Road managers
Accessibility tools
HVSAPS removes the need for manual bridge assessments for the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and provides Class 1 and PBS operators with faster consent approvals for Victorian state-controlled roads, and reduces administrative burden.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) worked with DTP for the launch of the Heavy Vehicle Structural Assessment Permit System (HVSAPS) on 12 January 2026.
Understanding HVSAPS
HVSAPS has been developed to significantly reduce consent turnaround times for state-controlled roads (local councils and other road managers will continue using existing consent processes).
HVSAPS eliminates the need for the industry to pay for bridge assessment fees from 1 January 2026.
It should be noted that DTP must still conduct other assessments, such as Geometry Assessments, that are not actioned through HVSAPS to ensure road safety.
HVSAPS is directly accessible through 
, providing road managers and industry with access to regulatory tools and services through a single, digital destination.
Class 1 operators will start benefiting from HVSAPS through the existing permit application process.
More information is available on Victorian HVSAPS Class 1 permit applications.
From 12 January 2026, Class 1 applications will be sent to HVSAPS automatically when the application moves to road manager consent.
Operators will see a new banner indicating that HVSAPS is processing the case.
Access Assessment tool
A new Access Assessment tool is available to PBS operators alongside HVSAPS from 12 January 2026.
For more information on PBS VAs and Access Assessments, see the following resources:
- PBS VA to Access Assessment
- Industry Guide - New PBS Permit Application using Access Assessment (PDF, 484KB)
The use of the HVSAPS Access Assessment tool is mandatory for all new PBS permit applications in Victoria.
The tool allows operators to enquire about access for different vehicle combinations, with enquiries sent directly to HVSAPS to identify network restrictions and provide greater transparency on the available access (an operator is then required to select their approved assessments to be included in the permit application).
Improvements to the HVSAPS Access Assessment tool will be made throughout 2026, such as the digitisation of PBS Vehicle Approval (VA) documents, enabling PBS operators to select and automatically load PBS combination data directly from their digital VA records.
The tool will also be expanded to Class 1 operators in the second quarter of 2026.
Area applications
DTP developed HVSAPS as a one-route, one-vehicle platform that does not currently support area applications for Access Assessments or permit applications. DTP are considering future HVSAPS upgrades to enable area routes to be included in upcoming phases.
Combination limits for PBS permits
The use of HVSAPS limits new PBS permit applications to no more than 10 combinations. The use of the HVSAPS Access Assessment tool supports industry in making more informed decisions when selecting combinations for a permit application.
More information
As the lead agency for this project, all enquiries about HVSAPS and the structural assessment results may be directed to hvsaps_support@transport.vic.gov.au.
If the question relates to the submission or processing of a permit application, please contact the NHVR by phoning our Contact Centre on 13 NHVR (13 64 87).
The NHVR has provided FAQs to assist industry in using HVSAPS for permit applications: