Courtesy Driving School is South Australia’s premier provider of heavy vehicle driver education and training services, dedicated to ensuring that new drivers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for safe and responsible heavy vehicle operation. With over 55 years of experience, we are the oldest and most successful heavy vehicle driving school in the region, trusted by individuals and businesses alike for our commitment to excellence. Since 2007, we have been a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), further enhancing our ability to deliver accredited and industry-recognised training programs.
Wherever you are from, wherever you are headed, we will get you the commercial driving licence you need.
At Courtesy Driving School, our students' success stories speak for themselves. Read what our satisfied students have to say about their experiences with our supportive, patient, and professional instructors. Discover how our commitment to integrity, excellence, and personalised learning has helped countless novice drivers become confident and safe on the road.
If you are serious about driving Trucks, I Highly recommend Courtesy.
They are an amazing team who know what they are doing.
I would not recommend this place. Especially Administration side not able to do their job in professional manners. It resulted in waste of time, money and missed opportunities.
I had the pleasure of having Paul as my trainer today, he was very knowledgeable experienced and super helpful l. The way he explained the task we were going to undertake and the way he talked you through any issues and problems you were showing between drives was very clear and precise (firm but fair). If you are willing to listen and take on board the information, tips and tricks from years of being in the industry you will get so much from him and will walk out with a licence.
Thanks again Paul and Courtesy Driving School.
I would like to say the same to all the Punjabi brothers. There is no use in going to them. This is a thug, neither does he have a good truck, nor does he have an instructor. You will definitely fail the first time. Because of this, no one should go. Not recommended at all, very bad experience especially with Mr. Adam, had to pay three times extra to get my license because he is not willing to teach you the right way in the first time. It all about money making for them, very poor service by instructor, please find another driving school and save big amount of money. very very very very poor
At Courtesy Driving School, our mission is to provide comprehensive, safe, and reliable driving education to learners of all ages and backgrounds. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of road safety and responsibility through expert instruction, personalised feedback, and a commitment to excellence.
Our goal is to empower our students with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the roads safely and responsibly.
“We ensure that our truck driver education programs remain second to no other driving school. We provide a safe and supportive environment that promotes mutual respect and, self-confidence.
Our vehicles are modern, air-conditioned, industry standard and student friendly.
You are welcome to contact us at Courtesy Driving School for further information on our courses or to make a booking. It will be our pleasure to assist you and answer to your questions.”
At Courtesy Driving School, we know that learning to drive comes with many questions. Our FAQ section provides clear, concise answers to help you navigate your driving education journey and feel confident behind the wheel. Find all the information you need to make your learning experience smooth and successful.
Gross Vehicle Mass, or GVM, is how much the vehicle can weigh when fully loaded. That includes the weight of the vehicle itself, known as ‘kerb weight’.
The difference between the GVM and the kerb weight is the payload.
A student can go from Car to Heavy Combination. To do this you need to hold a car licence for a minimum of two years and be at least 19 years old, you will be required to complete the T.I.L.E course Training. This course is conducted over 2 days.
There are three different types of gearboxes.
A work diary is a record of a truck driver's work and rest hours.
You must keep a National work diary if you drive a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle (vehicles with a gross mass over 12 tonnes and buses over 4.5 tonnes for more than 12 people) and operate more than 100 kilometres from your home base under standard hours.
No, you must hold a licence in the state or territory you wish to obtain your Heavy Vehicle licence.
Courtesy Driving School is not registered with the CITB.
No, you need to hold a current driver's licence for the class of vehicle you want to drive, meet the government requirement, check the Department for Infrastructure and Transport website under licences classes. The exception to this rule is a student going from Car to Heavy Combination, a learner's permit is required.
CBT&A stands for Competency Based Training and Assessment. It is a method of obtaining a heavy vehicle licence in South Australia. A student is required to follow the government training manual and complete all tasks from start to finish. This method of training can be completed with the same instructor from start to finish.
VORT stands for Vehicle On Road Test, this method of assessment doesn't require the student to complete the government training manual.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is Australia's regulator for heavy vehicles. It officially opened for business in January 2013 as a statutory authority pursuant to the Heavy Vehicle National Law. The NHVR aims to have a safe, efficient, and productive heavy vehicle industry serving the needs of Australia. It is headquartered in Brisbane and employs more than 800 people across the ACT, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victorial.
Yes, provided you meet the requirements for the desired licence you wish to obtain, and the supervising person next to you holds the correct licence for the vehicle being used.
Success on your driving test depends on various factors, such as your preparation, confidence and skills. Practice your driving and review the road rules before attempting your test.
There are some conditions that may prevent you from gaining a heavy vehicle licence. If you have any concerns contact the medical section of DIT (Department for Infrastructure and Transport).
Yes, provided it meets all the government requirements. Ask our staff and they can assist you with that information.
No, ask our staff and we can point you in the right direction to find an accredited car instructor.
The TILE course allows a student to get a HC class licence from car, you can undertake an approved training in lieu of experience theory course (TILE) and undertake the CBT component of the course in SA. South Australia is the only state that conducts this course and student on completion will be required to apply for a learners permit at Service SA.
An RTO is a Registered Training Organisation that delivers nationally recognised training in the VET sector in Australia
You need to visit your doctor to undertake a medical examination that complies with the document, Assessing Fitness to Drive, produced by AustRoads.
The driver will also need to complete the unit of competency is TLIF0005 Apply a fatigue risk management system.
For a driver under 50 years of age, the examination must take place every three years. For a driver 50 years of age and over, the examination must take place every year.
As a rule, 500 Litres before requiring a DG licence. The rules around Dangerous goods are complex so it would be best to check with SafeWork SA before carrying anything.
Incorrect signalling: not signalling for turn or lane changes and zip merges when required.
Speeding over/under: Not complying with posted speed limit or causing another vehicle to slow down by being too far under the speed limit.
Stopping position: over a stop line or traffic light lines
Stop sign: not stopping, stopping over the line or too far back.
Mirror checking & observation: not checking mirrors or looking through intersections.
Give way: student not giving way, not selecting the correct gaps when entering traffic or changing lanes.
Lane straddling: when crossing lane line, you must signal.
Selecting the appropriate gearbox is vital. Knowing the type of work, you are looking for is important when selecting the type of truck licence your after and the gearbox you require. There are three types of gear boxes. The Crash box is more commonly found in heavy Combination and multi-combination vehicles and are the most challenging, requiring double clutching. Synchromesh gearboxes are easier and are more commonly found in Heavy rigid and Medium rigid trucks. Automatic gearboxes are car- like but limit heavy vehicle licenses holds to automatic-only. Mastering a crash box grants an unrestricted license for all three types.
Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBT&A) or a Vehicle On-Road Test, depends on your preferences and prior experience. CBT&A offers a structured approach, while the on-road test is a traditional evaluation. Consider your learning style and comfort with each method to make the best decision for obtaining your license.
Competency-Based Training and Assessment: involves progressing through the Government Training Manual, completing tasks, and undergoing assessments, including two driving assessments—one for hills and one final drive. The time required varies based on the class of license. If you have any specific questions or need guidance, feel free to call and ask one of our friendly staff.
The Vehicle on-road test: involves comprehensive training with the assessment being conducted when the student is competent, with a focus on both road law knowledge and general driving skills. This method of training suits some student that would rater sit a one of assessment. Confidence and preparation are key for success with this type of assessment.
Just get in touch and we will tell you how.