicants to focus so intently on preparing for the MC license test that they overlook the validity of their existing Heavy Rigid (HR) or Heavy Combination (HC) licenses. Avoid this trap by keeping these licenses up-to-date during the application process.
Failure to do so can see your application rejected outright. Your examiner may even cancel your already scheduled test on these grounds. This means you’ll likely have to start over once you’ve renewed your supporting licenses.
To avoid this possibility, keep an eye out for the expiry dates on your other licenses and plan accordingly so they don’t overlap with your application. If you still have some legroom, apply. If not, renew and keep both digital and physical copies.
Closing Thoughts
Getting an MC license can take your career as a multi-combination driver to the next level. However, as this guide has clearly laid out, the process can be grueling, especially if you approach it half-prepared. Use the tips you’ve gathered here to get ready and increase the odds of getting that license on the first try. Once you feel confident enough, take the step and apply.
