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NHVR Accreditation: From NHVAS to HVA

Heavy vehicle accreditation moved to a new scheme on 1 August 2026. This page maps the Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme, how it differs from NHVAS and which tier an operator actually needs.
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How Accreditation Changed

Under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS), operators gained accreditation and were audited module by module: mass, maintenance and fatigue, with fatigue split into BFM and AFM.

The HVA scheme looks at the whole business instead. An operator's safety management system (SMS) is audited against the SMS Standard, and a successful audit gives General Safety Accreditation (GSA).

GSA is the first step. Alternative Compliance Accreditation (ACA) for fatigue or mass is built on top of it, and the SMS Standard adds extra requirements for fatigue, maintenance and mass in its schedules.
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The Layers of the HVA Scheme

NHVR material describes the scheme in layers, starting with general safety.
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General Safety Accreditation

Granted after a successful audit of the operator's SMS, and required before any form of alternative compliance.
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GSA with a Maintenance Assurance Program

NHVR material says this continues to exempt operators from annual vehicle inspections in Queensland and New South Wales.
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ACA‑Mass

Not needed to run at the new general mass limits, but still required for certain notices and schemes listed by the NHVR.
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ACA‑Fatigue

Gives access to work and rest hours tailored to the operation within outer limits, including templated hours based on BFM and common AFM patterns.
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The SMS Standard schedules

Schedules 1 to 3 add requirements for fatigue, maintenance and mass, and apply only to operators seeking those arrangements.
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Moving Across From NHVAS

NHVAS and HVA run side by side until existing NHVAS accreditations expire. Operators have had four broad paths.

Keep NHVAS to expiry

An existing accreditation can be used until it runs out, then the operator moves to HVA.

Seek an extension

Extensions of up to one year can be granted, but the request has to be made before the current accreditation expires.

Move to HVA

Operators ready to go can apply under the new scheme, starting with GSA.

Exit

Operators that no longer need mass, maintenance or fatigue arrangements can lodge an exit application in NHVR Go.

BFM and AFM holders

A BFM or AFM accreditation already held carries on until it expires or is cancelled, or until the operator moves across to HVA.

New applicants

Since 1 August 2026, new fatigue applicants go through ACA-Fatigue rather than BFM or AFM.

Electronic Work Diary vs Paper Logbook

Accreditation can change the hours a driver works, but not the choice of diary. This is how the options compare.
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
Drivers working alternative compliance hours record their accreditation number; in the written diary it goes in the table on page 29.
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How It Works

Working out which accreditation you need comes down to a few questions.
Step 1

Ask why you need it

List the arrangements you rely on, such as alternative hours, maintenance exemptions or mass notices.
Step 2

Check your expiry dates

Note when each NHVAS module, BFM or AFM accreditation runs out.
Step 3

Review your SMS

Compare your safety management system with the SMS Standard before booking an audit.
Step 4

Engage an approved auditor

HVA audits must be done by an NHVR-approved auditor who is independent of your business.
Step 5

Apply through the NHVR

Lodge your application with the entry audit, starting with GSA.
Step 6

Talk to your EWD provider

If you're seeking ACA-Fatigue, check how your approved hours will be set up in your diary system.

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

Accreditation is a business decision, but drivers, record keepers and owners all feel its effects.
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 records hours under the plan each driver works, whichever accreditation path the business takes.

Accreditation, Approved Hours and Your EWD

With ACA-Fatigue, the operator's certificate approves its hours, not the diary system. Logmaster builds and tests each approved table, applies to the NHVR to add it to its approved EWD and switches it on once approved, so drivers can select it in the app. Templated tables are already built but still need NHVR approval, so contact Logmaster when you apply.
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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 Plan Your Fatigue Accreditation?

Book a demo and talk to Logmaster about how your approved hours would be set up in the EWD.

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