Heavy Vehicle Log Books in New South Wales

NSW drivers follow the national work diary rules, but the people behind the counter and on the roadside have changed. Here's who does what in NSW today.

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How Work Diaries Work in NSW

New South Wales runs under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, so the log book a NSW driver keeps is the national work diary. Drivers of fatigue-regulated vehicles need one for work 100km or more from base under Standard Hours, and at any distance under BFM, AFM, ACA-Fatigue or exemption hours.

Since 1 August 2022, the NHVR has delivered heavy vehicle compliance and enforcement in NSW. Around 310 staff, including more than 250 inspectors, moved across from Transport for NSW at the time.

Transport for NSW still handles licensing, registration and tow trucks, and the written diary is issued over the counter at Service NSW service centres.

What NSW Drivers Should Know

The rules are national, but a few NSW details are worth having straight.

Getting a written diary

Service NSW issues the National Driver Work Diary at its service centres, where the application is completed in front of the issuing officer.

What to bring

Service NSW asks for your licence and personal details, plus your previous diary or its security number if you have one.

An electronic alternative

Drivers can use an NHVR approved EWD such as Logmaster instead, without visiting a service centre.

Engine running and rest

The NHVR notes that in NSW some stationary time in the driver's seat with the engine running can count as rest, if the driver is free of work demands for at least 15 minutes.

The occasional long day

A local driver who goes 100km or more on one day records that whole day in the diary, local work included.

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What NSW Operators Deal With

For NSW businesses, the shift to the NHVR changed who turns up for compliance, not what the records need to show.

The NHVR on the roadside

Roadside checks of diaries and vehicles in NSW are carried out by NHVR officers, with NSW Police also enforcing the law.

Transport for NSW for the rest

Licences and registrations stay with Transport for NSW, so expiry dates still come from the state.

Expiry alerts

Logmaster flags licences and registrations before they lapse, along with medicals, training and inductions.

Records ready to produce

Diary records are kept for three years and can be pulled from the Logmaster portal when an officer or auditor asks.

Mixed fleets

Drivers still on the written diary can be entered through paper workbook entry and checked next to EWD users.

Live breach alerts

Record keepers see potential breaches as drivers make entries, rather than when a sheet arrives at the depot.

Electronic Work Diary vs Paper Logbook

NSW drivers can use either form of work diary.

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

Both are accepted by NHVR officers in NSW. The electronic one saves the trip to Service NSW.

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How It Works

Getting a NSW fleet onto Logmaster follows a short path.

List your drivers

Work out which NSW drivers need a work diary and which stay on local area records.

Create the account

Load the devices

Drivers install the app on Android or Apple phones, or you order tablets and truck mounts.

Set the plans

Assign each driver's fatigue plan, from Standard Hours to BFM or an exemption.

Go live

Drivers record their next shift in the app and stop buying written diaries.

Monitor and report

The office watches entries live and runs reports when an NHVR officer or auditor needs them.

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

NSW owner drivers, regional carriers and Sydney metro fleets all keep the same national log book.

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 office is in Surry Hills, in the heart of Sydney.

Why NSW Fleets Choose Logmaster

Logmaster is an NHVR approved EWD used by more than 10,000 drivers, including fleets such as PFD Food Services and Cleanaway. It records to the minute, works offline on regional runs and holds ISO 27001 certification.

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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

Who enforces work diary rules in NSW?

The NHVR has delivered heavy vehicle compliance and enforcement in NSW since 1 August 2022, after more than 250 inspectors moved across from Transport for NSW. NSW Police also enforce the HVNL on the road.

Where do I get a written work diary in NSW?

At a Service NSW service centre. You fill in the original and duplicate application forms at the front of the diary in front of the issuing officer, and bring your licence and your previous diary or its security number. You can skip this step by using an NHVR approved EWD.

Does Transport for NSW still have a role with heavy vehicles?

Yes. Transport for NSW kept heavy vehicle licensing, registration and tow trucks when compliance and enforcement moved to the NHVR. Your licence and registration renewals still go through the state.

Does sitting in the cab with the engine running count as work in NSW?

Normally, sitting in the driver's seat with the engine running counts as work. The NHVR notes a NSW exception where some of that stationary time can count as rest if the driver is free from work demands for at least 15 minutes. Check the NHVR's guidance before relying on it.

Can NSW drivers use Logmaster instead of the written diary?

Yes. Logmaster is an NHVR approved EWD, and NSW runs under the HVNL, so it can be used in place of the National Driver Work Diary. Using an EWD is optional, and some fleets run both during the changeover.

Ready to Skip the Service NSW Queue?

Book a demo and see how NSW drivers keep their work diary in Logmaster, with records ready for any NHVR check.

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TRUSTED BY MORE THAN 10,000 DRIVERS

Getting a written diary

What to bring

An electronic alternative

Engine running and rest

The occasional long day

Electronic Work Diary vs Paper Logbook

Ray A.

Mike H.

Who enforces work diary rules in NSW?

Where do I get a written work diary in NSW?

Does Transport for NSW still have a role with heavy vehicles?

Does sitting in the cab with the engine running count as work in NSW?

Can NSW drivers use Logmaster instead of the written diary?

Policy

Resources

Contact us

Level 1/63-73 Ann St, Surry Hills NSW 2010