An LR (Light Rigid) licence in NSW allows you to drive rigid vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of more than 4.5 tonnes and up to 8 tonnes. It also covers vehicles carrying more than 12 adults, including the driver, provided the vehicle does not exceed 8 tonnes GVM. An LR licence also allows you to drive vehicles covered by a Class C licence.
What can you drive with an LR licence in NSW?
Vehicle | LR Licence |
| Cars | Yes |
| Vans | Yes, within Class C limits |
| Small rigid trucks | Yes |
| Trucks over 4.5t GVM | Yes |
| Trucks up to 8t GVM | Yes |
| Minibuses carrying more than 12 adults | Yes, up to 8t GVM |
| Trailers up to 9t GVM | Permitted |
| Trucks over 8t GVM | No |
| B-doubles | No |
| Road trains | No |
| Heavy combinations requiring HC/MC | No |
The NSW Government specifically confirms the 4.5–8 tonne LR range and 9-tonne trailer limit.
The six vehicles classes include C, LR, MR, HR, HC and MC vehicles. Let’s quickly go through the differences between each.
Vehicle licence classes in NSW
Class C – Car licence: a vehicle of up to 4.5 tonnes as the gross mass of the vehicle is permitted. The truck should seat no more than 12 adults, inclusive of the driver. It also accommodates utes, vans, cars and light trucks.
Read more about what trucks you can drive with a Class C licence.
LR – Light Rigid licence: this type of licence allows you to drive rigid vehicles with a GVM above 4.5 tonnes but not exceeding 8 tonnes. It also allows you to carry more than 12 passengers including the driver.
Class MR – Medium Rigid licence: allows rigid trucks with a gross vehicle mass of more than eight tonnes and two axles. The added advantage is that a Medium Rigid license also allows any car or vehicle governed by a Class LR license.
HR – Heavy Rigid licence: permits rigid trucks with a gross vehicle mass of over eight tonnes and 3 or more axles. For example, the articulated bus is permissible in this class as well as vehicles in the LR & MR license classes.
HC – Heavy Combination licence: lets you drive heavy combination vehicles with more than 3 axles. It also permits trailers of over 9 tonnes whereas the previous classes are restricted to trailers less than 9 tonnes.
MC – Multi Combination licence: allows vehicles such as b-doubles and road trains and any trucks permitted in the HC class.
Trucks you can drive with a LR licence
There are many buses and small trucks you can rent with a LR licence. Below are examples of vehicles that you can hire with us.
Mini buses
You can drive a minibus up to 12 seaters with a regular car licence. However, you need a LR licence to drive buses with a carrying capacity of more than 12 passengers, inclusive of the driver.
Light trucks
Light trucks are very versatile: they are small enough for tight loading sites yet tough enough to move commercial volumes freight. A small flatbed is a great way to shift cargo that requires maximum load-space versatility. And you only need a LR licence to drive it on the Australian roads.
Contact us for more information on our fleet of light trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What trucks can I drive with an LR licence in NSW?
With an LR licence in NSW, you can drive rigid vehicles over 4.5 tonnes and up to 8 tonnes GVM, including eligible light rigid trucks and minibuses.
Can I drive a Pantech truck with an LR licence?
Yes, you can drive a Pantech truck with an LR licence if its GVM is more than 4.5 tonnes and does not exceed 8 tonnes.
Can I drive a minibus with an LR licence?
Yes, an LR licence can cover a minibus carrying more than 12 adults, including the driver, provided its GVM does not exceed 8 tonnes.
Can I tow a trailer with an LR licence?
Yes, an LR licence allows you to tow a trailer with a GVM of up to 9 tonnes, subject to NSW road and vehicle requirements.
What is the difference between LR and MR licence in NSW?
An LR licence covers rigid vehicles over 4.5 tonnes up to 8 tonnes GVM, while an MR licence covers 2-axle rigid vehicles over 8 tonnes GVM.
