General

What is HVSAPS?

The Heavy Vehicle Structural Assessment Permit System (HVSAPS) is a software platform developed by the Victorian Government Department of Planning and Transport (DTP) to automate heavy vehicle structural assessments.

HVSAPS is a backend-only application that seamlessly integrates with the NHVR Go’s front-end used by operators.

What is the purpose of HVSAPS?

Previously, DTP manually assessed bridges and culverts, which could take 6-9 months and cost up to $50,000 in fees.

HVSAPS will remove the need for manual bridge assessments, allowing operators to receive faster approvals for Victorian state roads at no additional cost.

What is an Access Assessment, and what is its purpose?

The Access Assessment functionality allows operators to enquire about their access to the structures before submitting a permit.

This new tool was developed to assist operators before applying for a permit application.

What is happening on 1 January 2026?

DTP will stop charging for structural assessments.

What is happening on 12 January 2026?

HVSAPS will commence from 12 January 2026. This includes the Access Assessment tool, which is integrated with NHVR Go as the front-facing tool.

NHVR Go provides a single, authoritative location for the heavy vehicle industry to map journeys across state and territory borders.

Why does HVSAPS only apply to state roads in Victoria?

The focus of the first stage of HVSAPS has been to address only state roads, removing the need for DTP’s manual assessments of bridges and culverts and eliminating bridge assessment fees for industry.

As the project progresses, DTP will work with local councils and other road managers in Victoria to expand the use of HVSAPS.

What if HVSAPS provides less access to the structures than my previous permits allowed?

DTP has a legacy permit system in place, so your previous assessments will be valid for two years. From 2028, DTP will review the legacy system.

Can I request a manual assessment if I don’t like the assessment results provided by HVSAPS?

No, HVSAPS replaces manual assessments.

Can every vehicle application use HVSAPS?

HVSAPS will be initially used for all Class 1 and Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles.

Who can I contact for assistance?

If your question relates to the HVSAPS project or the structural assessment results, please contact DTP at hvsaps_support@transport.vic.gov.au

If your question relates to the processing of a permit application, please contact the NHVR.

Class 1 operator

I’m a Class 1 operator. Is the Access Assessment tool available to me?

No. The Access Assessment tool will only be available for Class 2 PBS operators from 12 January 2026.

Class 1 operators are expected to see more benefits from the Access Assessment tool from March 2026. You will see more information about this from March 2026.

Can I amend my Class 1 permit?

Yes. There are no changes for Class 1 vehicles, meaning you may still amend your permit.

Can I still renew my previous permit?

Yes. There are no changes to renewals, meaning you may apply for your renewal as per the standard process.

Why is NHVR Go prompting me to plot a return journey?

NHVR Go has a new feature that requires you to plot your return journey before submitting your permit application.

This enables HVSAPS to assess your combination for travel in both directions and becomes essential when you travel unladen.

PBS operator

Does the Access Assessment tool charge an application fee?

No. The Access Assessment tool is free.

Do I need to use HVSAPS if the state roads are already part of the gazette network under notice?

No. If your vehicle meets the requirements for a Notice and road is approved for the network, you will not need to apply for a permit or use HVSAPS.

Once I have completed my Access Assessment, how do I apply for a permit application?

For PBS, you are required to apply for your permit application directly from the Access Assessment view.

Select up to 10 combinations in the application.

Can I use HVSAPS to plan a cross-border journey?

If you require a cross-border journey, you will be required to submit separate permit applications for Victoria and other states.

For example, if you are travelling from NSW to Victoria, you will need to apply for two separate permits, using HVSAPS for Victorian state roads only.

If I need multiple permit applications, how many fees do I need to pay?

A standard $91 fee applies per permit application.

Why is my PBS permit application now capped at 10 combinations?

The HVSAPS Access Assessment Tool is designed to support industry in making more informed decisions about the combinations included in a permit application.

This will help ensure that road managers can process the permit application on time and reduce the complexity of PBS permits.

Can I amend my existing PBS permit?

You may amend your new HVSAPS permit once you have applied for the initial 10 combinations from the same Vehicle Approval (VA).

If the combinations are on a different VA, please submit a separate new application.

Note: Current PBS permits cannot be amended to add new Victorian state roads, as the HVSAPS permit process is limited to 10 combinations.

Can I still renew my previous permit?

Yes. Provided that no additional vehicles have been added to your VA, there are no changes to renewals, meaning you may apply for your renewal as per the standard process.

What if some of my Access Assessments take longer than others?

Some HVSAPS Access Assessments may take longer than others if DTP requires reviews, especially in the first few months.

If you need to apply for a permit with 10 combinations, you must wait until all 10 Access Assessments are available before applying.

Vehicle Approval (VA) Amendments

Any modifications to your VA that involve adding new combinations will require new access assessments, new permit applications, and a new permit library.