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Performance Based Standards

General Explanation

The Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Scheme offers the heavy vehicle industry the potential to achieve higher productivity and safety through innovative and optimised vehicle design. PBS vehicles are designed to perform their tasks as productively, safely and sustainably as possible, and to operate on networks that are appropriate for their level of performance. The basic principle of PBS is matching the right vehicles to the right tasks. PBS vehicles are tested against 16 stringent safety standards and four infrastructure standards to ensure they fit the existing road network and are safe. The scheme has been in operation since October 2007 (NHVR, 2019).

Applying for PBS

PBS Assessment
The first step is to consult with a PBS Assessor about your vehicle concept and to organise a vehicle assessment. If you do not already have a preferred Assessor, please contact our office and we can organise a PBS Assessor to contact you directly.

PBS Certification

Once Design Approval has been granted our PBS Certifiers will inspect the vehicle and, provided the vehicle complies with the Design Approval, issue a Vehicle Approval.

We’re here to guide you through the application process so that you can realise the benefits of Performance Based Standards. If you would like to know more, or if you have any questions, please call one of our friendly staff members and we will be happy to assist with your inquiry.

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The PBS Process