Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment Scheme (HVCBA)

The HVCBA program allows RTOs to employ TfNSW-approved professionals to conduct training and assessment for heavy vehicle licences.

Transport for NSW accredit Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to conduct Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessments (HVCBA). In February 2021, Transport for NSW made changes to the application process for RTOs. All new contracts are managed through a procurement process which focuses on suitability and fairness.

The application process closed in March 2021 with new agreements to be awarded in May 2021. RTOs will be accredited for a 3 year period with the new agreement commencing on 1 July 2021.

During the period of accreditation Transport for NSW will not engage additional RTOs, however will continually review the program to ensure that provision of service is provided.

Any future procurement updates will be communicated here. If you are an RTO and have further questions, please email HVLReform@transport.nsw.gov.au

For more information see Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVCBA) - RTO Information Session (PDF, 838.22 KB).

Tools for RTOs

All accredited RTOs - view the full list of HVCBA Registered Training Organisations.
Check the current accreditation of an HVCBA Assessor - find out if an individual driving instructor is approved under the HVCBA program
Heavy Vehicle Competency Online Reporting System (HVCORS)
HVCBA complaint submission

Are you looking to upgrade to a heavy vehicle licence?

See Getting a heavy vehicle licence for information.

What is the HVCBA Scheme?

Under regulation 59 of the Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Regulation 2017 (NSW), Transport for NSW established the Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVCBA) Scheme for the purpose of assessing Applicants for the issue, reissue or renewal of a Heavy Vehicle Licence.

HVCBA with an accredited provider is the primary method for applicants to obtain a heavy vehicle licence in NSW. A provider is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that has applied to Transport for NSW to be accredited to conduct training and assessments of applicants for a heavy vehicle licence, and to issue Certificates of Competence in respect of applicants for a heavy vehicle licence.

HVCBA has been designed to allow for greater flexibility to best suit industry needs. Applicants that undertake HVCBA have the ability to select their own HVCBA provider, learn and be assessed in a vehicle of their choice and arrange their own appointment times.

In some areas, applicants are also offered the option of undertaking a Transport for NSW heavy vehicle driving test at a Service NSW centre.