NSW: Alignment of pilot and escort requirements

Source: Transport for NSW (24.06.2025)

Transport for NSW has standardised pilot and escort requirements for Class 1 mobile cranes, non mobile crane special purpose vehicles and load carrying vehicles in NSW.

Changes have been implemented to pilot and escort requirements for:

• mobile cranes
• nonmobile crane special purpose vehicles
• load carrying vehicles.

These changes are based on analysis of similar dimensions, swept path and on road behaviour.

These changes apply to pilot and escort requirements only; there is no change to any other access conditions and requirements under the notices or permits.

There are no changes to requirements under the Heavy Vehicle National Law for pilots and escorts, which set out conditions and definitions to be a pilot or escort.

The aligned pilot and escort requirements have been updated in all operator’s guides of Class 1 special purpose vehicles and load carrying vehicles notices.

These operator’s guides can be accessed on the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) website on the notices and permit-based schemes webpage. 

As required under the Heavy Vehicle National Law before a Class 1 vehicle is driven along any route, the route must be assessed before travel.

For more information on the changes and alignment of the pilot and escort requirements, please contact us via email at freight@transport.nsw.gov.au.