Apply for and maintain HVA

Applications for the Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme are submitted via NHVR Go.

What steps do I need to take?

The key steps for applying for the HVA scheme are outlined below.

Step 1: Decide on the accreditation you want:

General Safety Accreditation (GSA) (mandatory to access other tiers)
GSA – Maintenance Assurance Program (MAP)
Alternative Compliance Accreditation (ACA) - Mass
Alternative Compliance Accreditation (ACA) - Fatigue

Important: We encourage operators to apply for GSA (including GSA – MAP) and ACA at the same time to reduce costs and the need for further audits.

Step 2: Prepare your Safety Management System (SMS) to comply with the SMS Standard and relevant schedules (based on the accreditation you are seeking). More information and tools are available to assist with developing your SMS.

Step 3: Understand the audit process.

Audit type	When
Entry audit	Time of application.
Initial compliance audit	6 and 7 months after accreditation is granted (can possibly be waived – see audit process).
Compliance audit	Between 9 months and one month before expiry. Accreditation periods are typically granted for two years.

Audit type

When

Entry audit

Time of application.

Initial compliance audit

6 and 7 months after accreditation is granted (can possibly be waived – see audit process).

Compliance audit

Between 9 months and one month before expiry.

Accreditation periods are typically granted for two years.

Step 4: Apply for accreditation through NHVR Go.

Contact an HVA scheme Approved Auditor and schedule an audit date.
Submit an audit application in the NHVR Go , notifying of the auditor and audit date. This must be submitted at least 28 days prior to the audit.

Applications can only be submitted by a company director or the individual who will hold the accreditation.

The NHVR will confirm if the proposed auditor is accepted. After an auditor has been approved, they will be able to access your compliance history within NHVR GO.

Note: If the proposed auditor is not accepted, we will provide you with an alternative selection of auditors to choose from.

Once the audit report is complete and provided by the auditor, you will be able to upload it into NHVR Go.

Eligibility requirements

The Ministerial Guidelines for Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) outlines the requirements for entry to and participation in the HVA.

We will assess multiple factors, including your compliance history and your criminal history (known contraventions by you or an associate* in the 5 years prior need to be declared).

*Associate is any person exercising control or influence over business activities related to the accreditation application (i.e. managers, schedulers, loaders and drivers).

FAQs

What happens after I submit my application?

Most HVA scheme applications are completed in under 14 days. However, more complex application types such as ACA – Fatigue, may take longer to assess.

You can commence operating in the scheme when you receive your HVA scheme certificate and approval letter from us. You will receive this information via email and accreditation labels will be provided in the mail shortly after.

While waiting for new accreditation labels to arrive, the approval letter must be carried in the vehicle (for a maximum of 21 days after the letter has been issued).

What if my application isn’t approved?

If your application is not approved, you may receive a partial refund. Any vehicle fees will be refunded. We will consider refunds of application fees depending on the reason that the accreditation was not approved.

Where can I get help with my application?

The NHVR Accreditation Team is here to assist you. You can contact the NHVR Contact Centre by calling 13 64 87 (13 NHVR) or emailing accreditation@nhvr.gov.au.