Work diary

The content on this page refers to transitional arrangements put in place due to changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law and Regulations that commence on 1 August 2026. There may be references to different rules that are operating side by side for a fixed amount of time. For more information, please see the HVNL changes to recording information in the Written Work Diary - Information sheet (PDF, 4.57MB) and HVNL reform implementation.

Written Work Diary changes from 1 August 2026

The National Driver Work Diary (also known as a log book) is evidence of a driver’s work and rest hours. It’s important to complete your work diary correctly and in accordance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

To learn more, download the National Driver Work Diary (PDF 1.1MB) and the HVNL changes to recording information in the Written Work Diary - Information sheet (PDF, 4.57MB) that have information and examples to guide you, including:

  • definitions of the words used in the work diary
  • legal requirements for keeping work diary records
  • how to fill in your daily sheet
  • how to count time work and rest hour options
  • frequently asked questions.

Drivers of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles are not allowed to drive or work more than the maximum work hours or rest less than the minimum rest hours in a certain period set out by law. The National Driver Work Diary assists operators to comply with the law. The National Driver Work Diary assists operators to comply with the law. The available hours options are outlined in the Ministerial Standard for Alternative Compliance Hours. 

On this page

Types of work diaries

When must I use a work diary?

If you are operating under:

If you operate under BFM, AFM, ACH or exemption hours, you must use a work diary regardless of whether you are driving within or outside a 100km radius of your base.

For more information on how to determine your 100km radius, see Record keeping requirements.

Where can I get help with filling in a work diary?

  • Check your written work diary - Find detailed instructions on how to record information in the front pages of your work diary.
  • Ask for help - Contact the NHVR if you need assistance or talk to your employer or a more experienced driver for advice.
  • Get training - engage a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) which offers the Complete a work diary in the road transport industry course (TLIE3028).
  • Download the National Driver Work Diary - this guide provides step-by-step instructions and examples.
  • Watch Get Your Diary Right - this video shows in detail how to complete a work diary (produced by TDT Victoria with the assistance of the Federal Department of Industry).

What if my work diary is completed, lost, stolen or destroyed?

  • Notify the NHVR within two business days — this applies if your diary has been completed, lost, stolen or destroyed.
  • Use a Supplementary work diary record (PDF 274KB) until you obtain a replacement. Supplementary records must capture all the same information you would normally record in your work diary. A supplementary record must be treated the same way as your work diary. You must keep a copy of each daily supplementary record with you in the vehicle for 28 days after it is made and give a copy to your record keeper within 21 days.
  • Obtain a replacement within seven business days — you may only use a supplementary record for a maximum of seven business days. By the end of that period, you must have obtained a new written work diary.

For more information, see the What to do if your work diary is filled up, lost, stolen or destroyed fact sheet (PDF, 496KB).

If a lost work diary is returned or found

If you locate your lost or stolen work diary within two business days and you have not yet notified the NHVR, you may resume using it on your next work day. All supplementary sheets used must be kept with your work diary as part of your work record.

If the lost or stolen diary is found after you have been issued a new diary, you must immediately cancel all unused daily sheets in the old diary by writing CANCELLED in large letters across each sheet. You must also notify the NHVR via the approved form if the diary is recovered within 28 days.

You must not use a work diary that has been cancelled, even if it contains unused daily sheets that are not individually cancelled. Each work diary has a unique number and only your active work diary is valid.

Locations to purchase a Written Work Diary

The written work diary can be purchased for $31 at many locations throughout Australia.

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

More information

For more information, see our Fatigue Management FAQs.