Can a truck driver use an app instead of a paper log book?

Yes, as long as it's an NHVR approved Electronic Work Diary. Logmaster has that approval, which means drivers can keep their log book in the app instead of the written diary across the HVNL states and territories, on an Android or Apple phone or tablet.

Do log book rules still apply outside mobile coverage?

Yes. The obligation to record work and rest hours does not pause when a vehicle loses signal. Logmaster switches to offline mode automatically, keeps recording, and syncs once connectivity returns. Drivers do not need to do anything to turn it on or off.

How does digital recording affect available driving time?

Paper work diaries are completed in 15 minute blocks, so time gets rounded. Logmaster records in one minute increments, which reflects a shift more accurately. Drivers commonly find that leaves more legal driving time available across a day.

Who else is responsible for log book compliance besides the driver?

Chain of Responsibility under the HVNL extends liability beyond the driver to employers, schedulers, consignors, consignees and loading managers. Anyone who influences how a vehicle is used carries a duty, which is why operators keep documented evidence of fatigue management and driver oversight.

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Log Book Rules for Truck Drivers

The log book rules for Australian truck drivers come down to who must keep a work diary, what goes in it and how long you can work before you rest. Here's how they work, and how Logmaster keeps you on the right side of them. Logmaster is an NHVR approved electronic work diary that runs on Android and Apple phones and tablets.

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Who Has to Keep a Log Book?

Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), you need a work diary if you drive a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle 100km or more from base under Standard Hours, or any distance under BFM, AFM, ACA-Fatigue or exemption hours. That covers trucks and combinations over 12 tonnes GVM, and buses over 4.5 tonnes built to carry more than 12 adults including the driver. Work within 100km of base under Standard Hours is covered by local area records kept by the operator instead.

Paper Diary or Electronic Work Diary?

You can use either. The written National Driver Work Diary is still accepted, and so is an NHVR approved electronic work diary (EWD). Logmaster is an approved EWD, so drivers can keep their log book on a phone or tablet. Each entry records when you change between work and rest and where you were at the time. On paper that means handwriting every change. In Logmaster you tap, and the app records the time and location for you. Logmaster also handles the paperwork around the log book: pre-start checks, fitness declarations, incident reports and licence and registration reminders.

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Breaks in shorter windows

Solo truck drivers need at least 15 continuous minutes' rest in any 5½ hours, 30 minutes in any 8 hours and 60 minutes in any 11 hours. The longer breaks can be split into blocks of at least 15 continuous minutes.

Daily and weekly limits

No more than 12 hours' work in any 24 hours, with at least 7 continuous hours of stationary rest, and no more than 72 hours' work in any 7 days, with 24 continuous hours of stationary rest.

Different rules for different work

Two-up drivers, bus drivers and operators with BFM, AFM or ACA-Fatigue accreditation work to different limits. Check the NHVR's tables for your type of operation, or the conditions on your accreditation.

WA and the NT

Western Australia and the Northern Territory sit outside the HVNL and set their own fatigue rules. Logmaster supports WA fatigue plans, so drivers who cross into WA can switch rule sets in the same app.

Minutes, not quarter hours

Paper diaries round time into 15-minute blocks. Logmaster records every minute, which commonly adds up to more legal driving time each day, and it warns you before a breach.

Working for more than one company

Your work time counts across every job, not per employer. Logmaster supports drivers who work for several operators or as contractors, keeping one record across them all.

Heavy Vehicle Drivers

Drivers keep the diary accurate and up to date, take their breaks and carry the diary or device while working. Logmaster counts the hours, reminds you when a break is due and sends log sheets to the office automatically.

Fleet Managers and Record Keepers

Record keepers look after drivers' records and need them ready for audits. In the Logmaster web portal they see entries live, act on alerts and can check drivers still on paper for breaches with paper workbook entry.

Transport Business Owners

Under Chain of Responsibility, everyone who influences how a vehicle is used shares responsibility for fatigue. Clear, time-ordered records help show the reasonable steps your business takes.

Create an account at logmaster.com.au, or talk to the team about your fleet.

Get the app for Android or Apple, or ask Logmaster for a tablet with a truck mount.

Drivers set up a profile and start logging work and rest on their first shift.

Record keepers use the web portal to watch activity live and manage alerts.

Log sheets reach your record keeper automatically each week.

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Log Book Rules for Truck Drivers

Who Has to Keep a Log Book?

Paper Diary or Electronic Work Diary?