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Switching a Driver to an Electronic Logbook

Drivers rarely switch on a neat Monday. Here's what the rules say about moving from the written diary to an electronic logbook part way through a run of shifts.
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The Rules for Changing Over

An electronic logbook, in legal terms an NHVR approved EWD, can be used instead of the written diary. The NHVR's EWD guide for record keepers says drivers and businesses don't need to apply for permission to use an approved system.

The catch on switching day is history. Fatigue limits look back over rolling periods, so the work a driver recorded on paper last week still counts this week. The guide says a driver moving from the written diary must carry their past 28 days of written records.

The same guide says a record keeper may also enter the driver's historic data into the EWD. A driver who later goes back to paper can do so, and the normal written diary instructions then apply.
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For the Driver on Changeover Day

A switch in the middle of the fortnight is simple if the driver knows what to keep.
Minute-by-minute logging icon

Keep the booklet handy

The written diary with the last 28 days of entries stays in the cab until those days have rolled past.
Less paperwork icon

Start fresh in the app

From the first entry in Logmaster, every work and rest change is recorded to the minute.
Fatigue breach alert icon

Pick the right plan

The driver selects the fatigue plan they were already working under, so the counting continues on the same rules.
Offline mode icon

Fitness first

A digital fitness declaration at the start of the first electronic shift sets the routine.
Drivers icon

Correct before sign‑off

Early mistakes in the app can be fixed before the day is closed at End of Day.
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For the Record Keeper

Most of the changeover work falls to the office.

Check the approval

The NHVR advises matching the EWD's name and version against its approval register before drivers start.

Driver consent and training

Collect any consent and licence details the setup needs, and make sure drivers know the app.

Handle the overlap

Records from both the written diary and the EWD cover the changeover period, so keep both together.

Enter history if needed

The NHVR guide allows a record keeper to load a driver's historic data into the EWD.

Plan device support

Operators provide what's needed to keep EWDs in working order, such as charged phones or mounted tablets.

Watch the first week

Alerts in the portal show early whether drivers are recording correctly.

Electronic Work Diary vs Paper Logbook

What changes for a driver after switching day.
Electronic Work Diary
Paper Logbook
One minute accuracy
Fifteen minute blocks
Automatic syncing
Manual entries
Easy to read and access
Handwriting varies
Real time operator visibility
No live oversight
Secure cloud storage
Can be lost or damaged
Faster audits and reporting
Time consuming
Paper hands over to electronic without a gap, as long as the recent history goes along with the driver.
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How It Works

A clean changeover follows six steps.
Step 1

Pick a start shift

Choose the shift each driver moves across, ideally after a long rest.
Step 2

Set up the driver

Add the driver to the portal with their base, fatigue plan and vehicles.
Step 3

Install and log in

The driver installs Logmaster and signs in before the start shift.
Step 4

Carry the written diary

The last 28 days of written records stay with the driver.
Step 5

Record electronically

From the start shift, every entry goes into the app.
Step 6

Review the overlap

The record keeper checks the changeover period against both records.

Features at a Glance

1. Accurate one minute recording
2. Offline functionality for uninterrupted use
3. Live visibility for fleet managers
4. Fatigue reminders and breach alerts
5. Driver declarations and vehicle checks
6. Secure cloud storage
7. Multi company support for contractors
8. Fast export for audits and reporting
9. Fatigue rule sets including Standard Hours, BFM, AFM, WA plans and bus rules
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Who It's Built For

Owner drivers, small fleets and large operators all go through the same changeover.
User Type
Benefit
Truck drivers
Easier logging and clear alerts
Transport operators
Real time visibility and compliance
Compliance managers
Reliable logs for inspections
Owner drivers
No paperwork and simple routines
Subcontractors
Easy switching between employers
Logmaster's support team and training centre help drivers through the first shifts.

Why Fleets Switch to Logmaster

Logmaster is an NHVR approved EWD, approved as device agnostic, so drivers can switch on the phone they already own. It's used by more than 10,000 drivers, and its support team helps with changeovers of a single driver or a whole depot.
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Hear from Our Users

Ray A.

First day with Logmaster was to my surprise was user friendly. Josh was very thorough in taking me through all the steps in setting up the Logmaster app. I would recommend Logmaster to all drivers regardless of age. Never have to worry about making a mistake as it tells you if you are. Great customer service after hours support is second to none.

Mike H.

Have started using Logmaster after trying 3 other models. I actually enjoy using it. Very easy to use and follow and the help if you need it is top notch by the developer. Does everything by the minute and works when no service is available. My system is customised for me and fits well with my system (I’m WA). Cost is on par with two of the other ones looked at.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Switch Your First Driver?

Book a demo and plan a changeover with the Logmaster team, from the first shift in the app to the overlap check.

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