Fatigue management exemptions

Fatigue management exemptions (permits and notices) allow operators and drivers to use alternative methods to manage their work and rest hours, work diaries and record keeping obligations.

If you cannot reasonably work under legislated fatigue management requirements, an exemption provides a helpful way to comply with the objectives of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and maintain your road safety standards in a way that meets your needs.

To be eligible for a fatigue management exemption, you must meet our strict approval criteria and provide all requested supporting information in your application.

On this page


Fatigue record keeping exemption

Fatigue record keeping is essential for managing driver fatigue, meeting Chain of Responsibility (COR) requirements, and monitoring drivers’ activities. But for some fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle operators, the HVNL record keeping requirements can be very difficult to comply with and maintain. In such cases, operators can apply for a fatigue record keeping exemption (permit). 

Read the Fatigue record keeping exemption (permit) fact sheet (PDF, 398KB) then follow the steps to apply for an exemption.


Work and rest hours exemption

The HVNL sets out maximum work time limits and minimum rest time limits to prevent drivers from becoming impaired by fatigue or breaching road transport fatigue laws. But some fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle operators may have operational demands that reach beyond HVNL limits. In such cases, a work and rest hours exemption (permit) can be granted to allow greater flexibility.

To meet the strict eligibility requirements of this permit, applicants must demonstrate that Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) or Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) limits don’t suit their operational needs. They must also complete a robust application process. 

Read the Work and rest hours exemption fact sheet (PDF, 602KB) then follow the steps to apply for an exemption.


Work diary exemption

The National Driver Work Diary (also know as a log book) is used by a driver as evidence that their work and rest hours are compliant with the HVNL and their fatigue is being managed. But some drivers may have a reading, writing or numeracy impairment that makes using a work diary very difficult. In these cases, the drivers (or an operator acting on their behalf) may apply for a work diary exemption (permit).

This exemption allows the driver or operator to suggest an alternative way to record work and rest details which can be transcribed into a work diary by a nominated person (scribe).

Read the Work diary exemption (permit) fact sheet (PDF, 1.06MB) then follow the steps to apply for an exemption.


Cancel or replace an exemption

Complete these forms if you want to cancel an exemption or replace an exemption that has been defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen.


Submitting an application

Completed forms can be submitted via:

Email: Fatigue.Management@nhvr.gov.au
Fax: 1300 736 798
Post:
Fatigue management
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
PO Box 492
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006


Reviewing a decision

Where a fatigue management exemption or work diary exemption (permit) application is refused, a company or person affected by the decision (a dissatisfied person) may seek an internal review of the NHVR decision.

For more information see Reviews and Appeals.