Access
Permits
Access Permits are a requirement when travelling on a non-approved road, however the process can be complex and confusing.
We can take the pressure off dealing with the NHVR by completing the process for you.
See our FAQ’s below to help with some common questions.
General FAQs for permit applications
When is an Access Permit required?
A permit is required for any Restricted Access Vehicles (RAV) which is operating off an approved network specific to their combination. The networks operate under a government gazette / notice, which can be found on National notices | NHVR & State notices | NHVR
How long does the application process take?
Once submitted to the NHVR, the permit process can take anywhere from 5 days to 500 days – depending on what is involved (one road or one hundred roads) and the current workload the road manager currently has. Some applications can be approved quite quickly, whereas others can take much longer (usually due to a bad road manager or state government requiring bridge assessments) however we will constantly monitor your application and advocate for you if the process is taking too long.
When would I need a bridge assessment?
If you have applied for a permit for a non-approved road and a bridge exists on that road, a bridge assessment may be required. In some cases, the NHVR and/or Road Manager have even asked for one when requesting to travel on a non-approved road which has a culvert.
Is a permit guarenteed to be approved?
No. A permit is never guaranteed approval. Even if the access has previously been granted. This is for various reasons, out of our control, but generally refused applications are due to the road condition or asset strength issues.
Is it possible a permit may only get partially approved? Or approved at a lower weight then what was applied for?
Yes, this is possible. As an example; you may apply for ten roads within the one council area and nine are okay to use but one isn’t. If this happens, they will issue you a permit for the nine roads and refuse the one road which isn’t suitable. If a Road Manager deems the mass (weight) too high, they can offer you a reduced mass, which can either be accepted or the whole application refused.
When would I need a rail crossing permit?
A rail crossing permit is required for ANY combination over 26mts which requires to travel over a railway crossing in Victoria, irrespective of whether you are travelling on an approved or non-approved road.
How do I know if a road I need to use is not approved?
The NHVR have released a resource call the NHVR Route Planner Tool. This online system can show you the approved networks and their allowable travel routes. Please refer to this online tool to help you research your journey.
Am I allowed to operate my vehicle once the application has been applied for?
No you must wait for the NHVR and/or applicable Road Managers to formally approve the use of the combination BEFORE you can legally operate on the requested road/s.
You must also carry a copy of your approval with you at all times when operating the vehicle on the approved road/s.
How to apply for a permit.
To apply for a permit you need to let us know the following:
what combination you’re operating at;
all the roads you need to travel on;
what network you are currently approved to operate on and;
what weights you want to travel at.
Please then complete the relevant form, as found in our forms section at the top of the page, and email it to our team. If you’re unable to complete the form, please email all of the listed information above to our permits team at admin@massmanagement.com.au
What can Mass Management do to help?
Our industry experts have an extensive knowledge of the permit process and work with you one-on-one to get you the best results.
We take the stress and worry out of the application process by completing it all for you. We liaise directly with the NHVR on your behalf and let you know when it’s been completed.
We can even manage the renewal process for you to ensure the permit doesn’t become expired.
