HVA / NHVAS

Get accredited under the new Heavy Vehicle Accreditation scheme — with a Safety Management System that's already audit-ready.

From 1 August 2026, the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) is replaced by the new Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme. Hubfleet gives you the Safety Management System, PSOE evidence, and operational records that HVA-approved auditors need to see — across General Safety Accreditation (GSA), GSA – Maintenance Assurance Program, ACA – Fatigue and ACA – Mass.

SMS Standard 2026 Aligned | PSOE Audit-Ready | NHVR Approved EWD

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Why heavy vehicle operators choose Hubfleet for HVA / NHVAS

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SMS Standard 2026 Aligned

Every module maps to the Safety Management System Standard that underpins GSA

PSOE Evidence, Automatically

Present, Suitable, Operating and Effective evidence generated as a by-product of daily operations

All Tiers Supported

GSA, GSA-MAP, ACA-Fatigue and ACA-Mass in one platform

Alternative Compliance Hours Ready

Supports the NHVR's pre-defined Alternative Compliance rule sets, with operator-configured accreditation profiles on the roadmap

Audit-Ready in Seconds

Generate audit-ready evidence packs for entry, initial compliance, and ongoing compliance audits

NHVR-Approved EWD Built In

Work/rest recording, breach detection, and GPS cross-check across all rule sets

What is the HVA scheme?

The Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme is the new national accreditation framework introduced with 2026 HVNL amendments. It takes effect on 1 August 2026 and progressively replaces the existing National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS).

Unlike NHVAS — which was organised around three separate modules (Mass, Maintenance, Fatigue) each audited in isolation — the HVA scheme is built on top of a single, integrated Safety Management System (SMS). Every operator starts with General Safety Accreditation (GSA), which is a whole-of-business assessment against the Safety Management System Standard 2026. From there, operators can add optional accreditations that unlock specific regulatory concessions.

For a deeper explanation of the SMS Standard itself, see SMS Requirements Explained. For how it connects to broader HVNL obligations under the reforms, see HVNL Reform Compliance Guide. For a plain-English overview of the wider reform package, see the HVNL Reform Compliance Toolkit.

The HVA Scheme — Tiered Model

The HVA scheme is a tiered accreditation model. GSA is mandatory. Everything else builds on top of it.

Tier

Status

What it unlocks

Assessed against

GSA — General Safety Accreditation

Mandatory entry point

Recognition as an accredited operator; eligibility to add ACAs

SMS Standard 2026 (core)

GSA-MAP — Maintenance Assurance Program

Optional add-on

Exemption from annual inspections (QLD & NSW); required for some PBS combinations

SMS Standard 2026, Schedule 2

ACA – Fatigue — Alternative Compliance Accreditation, Fatigue

Optional add-on (requires GSA)

Tailored work/rest hours within legislated outer limits

SMS Standard 2026, Schedule 1

ACA – Mass — Alternative Compliance Accreditation, Mass

Optional add-on (requires GSA)

Access to Higher Mass Limits (HML) and certain PBS combinations

SMS Standard 2026, Schedule 3

GSA — General Safety Accreditation

The mandatory foundation for every HVA operator

What GSA requires:

GSA is granted after an approved auditor confirms your Safety Management System complies with the SMS Standard 2026. It's a whole-of-business assessment against the five SMS outcome areas — Leadership and Commitment, Risk Management, People, Assurance, Monitoring and Improvement, and Safety Systems — the same outcome areas that underpin the mandatory SMS under the HVNL reforms.

With Hubfleet:

Hubfleet is built directly around the SMS Standard 2026. Every workflow — from fatigue and pre-starts to incident reporting and internal review — generates the operational evidence auditors need to see. See Safety Management System for the full SMS solution.

GSA readiness features:

Policy library aligned to SMS Standard clauses, with acknowledgement tracking
Role-based responsibilities and delegations across the operation
Risk register with hazard identification, controls, and review cycles
Training and competency records per employee and role
Incident and non-conformance workflows with root-cause analysis and corrective actions
Internal audit schedule and self-assessment templates

PSOE evidence, automatically:

Because SMS activity happens in Hubfleet daily, every clause of the SMS Standard has evidence attached that it is Present, Suitable, Operating and Effective — the exact assessment framework auditors use. See PSOE Evidence Framework Guide: Demonstrating SMS Compliance Under the HVNL Reforms for the full evidence framework.

SMS Outcome Areas — Built Into Every Workflow

The SMS Standard 2026 is organised around five outcome areas. Hubfleet's platform is built directly around them, so day-to-day activity is also PSOE evidence.

SMS outcome area

What auditors look for

Where Hubfleet delivers it

Leadership and Commitment

Documented policy, accountable executive, safety objectives cascaded through the business

Policy library with acknowledgement tracking, role-based responsibilities, executive dashboards

Risk Management

Hazard identification, risk assessments, controls, and review cycles proportionate to the operation

Risk register with hazard-control-review lifecycle, fatigue RCSM support, mass exception workflows

People

Competency, training records, medical fitness, and role assignment

Training and competency tracking (incl. TLIF0030 / TLIF0031), medical assessment expiry alerts, role-based access

Assurance, Monitoring and Improvement

Internal audits, non-conformance handling, corrective actions, trend analysis

Internal audit scheduler, NCR workflow with root-cause and CAR tracking, breach and incident dashboards

Safety Systems

Documented procedures for fatigue, mass, maintenance, incident reporting, and operational activities

Integrated modules for EWD, mass, maintenance, pre-starts, incident reporting — all in one system

See Safety Management System for the full SMS solution and SMS Requirements Explained for a deep dive on the Standard itself.

GSA – MAP (Maintenance Assurance Program)

Skip annual inspections in QLD & NSW — with the evidence to back it up

What GSA-MAP requires:

GSA-MAP is an optional add-on that provides additional assurance around vehicle maintenance and safety. In Queensland and New South Wales, operators with GSA-MAP are exempt from the annual inspections that form part of the registration process. GSA-MAP is also mandatory for some Performance Based Standards (PBS) combinations — check your Vehicle Approval.
The specific requirements are set out in Schedule 2 of the SMS Standard 2026: Maintenance Accreditation Requirements.

With Hubfleet:

Hubfleet's maintenance module gives you a defensible maintenance system — service programs, fault management, and inspection records — with the evidence trail GSA-MAP auditors expect. See Maintenance Management for the full solution, and Maintenance Management for the HVNL reforms for HVNL reform context.

Maintenance assurance features:

OEM-aligned service programs per vehicle, trailer, and combination
Kilometre-, hour-, and time-based service schedules with approaching/urgent/overdue alerts
Work orders with parts, labour, and sign-off tracking
Pre-start inspections replacing paper checks — with photo evidence and GPS stamps
Fault-to-work-order workflow, including critical-defect grounding
Complete maintenance history exportable for MAP audit review

ACA – Fatigue

Tailor work and rest hours to your operation — safely and defensibly

What ACA – Fatigue requires:

ACA – Fatigue lets operators tailor work and rest hours to the needs of their business, provided they demonstrate robust fatigue risk management. Operators either:

Perform a risk assessment of proposed hours using the Risk Classification System Matrix (RCSM), or
Use templated Alternative Compliance Hours developed by the NHVR (already risk-assessed).

Legislated outer limits:

Solo drivers: max 15.5 hours work in a 24-hour period, min 7 hours rest
Two-up: max 14 hours work in a 24-hour period, min 5 hours rest

ACA – Fatigue requires GSA. Drivers must complete TLIF0030 — Apply a fatigue risk management system, and schedulers/managers must complete TLIF0031 — Administer a fatigue risk management system. Drivers also require periodic medical examination assessments against AustRoads Assessing Fitness to Drive.

With Hubfleet:

Hubfleet is an Electronic Work Diary (EWD) that supports Standard Hours, BFM, AFM, WA Solo and WA Two-up rule sets — plus the NHVR's pre-defined Alternative Compliance rule sets — with real-time breach detection and automatic evidence capture.

ACA – Fatigue features:

Assign the appropriate NHVR pre-defined Alternative Compliance rule set per driver group (operator-configured accreditation profiles on the product roadmap)
Real-time enforcement of the active rule set at shift start and during operation
Real-time breach detection and pre-shift schedule checks
GPS cross-check comparing declared rest against telematics data
Training and competency tracking for TLIF0030 / TLIF0031 with renewal alerts
Medical assessment tracking per driver, with expiry alerts
Auto-generated fatigue non-conformance reports

For a deeper look at how alternative compliance sits alongside standard hours, see Fatigue Management Alternative Compliance and Fatigue Management Best Practices.

ACA – Mass

Unlock Higher Mass Limits — with proof your mass systems are working

What ACA – Mass requires:

ACA – Mass provides additional assurance that mass responsibilities and activities are being effectively managed. It's required for certain notices and permit-based schemes — including Higher Mass Limits (HML) and some PBS combinations.
The specific requirements are set out in Schedule 3 of the SMS Standard 2026.

With Hubfleet:

Hubfleet's mass management supports operators across GML, CML, HML, and ACA – Mass with digital records, scheme validation, and full exception workflows. See Mass Management for the full solution, and Mass Management & Permit Compliance for HVNL Reform context.

ACA – Mass features:

Axle group configurations with per-scheme mass limits (GML / CML / HML)
Automatic scheme validation on every load entry
Measurement method recording — weighbridge, load docket, or calculated
Photo evidence of weighbridge readings attached to load records
Over-mass exception workflow with escalation and corrective actions
Full mass compliance history per vehicle and combination — audit-ready

Accreditation Process — Where Hubfleet Fits

Getting accredited under the HVA scheme follows five clear steps. Hubfleet supports each one — so the SMS you build to apply is the same SMS that runs your operation day-to-day.

Step

What you do

Where Hubfleet fits

1. Develop your SMS

Build the policies, procedures, roles, and risk controls that satisfy the SMS Standard 2026 (and any ACA schedules you're pursuing).

Policy library, risk register, role-based responsibilities, and training records — mapped to SMS Standard clauses.

2. Implement in your operation

Roll the SMS out to drivers, schedulers, and workshop staff. Start capturing operational evidence — shifts, pre-starts, load records, incidents.

EWD, pre-start app, mass records, maintenance work orders, incident reporting — evidence generated as a by-product of daily work.

3. Entry audit

Engage an HVA-approved auditor to confirm your SMS is Present and Suitable. Submit the audit report to the NHVR.

Generate a PSOE-structured evidence pack — clause-by-clause proof — direct from the platform for auditor review.

4. Accreditation granted

The NHVR grants GSA (plus any ACAs) for a period of up to 3 years, with conditions and audit schedule set.

Track accreditation expiry, ACA scope, and NHVR conditions inside Hubfleet with reminders and renewal alerts.

5. Ongoing compliance

Run your SMS daily. Complete internal reviews annually. Prepare for the initial compliance audit and the pre-expiry compliance audit.

Live PSOE dashboards, internal audit scheduler, NCR/CAR workflow, and one-click audit packs keep you audit-ready year-round.

The PSOE Audit Method — And Why It Matters

HVA scheme audits use the Present, Suitable, Operating and Effective (PSOE) method. This is a significant shift from NHVAS-era, document-focused audits.

PSOE Criterion

What auditors check

How Hubfleet evidences it

Present

The required SMS element exists in your business

Policy library, procedures, and configuration all held in one place — easy to demonstrate.

Suitable

The element is proportionate to your operation and its risks

Risk register, ACA hours configuration, and role-based responsibilities show fit-to-purpose design.

Operating

The element is used in day-to-day operations, not just written down

Daily EWD shifts, pre-starts, load records, incident reports — operational evidence generated automatically.

Effective

The element is producing the intended safety outcome

Breach trends, NCR closure rates, incident reduction — dashboards that show outcomes over time.

Entry audits confirm your SMS is Present and Suitable. Subsequent audits confirm it is Operating and Effective. If PSOE can be demonstrated at entry (with at least 6 months of verifiable evidence and no major non-conformances), the initial compliance audit may be waived.

‍Hubfleet is built to make all four PSOE criteria demonstrable from day one. For a deep-dive on how to structure your evidence, see PSOE Evidence Framework Guide: Demonstrating SMS Compliance Under the HVNL Reforms.

Audit Types & Timeline

Accreditation periods are typically 2 years, with up to 3 years possible based on your non-conformance history. Audits are staged across the accreditation lifecycle.

Audit type

When

Purpose

Entry audit

On application

Confirm SMS is Present and Suitable before accreditation is granted

Initial compliance audit

6–7 months after grant (10–11 months if an ACA is added within 5 months)

Confirm SMS is Operating and Effective in daily use. May be waived if PSOE demonstrated at entry.

Compliance audit

Between 9 months and 1 month before expiry

Confirm SMS continues to Operate Effectively; required to renew accreditation

Internal review

Annually (operator-led)

Self-assessment against SMS Standard, ACA requirements, and NHVR conditions

Triggered / spot check / desktop

As required

Risk-based or random assurance activities initiated by the NHVR

Other rules worth knowing:

Auditor rotation — the same auditor cannot assess your SMS for more than 2 consecutive accreditation periods (or a cumulative 5 years). A different, unaffiliated auditor must complete at least one full period before they can return.
Audit validity — audit reports are valid for 9 months from the date completed.
Late compliance audit — a 3-month grace window applies after expiry; miss that and accreditation is cancelled.
Corrective Action Requests (CARs) — must be closed within 3 months (extensions require an action plan). Major CARs must close before the audit report can be accepted.
Over-mass exception workflow with escalation and corrective actions
Full mass compliance history per vehicle and combination — audit-ready

For guidance on preparing for these audits, see ‍Audit Readiness and Audit Preparation Guide.

HVA vs NHVAS — What's Changing

NHVAS (current, pre-1 Aug 2026)

HVA scheme (from 1 Aug 2026)

Structure

Three separate modules (Mass, Maintenance, Fatigue) each audited in isolation

Integrated Safety Management System (GSA) with optional ACA add-ons

Audit focus

Document- and compliance-focused

PSOE method — evidence that systems are Present, Suitable, Operating and Effective

Fatigue module

Basic Fatigue Management (BFM), Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM)

Standard Hours + ACA – Fatigue (RCSM risk-assessed hours)

Mass module

Mass Management Module (for HML)

ACA – Mass (for HML and certain PBS)

Maintenance module

Maintenance Management Module

GSA – MAP (Maintenance Assurance Program)

Accreditation grants

NHVR granting new NHVAS accreditations

NHVR grants HVA scheme accreditations only; NHVAS operators transition progressively

Standard

NHVAS Business Rules & Standards

Safety Management System Standard 2026

Get Started in Days, Not Months

Free guides, tools, and frameworks to start preparing for HVNL today — built by Australian compliance specialists and trusted by 500+ fleets.

Blue binder or folder with three horizontal black lines on the front cover.

HVNL Compliance Guide

What HVNL means for your fleet — explained in plain English

All 5 SMS outcome areas explained
Implementation timeline & milestones
Fleet preparation checklist
Gap assessment framework
Change summary from current HVNL

Read the Guide

HVNL Compliance Toolkit

Free downloadable templates to start preparing today.

Gap analysis template (5 outcome areas)
Pre-audit readiness checklist
SMS implementation tracker
PSOE evidence mapping
Implementation timeline template

Get the Free Toolkit

Audit Preparation Guide

The questions NHVR auditors ask — and where to find your answers.

Common auditor questions by outcome area
Direct answers showing where evidence sits in Hubfleet
PSOE framework explained
Audit-day preparation checklist
Real auditor scenarios

Read the Audit Guide

Want to go deeper?

Browse the full Resources Hub → · HVNL2 Regulatory Analysis →
· Read the blog → · Listen to the Risky Business podcast →

Browse the full Resources Hub

HVNL Regulatory Analysis

Read the blog

Listen to the Risky Business podcast

Common Questions from WA Operators

What's happening to NHVAS?

From 1 August 2026, the NHVR no longer has authority to grant new NHVAS accreditations. NHVAS is being progressively replaced by the new HVA scheme, which is built on the Safety Management System Standard 2026. Existing NHVAS operators will transition to the HVA scheme over time; the NHVR has published transition guidance for current holders.

Do I still need NHVAS if I'm getting ready for HVA?

If you already hold NHVAS accreditation, keep maintaining it until your transition to the HVA scheme is completed. The best investment you can make right now is building your Safety Management System against the 2026 Standard — that work carries directly into GSA under the HVA scheme.

What is GSA and who needs it?

General Safety Accreditation (GSA) is the mandatory entry point to the HVA scheme. Any operator wanting to be accredited — or wanting to add ACA – Fatigue, ACA – Mass, or GSA – MAP — must first achieve GSA. It's granted after an audit confirms your SMS complies with the Safety Management System Standard 2026.

What is the PSOE audit method?

PSOE stands for Present, Suitable, Operating and Effective. It's the framework HVA-approved auditors use to assess each element of your SMS. Entry audits check that systems are Present and Suitable. Subsequent audits check they are Operating and Effective. See our PSOE Evidence Framework Guide: Demonstrating SMS Compliance Under the HVNL Reforms for a complete evidence-mapping approach.

Can Hubfleet operate as an NHVR-approved EWD under ACA – Fatigue?

Yes. Hubfleet is an NHVR-approved Electronic Work Diary. Under ACA – Fatigue, Hubfleet supports the NHVR's pre-defined Alternative Compliance rule sets today (within the legislated outer limits of 15.5/7 solo and 14/5 two-up), with operator-configured accreditation profiles on the product roadmap. Driver competency (TLIF0030) and scheduler/manager competency (TLIF0031) are tracked with renewal alerts.

Do I need GSA – MAP?

GSA – MAP is optional, but valuable if you (a) operate in QLD or NSW and want exemption from annual inspections, or (b) run PBS combinations that require it (check your Vehicle Approval). Hubfleet's maintenance module is built to satisfy Schedule 2 of the SMS Standard.

How long does HVA accreditation last?

Accreditation periods are typically 2 years, and can be granted for up to 3 years based on your non-conformance history. Compliance audits are conducted between 9 months and 1 month before expiry. Miss the deadline and there's a 3-month grace window — after that, accreditation is cancelled.

What if my ACA is added part-way through my accreditation period?

If you add an ACA within 5 months of your original grant of accreditation, the initial compliance audit is pushed out to 10–11 months (and cannot be waived), and the expiry date stays the same. If you add an ACA more than 5 months after the original grant, it triggers a new accreditation period with its own entry audit.

Does Hubfleet also cover WAHVA?

Yes. Hubfleet is one of the few platforms that supports both national accreditation (HVA / NHVAS) and Western Australia's WAHVA scheme in a single system — including WA-specific fatigue rule sets. See WAHVA Compliance.