In certain circumstances, drivers may have literacy and print media impairment that makes using their National Driver Work Diary (work diary) very difficult. In these cases, the drivers (or an operator acting on their behalf) may apply to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) for a work diary exemption (permit). This exemption allows the driver to nominate an alternative way to record their work and rest details, which are subsequently transcribed into their work diary by a scribe they nominate. Drivers issued with a work diary exemption (permit) must carry it at all times.
To apply for a work diary exemption (permit) the driver, or an operator acting on their behalf, must submit an Establish work diary or record keeping exemption (permit) form (PDF, 262KB) to the NHVR.
Those applying for a work diary or record keeping exemption (permit) must include a letter from a competent person explaining the reason the driver is applying for this permit e.g. level of literacy skills and print media impairment. This can be:
- a psychologist
- a speech pathologist
- a doctor
- a Literacy, Language and Numeracy Practitioner
- a person who is qualified and able to assess the driver’s English literacy.
The application form must include:
- the name of the driver
- conditions of exemption (proposed alternative methods of keeping records and transcribing them into a work diary)
- the name of the nominated person (a third party who agrees to transcribe records into the work diary on the driver’s behalf)
- how long you want the exemption for.
If the work diary exemption (permit) is granted, the nominated person (scribe) is legally required to make written work records for the driver. Accordingly, they will need to sign the application form for work diary exemption (permit) to show that they are willing to do this. The NHVR will contact the nominated person to confirm they are aware of their obligations and responsibility for filling in a work diary on behalf of the applicant.
For more detailed information download the Work diary exemption (permit) fact sheet (PDF, 1.06MB).
Work diary exemption (permit) forms
- Establish work diary or record keeping exemption (permit) (PDF, 262KB) - this form is for drivers seeking an exemption from having to comply with work diary requirements / operators seeking an exemption from having to comply with fatigue record keeping requirements.
- Amend work diary or record keeping exemption (permit) (PDF, 271KB) - this form is for drivers amending their nominated record keeper details / operators amending their drivers list.
- Cancel fatigue management exemption (permit) (PDF, 168KB) - this form is for exemption holders seeking to cancel a fatigue management exemption (permit).
- Replace fatigue management exemption (permit) (PDF, 168KB) - this form is for exemption holders seeking to replace a fatigue management exemption (permit) which has been defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen.
If you're thinking about applying for a work diary exemption please contact the NHVR for more information.
Notices
- National Primary Production Work Diary Exemption Notice 2018 (No. 1) (PDF, 647KB) - This notice grants an exemption to work diary requirements for drivers who carry out primary production work within a 160km radius of their home base. For more information, download the National work diary exemption (primary production) fact sheet (PDF, 284KB).
- New South Wales Fatigue Record-Keeping Exemption Notice 2019 (No. 1) (PDF, 560KB) - Exempts record keepers for drivers of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles carrying out specified classes of work in New South Wales from the requirement to keep records of driver work and rest time imposed under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
- New South Wales Work Diary Exemption Notice 2017 (No. 1) (PDF, 578KB) - Exempts drivers of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles carrying out specified classes of work in New South Wales from the requirement to keep and record information in a work diary and to specify the conditions of the exemption under this Notice.
Where can I get help with filling in a work diary?
Your employer or more experienced drivers may be able to help you fill out a work diary for the first time. You can also contact the NHVR for more advice on filling out a work diary. Some registered training organisations offer the course Complete a work diary in the road transport industry (TLIE3028A). Visit www.training.gov.au to locate a training provider.