Application process and forms

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PBS Approval

Before you begin your Performance Based Standards (PBS) application, consider the safety and productivity benefits you hope to achieve and your goals and expectations.

The PBS approval process consists of three stages: first, you will need a PBS Design Approval (DA) and then your vehicle must be certified under that design to obtain your PBS Vehicle Approval (VA). Once you have your VA, you must comply with a notice or obtain an access permit to operate on a road network. 

If you are thinking of buying a brand-new vehicle, most major trailer builders already have a variety of existing design approvals for you to choose. Contact your preferred trailer builder, and they will be able to guide you through the process, including obtaining a PBS Vehicle Approval.

Please note: It is important that your Design Approval and road access are confirmed before you build a PBS heavy vehicle.

PBS approval process flow chart

Outline of PBS design and vehicle approval process


PBS Design and Vehicle Approval application forms

PBS applications for Design Approval and Vehicle Approval must be submitted using an online form or uploaded to the portal via a spreadsheet submission tool. Submissions by email are not accepted.

Design Approval Application

Certifier’s Certificate

Payload Height Nomination (PHN) template document

It is very important that your Design Approval and road access are confirmed before you build a PBS heavy vehicle.


NHVR PBS contacts

  • For questions about PBS Design Approvals, contact our PBS Designs team at pbsdesigns@nhvr.gov.au
  • For questions about PBS Vehicle Approvals, contact our PBS Vehicle Approvals team at pbs@nhvr.gov.au
  • For questions about access and permits to operate your PBS vehicle on the road, contact us.