From 12 January 2026, the Victorian Heavy Vehicle Structural Assessment and Permit System (HVSAPS) will be integrated into permit applications through NHVR Go. HVSAPS simplifies and accelerates bridge condition and mass assessments by removing the need for manual review, improving access certainty for industry operators, and eliminating bridge assessment fees.

While PBS applications will see significant updates, there will be minimal changes to Class 1 permit applications. This information outlines some of the key changes within Class 1. 

Key changes for Class 1 permit applications

There will only be minor changes to the existing processes at launch:

• Operators will continue to use the existing application type and vehicle configurations when submitting permits through .
• Permit applications must be submitted with a Single Route for processing through HVSAPS; Area Routes are not supported. This ensures precise assessments for the selected route, improving the accuracy of bridge checks and conditions.
• If a return journey is requested within the permit application, operators are required to select a final destination on the route. Once selected, a ‘Build Return Trip’ button will be available to duplicate the waypoints of the forward journey.
• In addition to this change, if an unladen return journey is required for OSOM applications, NHVR Go will request the unladen masses on the different axle groups to be provided

Note: Operators will need to update the return journey waypoints to reflect the correct side of the road for the return travel.

• NHVR Go will provide hints and validations during the application process when entered values fall outside the expected range, eg, tyre size or axle spacings. This functionality helps operators submit accurate applications, reducing errors and minimising manual processing by NHVR Access Operations staff.

Permit applications submitted under the following vehicle types will be automatically sent to HVSAPS, following initial validation checks completed by NHVR Access:

• Prime Mover towing OS/OM/OSOM
• All Terrain Crane
• All Terrain Crane with Dolly.

Once the case enters a ‘Consent Requested’ state, the case has been sent to HVSAPS, and a banner will appear on the case saying ‘Automated assessment in progress for structures on Victorian State roads'.

If the route data contained on a draft permit application is over one day old, the route will need to be recalculated before submission of the permit application.

Benefits for industry

• No bridge assessment fees.
• Faster turnaround times for the Department of Transport and Planning Road Manager consent.
• Continued use of NHVR Go for lodging applications.
• Hints and validations in NHVR Go to assist operators in submitting a complete and accurate application.

Things to note

• HVSAPS is limited to Victorian state roads: Local government road managers and other state authorities will continue assessing heavy vehicle permit applications as they do currently. HVSAPS is only enabled for Victorian state-owned roads.
• Turnaround times depend on all road managers: It is important to note that while HVSAPS reduces the assessment time for permit applications requiring consent from Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). Applications involving other road managers will still require all consent decisions to be returned before a permit can be issued.