HVA accreditation tiers

The HVA scheme uses a tiered accreditation model that allows operators to progress to alternative forms of compliance. 

example of hva tiers
Figure 1: HVA scheme tiers

Coming soon

Find out more about the requirements for HVA scheme accreditation and the requirements for each tier in the Operator Guideline for the HVA scheme.

General Safety Accreditation (GSA) 

GSA is mandatory for entry into the HVA scheme. To achieve GSA, an operator must successfully complete an audit that verifies their SMS complies with the SMS Standard.

GSA provides a comprehensive assessment of an operator’s safety capability, covering safety-critical transport activities across their operation. Operators who achieve GSA are eligible to progress to alternative forms of regulatory accreditation, including:

  • GSA – MAP
  • ACA – Fatigue
  • ACA – Mass. 

A range of SMS guidance and tools are available to support operators to meet the SMS Standard. Find out more about how to develop a compliant SMS. 

General Safety Accreditation – Maintenance Assurance Program (GSA-MAP)  

GSA – MAP provides additional assurance in relation to vehicle maintenance and safety. In applicable jurisdictions (Queensland and NSW), operators with GSA – MAP are eligible for exemptions from the annual inspections that form part of the registration process.

The requirements for GSA – MAP are detailed in Schedule 2 of the SMS Standard: The Maintenance Accreditation Requirements. <insert link to the SMS Standard>

GSA – MAP is a requirement for some Performance Based Standards (PBS) combinations. Operators need to check their Vehicle Approval to confirm if GSA – MAP is required.

Alternative Compliance Accreditation – Fatigue (ACA – Fatigue)

ACA – Fatigue brings a genuine risk management approach to managing heavy vehicle driver fatigue. Having ACA – Fatigue allows operators to tailor work and rest hours in return for operators demonstrating greater accountability for managing drivers’ fatigue risks.

To obtain ACA – Fatigue an operator must hold GSA. The requirements for ACA – Fatigue are detailed in Schedule 1 of the SMS Standard: The Fatigue Accreditation Requirements. 

Operators with ACA – Fatigue will:   

  • perform a risk assessment of work and rest hours using the Risk Classification System Matrix  
  • select work and rest hours that suit their operations within:  
    • maximum work time of 15.5 hours in a 24-hour period, and   
    • minimum rest time of 7 hours in a 24-hour period.  

The requirements for ACA – Fatigue are outlined in the Ministerial Standard for Alternative Compliance Hours .

Read more about fatigue management.

Fatigue training requirements 

If your operation is accredited with ACA – Fatigue, competency in the following is required. 

Table 1: Fatigue competency requirements
Drivers operating under ACA - Fatigue TLIF0005 - Apply a fatigue risk management system
Schedulers who schedule drivers under ACA - Fatigue  TLIF0006 - Administer a fatigue risk management system

The purpose of the fatigue units of competency is to provide drivers, schedulers, supervisors, administrators and managers with information critical to effectively manage the risk of fatigue in road transport operations.

Find an HVA scheme-approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Physical examination requirements 

Drivers operating within ACA – Fatigue are required to undertake periodic physical examinations to make sure they are fit to drive. Drivers need to visit their doctor for a medical examination that complies with, Assessing Fitness to Drive, produced by AustRoads and the National Transport Commission (NTC).

Alternative Compliance Accreditation – Mass (ACA – Mass)

ACA – Mass provides additional assurance that responsibilities and activities in relation to mass (loading and operation) are being effectively managed.

ACA – Mass is a requirement for certain notices and permit schemes, including Higher Mass Limits (HML) and some PBS combinations. List of notices and permit-based schemes that require Alternative Compliance Accreditation - Mass.

The requirements for ACA – Mass are detailed in Schedule 3 of the SMS Standard.