Access permit application process

If you are new to applying for a road access permit, follow the steps below to get started. If you already know your permit type, you can submit your application by selecting the NHVR Portal link.

On this page:

If you need help with any of the steps in this process, please contact us for support. 

Take me to the NHVR Portal

The NHVR Portal provides access to a range of online services including access permit applications. If it’s your first time using the Portal you will need to create an account.

Registered User (LOG IN) - I have an NHVR Portal account
I need to complete an access permit application and am already registered. Take me to the NHVR Portal.

NHVR Portal

New User - I need to create an NHVR Portal account
I’ve checked the gazette notices and I need to submit an access permit application. It’s my first time using the portal and I need help getting started.

Visit the Access section of the NHVR Portal Help Centre

Roles and Responsibilities - Access permit application process (PDF, 243KB)

Steps for applying for a permit

Use these guidelines to assist you before you submit your application.

Do I need a permit?

Visit the Do I need a permit page to gain more information on your permit or notice requirements. The permit you are issued depends on the heavy vehicle class in which you are operating.

Plan your route

Scope your intended route prior to submitting your application. Scoping your route assists with identifying impacted road managers and identifying possible third party approval requirements. 

You may need to consult with a road manager prior to submitting your application if:

  • there are multiple ways to enter a site
  • you are working on a state government project
  • the route may require smaller or specific vehicle types
  • it may reduce the likelihood of your application being refused.

Once you have scoped your route, and reviewed any relevant notices for networks, use the below resources to build and review your route.  

  • NHVR Route Planner - Use this online mapping tool to plan and save your heavy vehicle journey routes. Find out which road networks have approved routes and which ones may require you to submit an access application. Our Route Planner’s GIS mapping information uses government GIS data.
  • State road transport authority mapping sites – For more help planning your journey, these sites display authorised heavy vehicle routes within each state and some additional route information. They provide the most up-to-date network access information regarding route descriptions and restrictions.

Prepare your application

Top tips for operators to reduce application processing time (PDF, 665KB) - Five key things you can do to speed up your access permit application.

Check through all your application details prior to submission to make sure all your information is accurate. If you would like to provide additional information for the Case Facilitator, you can add notes or upload supporting information.

The sooner you submit your application, the more time road managers have to complete their assessments. Please remember by submitting your permit application, you are advising the NHVR that the information provided is true and accurate.

Understand the assessment process and protocols

Please note: The NHVR is not a road owner and we cannot make an access decision on behalf of a road manager. Road funding and maintenance responsibilities belong with state, territory and local governments.

Permit application costs

See our fee schedule for permit application costs. These fees also include application costs for renewals and some amendments. 

Note:

  • The application fee is due when you lodge your application
  • If applying online via the NHVR Portal, pay the fee via debit card or credit card* 
  • If applying by post or fax, the application fee can be paid via credit card* or cheque
  • A permit cannot be issued without full payment of the required fee

*(we accept Visa, Mastercard or American Express)

Please note: As the fee is in relation to processing the application, the fee may be kept by the NHVR even if the application is considered ineligible for a permit.

After submission

After you submit your application to the NHVR, the Access team completes the following tasks through the life of the application:

  • Performs a quality check of the application to ensure the vehicle type is safe to operate.
  • Assesses the vehicle, route/s including reviewing applicable notices. and required road managers.
  • Seeks consent from impacted road managers.
  • Reviews escalation requests for applications. Customers must provide sufficient evidence to support a request for escalation.
  • Provides support and advice guidance to road managers and applicants to facilitate timely decision making.
  • Ensures any information or extension (EOT) requests are validated and actioned in a timely manner.
  • Prepares and issues the relevant documentation at the finalisation of the application (Permit or Refusal Notice).

When a road manager receives an application through the NHVR Portal, they complete the following assessments and tasks through the life of your application:

  • Determines if a route assessment is required and if an EOT is needed. 
  • Reviews the application for the requirement of additional documentation or information. 
  • Determines (in some cases) if third party consultation is required. 
  • Assesses the roads for suitability of the combination. If the roads are not suitable, a proposal for an alternative route may occur.
  • Providing consent and determining and applying appropriate conditions. 
  • Providing valid refusal reasons under the HVNL

Please note: Under the HVNL the road manager has 28 days to assess a new application, 14 days for renewals, and can request an extension of up 6 months for route assessments.

Useful documents

Permit types

We process road access permits for heavy vehicle journeys for the following states (including all cross-border journeys):

  • Australian Capital Territory
  • New South Wales
  • Queensland
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria