Controlled Access Bus 12.5m-14.5m permit

Do you need a Controlled Access Bus Permit?

A controlled access bus permit is required for travel on a road outside of the approved controlled access bus network. A controlled access bus means a bus, other than an articulated bus, longer than 12.5 metres but not more than 14.5 metres long. 

Operators should check if their requested route is on an approved controlled access bus route, as they may be able to operate under a gazette notice. If any part of your journey is not on an approved controlled access bus route you will need to apply for a controlled access bus permit.

The NHVR processes ALL Class 2 controlled access bus permit applications for travel within and between the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria through the NHVR Portal.

For travel within the Northern Territory and Western Australia you need to apply directly to the relevant state or territory road transport authority.

In the process of seeking consent from the road manager, the NHVR will request the road manager to consider the route to be included as a route approved under the gazette notice.

Note: Operators should check that their vehicle complies with the schedules and conditions in the relevant gazette notice as the permit relevant to this application will reference these same conditions.

Gazette notices - Controlled Access Bus access

Please note: The table below shows the most common notices used for controlled access bus combinations. For a full list of notices and schemes please see Notices and permit-based schemes.

State Notice
ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC

National Class 2 Bus Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1)

Authorises the use of Class 2 heavy vehicles that are buses, other than articulated buses, that are longer than 12.5m.

Please note the following supporting documents for this Notice:

This Notice revokes the following instruments upon their expiry National Class 3 Controlled Access Bus Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1).

National Class 3 Bus Rear Overhang Dimension Exemption Notice 2024 (No.1)

Grants an exemption from rear overhang dimension requirements for Class 3 buses, other than articulated buses, that are longer than 12.5m but are not longer than 14.5m.

Please note the following supporting documents for this Notice:

This Notice revokes the following instruments upon their expiry National Class 3 Controlled Access Bus Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1).

Online application

NHVR Portal

Post or fax application

Please note: If you apply through post or fax, all correspondence relating to that application will be done through the same channel. Mailed or faxed applications will be accepted, however, if you have the facilities to apply online through the NHVR Portal you will be requested by team members to use this channel with specialist guidance provided.