Requirements to apply for multiple combinations in a PBS Design or Vehicle Approval
From the 12 January 2026, the Victorian Government Department of Planning and Transport (DTP) will require all new PBS permit applications to be based on completed HVSAPS Access Assessments with up to 10 combinations which can be applied for in a single PBS permit application.
When creating a new PBS permit application from a completed HVSAPS Access Assessment the system will automatically load completed HVSAPS Access Assessments for other combinations. This is based on finding Access Assessments based on the following rules:
Same PBS Approval Type - either 'Design Approval' or 'Vehicle Approval'.
Same Design Approval number or Vehicle Approval number.
Same Route Type - either 'Single Route' or 'Network'
If Single Route the same Route Id and Route Version.
HVSAPS response is 'Completed' and not 'Application Refused'.
HVSAPS response has not expired (i.e. not over 2 weeks old).
Copying HVSAPS Access Assessments
Copying a HVSAPS Access Assessments is the easiest way to create applications for other combinations which meet the rules required for submitting together as part of one PBS permit application.
To copy a HVSAPS Access Assessment:
Navigate to the Access assessments application table.
Find the Access assessment you'd like to copy.
Click on the checkbox in the first column to select the Access assessment you'd like to copy.
Click on the ACTIONS FOR 1 ITEM button.
Click on Copy assessment.
The Access assessment will be copied and open up for updating and submission.
The copied Access Assessment application will have all the same PBS, vehicle, travel and route details. To ensure the application meets the combination rules only the vehicle information should be changed.
Combination vehicle information to update
The first field to update is the VA layout description. Enter the Prime Mover and Trailer Set number for the combination (listed for your combination in your Vehicle Approval in the Combination Matrix). For example: Prime Mover 2 and Trailer Set 2.
Then update the vehicle dimension, vehicle unit, and axle group information for the combination. Click here for a guide on how to interpret a PBS Vehicle Approval for an Access Assessment
Information not to update
Do not update the PBS Details, Travel details or Route.