Apply for and maintain HVA

From 1 August 2026, the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) will be progressively replaced by the Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme. For more information, please see HVNL reform implementation and HVA operator FAQs.

Applications for the Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme are submitted via NHVR Go.

NHVR Go login

What steps do I need to take?

The key steps for applying for the HVA scheme are outlined below.

Step 1: Decide on the accreditation you want:

  • General Safety Accreditation (GSA) (mandatory to access other tiers)
  • GSA – Maintenance Assurance Program (MAP) 
  • Alternative Compliance Accreditation (ACA) – Mass
  • Alternative Compliance Accreditation (ACA) – Fatigue

Important: We encourage operators to apply for GSA (including GSA – MAP) and ACA at the same time to reduce costs and the need for further audits.

Step 2: Prepare your Safety Management System (SMS) to comply with the SMS Standard and relevant schedules (based on the accreditation you are seeking). More information and tools are available to assist with developing your SMS.

Step 3: Understand the audit process.

Table 1: Audit type and frequency

Audit type

Frequency

Entry audit

Upon application.

Initial compliance audit

Between 6 and 7 months after first accreditation is granted. 

Note:

  • Internal compliance audit may be waived if PSOE is achieved at entry audit, and
  • this audit may be undertaken at 10-11 months if an ACA is added within five months of a successful entry audit.

Compliance audit

Conducted between 9 months and one month prior to accreditation expiry.
Internal review Annually - completed by the operator.
Other audit As required. These may be triggered, risk-based or random spot checks.

Step 4: Apply for accreditation through NHVR Go login.

  • Contact a HVA scheme approved auditor and schedule an audit date.
  • Submit an audit application in the NHVR Go, notifying us of the auditor and audit date. This must be submitted at least 28 days prior to the audit. 
  • We will confirm if the proposed auditor is accepted. After an auditor has been approved, they will be able to access your compliance history within NHVR Go. 

Note: If the proposed auditor is not accepted, we will provide you with an alternative selection of auditors to choose from or direct you to choose another auditor. 

  • Once the audit report is complete, the auditor signs and uploads it to NHVR Go. You will receive a notification, allowing you to review and accept the audit conclusion. The audit report can only be submitted once any corrective actions are agreed, it is signed by you, and all other declarations have been completed. 

Note: Major CARs must be closed prior to submitting your audit report. 

Eligibility requirements

The Ministerial Guidelines for Heavy Vehicle Accreditation 2026 outline the requirements for entry to and participation in the HVA scheme.

We will assess multiple factors, including your compliance history and your criminal history (known contraventions by you or an associate* in the 5 years prior need to be declared). 

*Associate is any person exercising control or influence over business activities related to the accreditation application (i.e. managers, schedulers, loaders and drivers).

FAQs

What happens after I submit my application?

Most HVA scheme applications are completed in under 14 days. However, more complex application types such as ACA – Fatigue, may take longer to assess.

You can commence operating in the scheme when you receive your HVA scheme certificate and approval letter from us. You will receive this information via email and accreditation labels will be provided in the mail shortly after.

While waiting for new accreditation labels to arrive, the approval letter must be carried in the vehicle (for a maximum of 21 days after the letter has been issued).

What if my application isn’t approved? 

If your application is not approved, you may receive a partial refund. Any vehicle fees will be refunded. We will consider refunds of application fees depending on the reason that the accreditation was not approved.

Where can I get help with my application?

The NHVR Accreditation Team is here to assist you. You can contact the NHVR Contact Centre by calling 13 64 87 (13 NHVR) or emailing accreditation@nhvr.gov.au.