PBS VA to Access Assessment

How to complete a PBS Access Assessment

This guide explains how to read and understand a Performance Based Standards (PBS) Vehicle Approval (VA) when entering vehicle details into Access Assessment applications for the Heavy Vehicle Special Access Permit System (HVSAPS). 

For more information on PBS VAs and Access Assessments, see the following resource:

Refer to your VA document and follow the descriptions below to complete each field. For some of the fields, you will be required to physically inspect the vehicle.

VA layout description

  • What to enter: Enter the 'Prime Mover & Trailer Set Number' as listed for your combination in the Access Assessment. Example: 'Prime Mover 1 & Trailer Set 2'.
  • Where to find it: On your VA in the 'Combination Matrix'.

More information is available at Combination Matrix.

Example of a VA layout
Figure 1: Example of VA layout
Example of entry of a VA layout
Figure 2: Example of an Access Assessment with entered VA layout description

Length

  • What to enter: Record the overall length of the combination. See examples of length on a VA in Figures 4 and 5. 
  • Where to find it: Check the 'Combination Drawing' or 'Axle Spacing Table' in your VA, which may be noted as 'OAL (Overall Length)'.
Example of entry of length from a VA into an Access Assessment
Figure 3: Example of entry of length from a VA into an Access Assessment

Width

  • What to enter: If the width is not listed on the VA, enter 2.5m as the vehicle meets the prescribed limits.
  • Where to find it, if the vehicle is wider than 2.5m: Refer to the detailed drawing in the VA.
Example of VA where width is not listed
Figure 4: Example of a VA where width is not listed
Example of VA where width is listed
Figure 5: Example of a VA where width is listed
Example of VA width drawing
Figure 6: Example of a VA width drawing
Example of entry of width from a VA into an Access Assessment
Figure 7: Example of entry of width from a VA into an Access Assessment

Height

  • What to enter: Enter the maximum height for the combination in the access assessment.
  • Where to find it: If the height listed on the front page of the VA is <4300mm or <4600mm, enter 4.3m or 4.6m, respectively. If the height is greater than 4600mm on the front page, the measurement stated is the exact measurement; enter this number.
Example of a VA with normal height
Figure 8: Example of VA with normal height
Example 1 of VA with a height over 4600
Figure 9: Example 1 of a VA with a height over 4600
Example 2 of VA with a height over 4600
Figure 10: Example 2 of a VA with a height over 4600
Example of entry of height from a VA into an Access Assessment
Figure 11: Example of entry of height from a VA into an Access Assessment

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

  • What to enter: Enter the VIN/s for the specific component in the access assessment.
  • Where to find it: On your VA in the 'Combination Matrix'.
Example of a VA 'Combination Matrix' VIN location
Figure 12: Example of a VA 'Combination Matrix' VIN location

Gross Combination Mass (GCM) and Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)

  • What to enter: Enter the GCM ('Prime Mover') or ATM ('Trailing Units') for the specific component in the access assessment.
  • Where to find it: On your VA in the 'Combination Matrix'.
Example of a VA 'Combination Matrix' GCM and ATM location
Figure 13: Example of a VA 'Combination Matrix' GCM and ATM location

Tyre size

  • What to enter: The width of an individual tyre on the specific axle currently fitted to the combination —this is not specifically stated on the VA, as the VA shows the approved tyre options.
  • Where to find it: Read the sidewall of the tyre directly for the exact size (e.g for a 255/70R22.5 tyre, enter 255).
Goodyear 2020 tyre size explanation diagram
Figure 14: Goodyear 2020 tyre size explanation diagram
Example of entry of tyre size from a VA into an Access Assessment
Figure 15: Example of entry of tyre size from a VA into an Access Assessment

Axle group mass

  • What to enter: Look at the 'Combination Mass Table' for the specific combination and record the maximum allowed mass per axle group for the total mass specified earlier. If an unladen return journey is required, you will be required to enter the unladen axle group masses of the vehicle.
  • Where to find it: Within the tables showing approved masses for each combination. The tare mass of the component can be found on the registration document.
Example of a VA axle group mass table
Figure 16: Example of a VA axle group mass table
Example of entry of axle group mass from a VA into an Access Assessment
Figure 17: Example of entry of axle group mass from a VA into an Access Assessment
Example of entry of unladen axle group mass into an Access Assessment
Figure 18: Example of entry of unladen axle group mass into an Access Assessment

Steerable axle

  • What to enter: Confirm if the combination includes steerable axles.
  • Where to find it: Review the 'Combination Drawing' in your VA.
Example of a VA width drawing where the steerable axle is highlighted
Figure 19: Example of a VA width drawing where the steerable axle is highlighted
Example of entry of a steerable axle from a VA into an Access Assessment
Figure 20: Example of entry of a steerable axle from a VA into an Access Assessment

Number of tyres

  • What to enter: Total tyres fitted on the axle.
  • Where to find it: A physical inspection of the vehicle may be required to confirm the number of tyres per axle. The value entered can also be confirmed in the ‘Approved Type Options’ section in your VA. In a single configuration, this would mean 2 tyres per axle; in a dual configuration, this would mean 4 tyres per axle.

Axle spacings

  • What to enter: The distance from the previous axle in metres.
  • Where to find it:
    • For newer VAs - Locate the axle spacings directly on the VA document. These measurements are provided as part of the specifications and can be easily referenced.
    • For older VAs or Final Approvals - Axle spacings may not be specified on older VAs. In this case, you will need to physically measure the axle spacings for the relevant combination. Ensure measurements are taken accurately in millimetres and recorded in the appropriate fields.
Example of a VA axle spacings table
Figure 21: Example of a VA axle spacings table

Load sharing

  • What to enter: Whether the suspension system shares load between axles.
  • Where to find it: Tick the box. By law, PBS vehicles are required to have load sharing axle groups.
Example of entry of a load sharing axle into an Access Assessment
Figure 22: Example of an entry of a load sharing axle into an Access Assessment

Additional tips

  • Information is to be provided from the latest version of the VA. 
  • For queries about the required fields, contact the NHVR or your PBS certifier/assessor.

More information

For detailed explanations, visit the NHVR PBS Vehicle Approval management page and PBS Vehicle Approval Explained.

If in doubt, always check with the NHVR or the relevant PBS engineer before finalising details on your application.