Heavy Vehicle Structural Assessment Permit System (HVSAPS)

What is HVSAPS?
The Heavy Vehicle Structural Assessment Permit System (HVSAPS) is a software platform developed by the Victorian Government Department of Planning and Transport (DTP) to automate heavy vehicle structural assessments. HVSAPS is a backend-only application that seamlessly integrates with the NHVR Go’s front-end used by operators.

What is the purpose of HVSAPS?
Previously, DTP manually assessed bridges and culverts, which could take 6-9 months and cost up to $50,000 in fees.

HVSAPS will remove the need for manual bridge assessments, allowing operators to receive faster approvals for Victorian state roads at no additional cost.

What are the timelines?
On 1 January 2026 DTP stopped charging for structural assessments.
On 12 January 2026 HVSAPS commenced, including the Access Assessment tool, which is integrated with NHVR Go as the front-facing tool.

NHVR Go provides a single, authoritative location for the heavy vehicle industry to map journeys across state and territory borders.

Why does HVSAPS only apply to state roads in Victoria?
The focus of the first stage of HVSAPS has been to address only state roads, removing the need for DTP’s manual assessments of bridges and culverts and eliminating bridge assessment fees for industry.

As the project progresses, DTP will work with local councils and other road managers in Victoria to expand the use of HVSAPS.

What if HVSAPS provides less access to the structures than my previous permits allowed?
DTP has a legacy permit system in place, so your previous assessments will be valid for two years. From 2028, DTP will review the legacy system.

Can I request a manual assessment if I don’t like the assessment results
provided by HVSAPS?
No, HVSAPS replaces manual assessments.

Can every vehicle application use HVSAPS?
HVSAPS will be initially used for all Class 1 and Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles.

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