The Performance-Based Standards (PBS) scheme uses Vehicle Approvals (VAs) to identify approved vehicles. Adding vehicles to an existing VA is streamlined for identical-footprint combinations (matching axle spacings, within the same length bracket, and same PBS compliance level).

This avoids issuing a new VA number and stops operators from having to RE-APPLY for Access Permit Approvals. Non-identical footprint vehicles require a new VA. See NHVR’s video below and their “Adding Identical-Footprint Vehicles to a PBS Vehicle Approval“ information sheet for more details.