Pilot Licence

Forming part of the Heavy Vehicle Licenced Pilot (HVLP) Scheme Review and, in conjunction with the HVLP Scheme Review Stakeholder Reference Group – the Heavy Vehicle Licenced Pilot Code of Conduct & Business Rules have been revised to make clear the roles and responsibilities for HVLP and transport operators and to amalgamate operating conditions.  The revised documents are available below – within the ‘roles and responsibilities’ section.

Heavy vehicle pilots play a key role in ensuring road safety and property protection in the movement of oversize and/or overmass (OSOM) loads. All heavy vehicle pilots operating in WA are required to obtain a Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence (HVPL).

Needing to move an oversize agricultural vehicle? Find out more by visiting the Agricultural Vehicles page

Roles and responsibilities

The Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence (HVPL) requirements are detailed in the Road Traffic (Vehicle) Regulations 2014.

To help explain the steps you need to take to obtain and maintain a HVPL, we've put together these Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence Business Rules

To understand your roles and responsibilities as a heavy vehicle pilot in WA please refer to the Heavy Vehicle Pilot Code of Conduct. The code also provides a detailed list of operating requirements including record of movement, clothing, signage and vehicle requirements.

Getting a licence

To obtain your heavy vehicle pilots licence you need to

  • Hold a current non-probationary C class drivers licence
  • Undertake a medical assessment of Fitness to Drive for Commercial Drivers within 6 months before the date the application is made and ensure that the medical report has a validity of at least 12 months (the Medical Assessment Report Form can be found here.)
  • Pass a WA Heavy Vehicle Pilot training course; and
  • Complete and submit an application form.
Audit Regime

The Heavy Vehicle Pilot Audit Regime was introduced in April 2020 to help identify damage to roadside items caused by oversize loads and to ensure pilots have adhered to a professional standard of behaviour. 

A reminder that regulation 454H of the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 stipulates a HVPL may be subject to any other conditions decided by the Commissioner of Main Roads, to ensure any activity that is authorised by the licence is conducted safely. 

Non-compliance with the Audit Regime may result in an infringement or prosecution of the pilot and company. 

Training Providers

As mentioned above, a condition for attaining your Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence is the successful completion and passing of the HV Pilot Training Course. This includes approval from the Commissioner of Police. 

If you have heavy vehicle accreditation or certification from another state or territory you may be eligible for a shorter training course.

Training is coordinated by the following authorised trainers:

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Acknowledgement of country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

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