When you’re looking to start a career in truck driving, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is: which type of HR licence should I go for: automatic, manual or Road Ranger?
It might sound like a technical detail, but your choice of gearbox now can impact what vehicles you’re legally allowed to drive, and which jobs you’ll be eligible for. Whether you’re looking for truck driving lessons in Perth, WA and want to complete your heavy rigid course, it’s important to understand the differences between licence types so you can make the best choice for your goals.
This blog will break it all down simply so you can get licensed and get to work, without second-guessing your decision later.
Why Your HR Licence Gearbox Type Matters
When it comes to your HR (Heavy Rigid) licence, you’re not just learning to drive a big truck, you’re learning to handle a specific kind of gearbox. And depending on the gearbox type you’re trained on, it’ll affect what trucks you’re allowed to drive in the real world.
There are three HR licence types:
- HR-A (Automatic),
- HR-B (Manual/Synchromesh)
- HR Road Ranger (Open)
Let’s break each one down.
Licence: HR-A (Automatic)
This is the most beginner-friendly option. If you train and get tested in a truck with an automatic gearbox, you’ll get an HR-A licence, which allows you to drive only automatic heavy rigid vehicles.
This is ideal for new drivers seeking the quickest and simplest way to obtain a license, as well as anyone interested in local delivery, bus driving or general mining operations, where automatic transmission is common.
Pros:
- Easier to learn (no gear shifting or clutch work).
- Ideal for getting licensed quickly and starting work faster.
- Plenty of automatic trucks on the road today.
Limitations:
- You can’t legally drive manual or Road Ranger vehicles with this licence.
- Limits your job options, especially in drilling, regional freight, and older fleet work.
Want to start simple and get on the road fast? An HR automatic licence in Perth might be perfect for you.
Licence: HR-B (Manual / Synchromesh)
With HR-B, you’re trained in a manual truck using a synchromesh gearbox (which is easier to use than a Road Ranger). This licence allows you to drive both manual and automatic HR vehicles, but not Road Ranger gearboxes.
This option is best for drivers who want more flexibility than auto-only, as well as anyone eyeing regional, logistics or construction roles where manuals are still used.
Pros:
- Expands your options, covers both manual and automatic HR trucks.
- Still easier than Road Ranger to learn and drive.
- Ideal balance between simplicity and flexibility.
Limitations:
- Doesn’t qualify you to drive Road Ranger gearboxes, so you’ll need another upgrade later if required.
Looking for more long-term job flexibility without going all-in on double-clutching? An HR manual licence is a solid choice.
Licence: HR Road Ranger (Open Licence)
This is the most advanced HR licence type. You’ll be trained in a non-synchromesh vehicle (commonly called a Road Ranger or crashbox), which requires double-clutching and precise gear shifting.
This licence allows you to drive all types of HR vehicles — automatic, manual, and Road Ranger.
This option is great for drivers aiming for high-paying roles in mining, long-haul transport, and heavy haulage, and those who want full flexibility across all heavy rigid vehicles.
Pros:
- No gearbox restrictions – you can drive any HR truck.
- Future-proofs your career, especially for work in WA’s mining and resources sector.
- Shows employers you’re confident and capable with all vehicle types.
Limitations:
- Requires more training time and practice.
- It might take longer to pass your test, but it pays off long-term.
If you’re serious about truck driving as a career, getting your HR Road Ranger licence upfront can open more doors.
So… Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide based on your goals:
- Want to get licensed fast and start working right away? Go for the HR-A (Automatic). It’s the quickest entry into the industry.
- Want flexibility but not the stress of mastering Road Ranger? Choose the HR-B (Manual/Synchromesh). It balances ease of learning with access to more job types.
- Want full control over your career path and access to the highest-paying jobs? Train for the HR Road Ranger (Open Licence). It’s harder, but the rewards are bigger.
Choosing the Right Training Provider
Whichever licence you go for, good training makes a huge difference. When you’re looking for truck training, make sure your provider offers:
- Real, industry-standard vehicles with the gearbox you want to train on.
- Experienced trainers who break down skills step-by-step.
- Support throughout the licensing process.
- A clear path to help you move from HR to HC or even MC later.
What’s Next?
Once you’ve chosen your HR licence type and got some experience under your belt, you’ll be in a great position to upgrade. That could mean moving into HC licence training in Perth, or levelling up with MC training in Perth for bigger rigs and bigger pay.
Not sure where to begin? Check out our blog on starting your trucking career to get a step-by-step overview.
Hit the Road Sooner with Perth Transport Training
Choosing the right HR licence type is one of the most important early steps in your trucking career. Think about where you want to go, and make the choice that gets you there – whether that’s a fast start, more flexibility, or full professional capability.
Ready to hit the road? Book your training today and take control of your future.