MC Truck Licence in Queensland: Eligibility, Requirements, and How To Get Started
If you’re aiming to get MC Truck Licence drive B‑doubles or road trains in Australia, the Multi‑Combination (MC) licence is the top of the heavy vehicle pathway. This guide explains Queensland (TMR) requirements, how long you must hold an HR or HC prior to upgrading, what the MC process involves, and how to get started with Elite Truck & Car School (ETACS).
Use the internal links below to plan your pathway, and check the external source references at the end for authoritative government guidance.
- HR pathway: Heavy Rigid (HR) Driver Licence
- HC pathway: Heavy Combination (HC) Driver Licence
- MC course: TLIC4006 Drive Multi‑Combination Vehicle (MC)
- ETACS articles hub: Driver’s Licence Articles
What is an MC Truck Licence?
An MC (Multi‑Combination) licence authorises you to drive multi‑trailer heavy combinations such as B‑doubles and road trains. In Queensland, MC sits above HR and HC in the heavy vehicle class hierarchy and represents the highest truck licence class you can hold. See TMR’s licence class overview and vehicle definitions for full details and examples of what each class can drive.
How long must I hold HR or HC before I’m eligible for MC?
The Queensland tenure rule (TMR)
- You must have held a Heavy Rigid (HR) or Heavy Combination (HC) licence for at least 1 year (12 months) before you can upgrade to MC in Queensland.
- This requirement is set by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and applies regardless of whether you step up from HR or HC.
For the official rule, see TMR’s “Upgrading a licence” and the MC licence page in the references.
Bottom line: If you’re planning from scratch, many drivers follow a staged pathway:
- Car (C) → HR → after 12 months → MC; or
- Car (C) → HR → HC → after 12 months holding HR/HC → MC.
If you’re unsure which route is best for your experience level, ETACS can help you map it out:
What does it require to get an MC Truck Licence in Queensland?
Core eligibility (TMR)
To upgrade to MC in Queensland you must:
- Have held an HR or HC for at least 12 months.
- Complete the TMR driver licence application steps (identity, eyesight if required, medical fitness declaration).
- Provide additional evidence depending on whether you currently hold HR or HC.
Specific training and evidence paths
- If you currently hold HR:
- You must complete the nationally recognised unit TLIC4006 Drive Multi‑Combination Vehicle with an approved MC training provider.
- TMR specifies a minimum of 16 hours training and assessment for HR to MC.
- If you currently hold HC:
- Option 1: Complete TLIC4006 with an approved MC provider (TMR minimum 8 hours training and assessment), or
- Option 2: Provide a Multi‑Combination Driving Experience Declaration (F3272) with evidence of your ability to drive an MC vehicle.
TMR does not conduct a practical driving test for MC. Instead, MC is competency‑based, delivered and assessed by approved providers, and you present your Statement of Attainment (and any other required documents) to TMR to have MC added to your licence.
Enroll with ETACS to complete TLIC4006 and be assessed for MC:
The competency unit: TLIC4006 Drive Multi‑Combination Vehicle
TLIC4006 focuses on the knowledge and skills required to safely operate multi‑combination vehicles, including:
- Pre‑operational checks, coupling/uncoupling of dollies and trailers
- Advanced reversing and trailer handling
- Route planning, defensive driving, hazard management
- Load security, axle weights and legal requirements
- Fatigue awareness and work diary practices at a practical level
ETACS delivers TLIC4006 as part of a structured MC course with theory and practical assessment to competency.
Start here: MC (TLIC4006) course overview
Gearbox restrictions and your MC Truck Licence outcome
Queensland uses condition codes that can restrict the transmission types you may drive:
- Condition A: Automatic only
- Condition B: Synchromesh/manual (no non‑synchromesh)
- Unconditional: Includes non‑synchromesh (“Road Ranger”), synchromesh and automatic
Your current licence conditions and the vehicles used for training/assessment affect the final MC conditions. If you’re aiming for maximum employability, consider removing gearbox restrictions on the way to MC. ETACS can advise on training options to achieve the outcome you want.
- Plan your steps: HC course at ETACS
- Go all the way: MC TLIC4006 at ETACS
National operating requirements to be job‑ready (beyond the licence)
Holding MC Truck licence is the first step; safely operating an MC vehicle involves national heavy vehicle obligations that employers expect you to understand:
Fatigue and work/rest hours (NHVR)
- Heavy vehicle drivers must comply with maximum work and minimum rest rules under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
- You’ll likely need to keep a National Driver Work Diary when operating outside a 100 km radius from base (or use an approved Electronic Work Diary).
Learn more from the NHVR references below.
Load restraint, mass and dimension limits
- You must comply with the national Load Restraint Guide, and with mass and dimension limits for your combination.
- Many linehaul operators also use NHVAS accreditation systems—understanding these helps you meet employer standards.
ETACS integrates real‑world best practice into MC Truck Licence training, so you can transition from competency to safe, compliant operations.
Explore ETACS training pathways and industry‑readiness articles:
Step‑by‑step: Your path to MC Truck Licence with Elite truck and car School
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
- Check that you have at least 12 months on HR or HC (Queensland requirement).
Step 2: Choose your upgrade path
- HR to MC: Complete TLIC4006 with an approved provider (TMR minimum 16 hours).
- HC to MC: Either complete TLIC4006 (minimum 8 hours) or submit the HC‑to‑MC experience declaration with evidence.
Step 3: Enroll in MC at ETACS
- Book into TLIC4006 (MC) at ETACS.
- ETACS will guide you through theory, practical, and assessment to competency, including gearbox pathway advice.
Step 4: Lodge with TMR
- Present your Statement of Attainment and required forms/ID at a TMR Customer Service Centre to add MC to your licence.
FAQs: Muliti-combination Truck Licence in Queensland
Can I go straight from HR to MC?
Yes—after you’ve held HR for at least 12 months. You must complete TLIC4006 with an approved MC training provider and meet TMR’s minimum training hours.
Is there a TMR driving test for MC?
No. MC is competency‑based. You train and are assessed with an approved provider, then submit your Statement of Attainment to TMR.
What if I already hold HC?
You can either complete TLIC4006 (reduced minimum hours apply for HC holders) or submit a TMR Multi‑Combination Driving Experience Declaration with supporting evidence.
Do I need a Work Diary?
Generally, yes when you operate outside 100 km from base (unless a specific exemption applies). Many MC roles are long‑distance, so expect to use a Work Diary or an approved Electronic Work Diary. See NHVR links in the references.
What’s the best gearbox outcome for job prospects?
An unconditional MC (includes non‑synchromesh) maximises employability. ETACS can map your gearbox pathway so you achieve the right conditions.
Get started with ETACS
- Plan your pathway: Driver’s Licence Articles
- Build your foundation: HR licence training
- Step up your combination experience: HC licence training
- Finish at the top: MC TLIC4006 – Drive Multi‑Combination Vehicle
ETACS delivers nationally recognised training with real‑world skills so you can move quickly from licence upgrade to safe, compliant MC operations.
External References
- Queensland Government (TMR) – Upgrading a licence (includes HR/HC → MC tenure table and MC process): Upgrading a licence | Queensland Government
- Queensland Government (TMR) – MC licence overview and requirements (HR vs HC paths, training hours, evidence): Multi‑combination vehicle licence (class MC) | TMR
- Queensland Government – Licence classes and conditions (class definitions and condition codes A/B): Licence types, classes and conditions | Queensland Government
- NHVR – Work and rest hours (fatigue rules): Work and rest requirements | NHVR
- NHVR – Work Diary requirements: Work diary | NHVR
- NHVR – Record keeping within 100 km radius: Record keeping requirements | NHVR
Internal ETACS Links
- ETACS MC course (required internal reference): TLIC4006 Drive Multi‑Combination Vehicle (MC)
- ETACS HC course: Heavy Combination (HC) Driver Licence
- ETACS HR course: Heavy Rigid (HR) Driver Licence
- ETACS articles hub: Driver’s Licence Articles
