How to Get Your Heavy Vehicle License

15/05/20 | Truck Finance, Trucks

So, you’ve decided you want to become a truck driver. Whether you’re going to be driving for your own business or someone else’s, the steps to getting your heavy vehicle license are the same. It can seem confusing, but when you break it down it’s not as overwhelming.

Here’s our basic guide to getting licensed to drive heavy vehicles. For specifics, please check with your relevant state or territory’s transport and main roads department.

You need to have, at minimum, your car license for two years before you can get a HR (Heavy Rigid) license. A truck falls into another class of vehicle and hence has a higher class of licence.
If you need a HC (Heavy Combination) or MC (Multi Combination) license, you need to hold your HR license for a year at minimum to successfully complete.

Find a registered driving school

There are many accredited heavy vehicle training courses around the country, so you don’t need to join the first one you find. Be sure to register with a school you’re comfortable with, as you need to be confident behind the wheel of such a large vehicle.
Your school will also provide driving instructors and materials for the theory test you’ll have to take before going on your practical test when you apply for your truck license. Study these, as they are very important for both tests.

Apply for your new truck license

Once you’re signed off from your driving school, you need to visit one of the roads and transport departments in your state to apply for your license.
You’ll prove your identity, then have your eyesight tested. You’ll also undergo a theoretical knowledge test – so be sure that you’ve studied.There’s no way to get around this next part; it’s expensive to have the required truck and instructor you need for your practical assessment.
In every state and territory bar NSW, your driving school instructor, if accredited to do so, can take you for your practical assessment and assess you.

Once you’ve passed your practical test, you have to go back to the transport authority. You’ll pay the fee and have your picture taken for your new license, like when you got your car license. You’ll usually get a piece of paper certifying you’re licensed, to use as proof until your printed license is posted out to you.

Get insured and get driving

Now that you’ve passed and received your new truck license, you need to consider what’s next. Once you’ve gotten your insurance sorted, it’s time to start applying with trucking and transport companies, or start your own!
For any financial advice you might need when it comes to purchasing your new truck, we’re here to help. Our brokers here at Asset Finance Shop are specialists in truck finance, and we’ll help get you into the truck you’ve been wanting. Talk to us today to find out more.

How to Start a Trucking Business

15/05/20 | Truck Finance, Trucks

Trucking can be a very lucrative occupation, but don’t let the lure of money fool you into thinking it will be easy to start your own business. There are many things to consider and steps to take before you begin your new trucking operation.

Here’s a basic guide to starting your own trucking business. 

Get Qualified

Each state has its own rules on the licensing and permits you need to start driving commercial trucks for a living. Your local department of transport can help you apply for the correct qualifications so that you start on the right foot.

Register for an ABN or ACN

All businesses in Australia need to register for an Australian Business Number (ABN) or an Australian Company Number (ACN). You need to decide if you’ll be registering as a sole trader or a company so that you apply for the correct registration.

Decide on the right truck for your business

You need to ensure your truck is the right size and has the correct capabilities for the type of trucking business you’re starting.
Then you need to decide whether you’re purchasing outright or if you’re going to talk to a finance broker about truck finance. There are different ways you can go about it, such as asset finance or low doc loans. 
Leasing, hiring and buying options can get confusing, and a broker will get you the best deal for your needs. 

Get the correct insurance

It’s crucial that you keep your business protected in case things go wrong. Covering yourself, your truck, your business, your cargo, any other drivers, and the general public needs to be done before you start driving.
An insurance broker will advise you on the types of insurance you’ll need for your circumstances so that you’re adequately covered.

It’s time to hit the road

Once you’ve done these steps, you’re ready to start trucking. Having your logo on your truck is great advertising, but you should also develop a marketing strategy to get your name out there. 
Then, as your business grows, you can start to recruit other drivers to help you manage the workload. 
To ensure you get your trucking business off to the best start, get expert advice when necessary so that you’ve got everything covered. The team here at (insert business) will guide you through applying for truck finance once you’ve found your new heavy vehicle, so be sure to call us!
Good luck with your new trucking business!