The following information is designed to guide operators through the process of applying for a PBS vehicle access permit at Tier 2/3 masses. By adhering to the advice provided, operators can efficiently navigate the permit application process and be well-informed about the necessary steps and procedures when applying for Tier 2/3 access.

PBS Bridge Assessment Tiers

Vehicle Approval (VA) documents contain one or more mass tables, which detail the available mass, PBS level, and bridge assessment tier options for a specific vehicle combination. Bridge assessment tiers are assigned based on the vehicle's ability to comply with the Tier 1 bridge assessment formulae. If a PBS vehicle cannot meet the Tier 1 bridge formulae for a given mass, that mass will be classified as Tier 2/3.

Tier 1 – general access or restricted access

Tier 1 bridge assessment is the general requirement for bridge loading and is based on the vehicle complying with the bridge formulae. The Tier 1 bridge formulae use the same principle as Axle Tables in Schedule 1 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL), which limits the mass between any extreme axles of any two axle groups.

For more detailed information about the bridge assessment formulae, please see the Road and bridge access page.

Tier 2/3 – bridge assessment may be required

Combinations and masses failing to comply with the Tier 1 bridge formulae will require a Tier 2/3 bridge assessment for any structures included in the proposed route or network.

Depending on structures included in the route or network, road managers may request an extension of time and/or additional bridge assessment fees. Bridge assessment fees vary based on the road manager's policies, the complexity of the assessment, and the number of structures involved.

Operators should be aware of these possibilities when applying for access permits at Tier 2/3 masses, as they may affect the assessment timeframe and associated costs.

Note: Operators are advised to consult with the relevant road manager or authority to gain a better understanding of their specific procedures concerning bridge assessments or to enquire about the status of an ongoing assessment.

Access to a PBS Network at Tier 2/3 masses

Following the release of the National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1), PBS vehicles operating at Tier 2/3 may be eligible to access approved networks without a permit.

Review the National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice 2024 (No.1) for up-to-date information on available networks and conditions of operation.

Note: Networks may specify compliance with a template vehicle as a condition of operation. Please refer to the relevant state maps for template vehicle diagrams including dimension, configuration, and axle spacing requirements.

When to submit a permit application for PBS network access at Tier 2/3 masses

A network application is necessary when your vehicle does not comply with the National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice or when you are applying for access to a Tier 1 network while operating at Tier 2/3 masses.

Selecting Tier 2/3 in a network application

To indicate Tier 2/3 for your network application, follow the below steps and refer to Figure 1:

1. In the "Bridge Assessment Tier" section, select "Other" instead of a specific tier.
2. Select “PBS Network” for your application type.
3. In the mass section, locate the row that corresponds to your PBS Level and select ‘Other’.
4. Manually enter your requested mass (e.g., 85.5) in the provided input field.
5. In the ‘Route’ – ‘SUMMARY’ tab, indicate your non-compliance with the High Productivity Notice and reference the exact network/s you are applying for (see Figure 2).

Figure 1: submitting a Tier 2/3 network application in the NHVR Portal

Figure 2: referencing a specific network in the NHVR Portal

Applying for a route-specific permit at Tier 2/3 masses

PBS vehicles applying for a route-specific permit must meet the following application requirements:

1. The application should specify a bridge assessment tier, PBS level and mass to assess the route against.
2. The requested mass must be equal to or below the approved masses listed in the attached VA/FA.
3. The requested route should meet the requirements for a single route or area application. See the Routing - Single route and area difference page for more information.

Note: The NHVR is unable to increase the selected mass or bridge assessment tier after road managers have begun their assessment. 
Similarly, if your application is refused due to the selected mass or bridge assessment tier, the NHVR cannot request a second assessment for a lower mass. In these situations, a new application must be submitted.

When to submit a Tier 2/3 single route or area application

A Tier 2/3 area application should be submitted in the following situations:

• When connecting to a Tier 2/3 network, approved via gazettal notice or permit application for the vehicles listed in your VA document. The network must be approved at the same or higher mass than requested in your application.
• When connecting to an existing route approved on the same permit. The existing route must be approved at the same or higher mass than selected in your application.

If your application is not connecting to an approved route or network, a single route application is required.

See the below flowchart and the Routing - Single route and area difference page to help determine which application type your Tier 2/3 route falls under:

Identifying Tier 2/3 masses on VA/FA documents

Follow the steps below for detailed guidance on how to identify a Tier 2/3 mass, using a B-double (4-3) mass table as an example. Please note, this mass table is for illustrative purposes only.

Table 1: Example excerpt of a mass table for a B-double (4-3) from a VA/FA

1. Identify the desired mass limit from the mass table. In this example, there are three mass limit options: GML (t), QML 1 (t), and QML 2 (t).
2. Check the corresponding PBS level for each mass limit. In this case, all mass limits fall under Level 2.
3. Review the Bridge Assessment row for each mass limit to determine the required assessment tier. In this example:
   • For GML (t) and QML 1 (t), the Bridge Assessment is Tier 1, meaning that a Tier 2/3 assessment is not required.
   • For QML 2 (t), the Bridge Assessment is Tier 2/3, indicating that a Tier 2/3 assessment may be necessary for your requested mass.

Note: Table 1 contains Quad Mass Limits (QML) due to the Lead Trailer quad-axle group. 
Vehicles without a quad-axle group may list General Mass Limits (GML), Concessional Mass Limits (CML) or Higher Mass Limits (HML)

How to apply for a permit

Refer to the Access permit application process page, or contact us for guidance on how to submit an access permit application.