PBS Vehicle Approval explained - Using a PBS combination on the road

Carrying your PBS documentation

In accordance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), when operating a PBS combination on the road, the driver must always carry:

  • A copy of the PBS Vehicle Approval (VA); and
  • An associated access permit or Notice.

These documents must be in a readable electronic or hard copy format.

Failure to carry and present these documents may result in penalties for both the operator and the driver.

Additionally, the driver must also be able to identify the specific combination being driven within the VA, and ensure it is loaded and is operating in accordance with the VA conditions.

Operating on the road under a Notice or an access permit

A PBS VA alone is not permission to access the road network. To access the road network, in addition to having a valid VA, you must comply with a Notice or operate under an access permit.

Access permit

To apply for an access permit, please visit NHVR Go login.

PBS notices

The following are examples of available notices for PBS vehicles:

  • National Class 2 PBS Level 1 & 2a Truck and Dog Trailer Authorisation Notice
  • National Class 2 Performance-Based Standards (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice
  • National Class 2 Performance-Based Standards (Tier 1) Authorisation Notice.

To view a list of all available Notices, visit our website's Notices page.

The load is part of PBS approval

PBS vehicles are assessed together with their load, as shown on the drawing within the VA. This means that PBS vehicles are evaluated for road operation as a whole, not just the vehicle itself.

The PBS-approved masses and dimensions include the load as shown on the drawing within the VA.

General access under the Specified PBS Vehicle provision

Under the 'Specified PBS Vehicle provision', certain qualifying vehicles may access all roads without an access permit or Notice.

A 'Specified PBS Vehicle' must meet the following criteria:

  • possess a current PBS VA with a Level 1 mass table;
  • have a length of no more than 20 meters;
  • not be a bus, road train, A-double, or B-double;
  • be loaded to GML masses as per Schedule 1 of the MDL Regulation.

NHVR PBS contacts

  • For questions about PBS Design Approvals, contact our PBS Designs team at pbsdesigns@nhvr.gov.au
  • For questions about PBS Vehicle Approvals, contact our PBS Vehicle Approvals team at pbs@nhvr.gov.au
  • For questions about access and permits to operate your PBS vehicle on the road, contact us.
www.nhvr.gov.au