Yes, you need a log book (National Driver Work Diary) for a medium rigid truck if you drive it for business, even for a short trip, because Australian law requires a work diary for most heavy vehicle driving. However, there are limited exemptions, so the exact answer depends on your specific driving situation and state.
What Is a Medium Rigid Truck?
A medium rigid truck is a heavy vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) between 4.5 and 8 tonnes, with two axles and no trailer. It is the most common class for small delivery trucks, furniture vans, and service vehicles. The ‘MR’ licence class covers these vehicles, and the log book requirement applies to the vehicle’s use, not the driver’s licence class.
When Is a Log Book Legally Required?
Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), you must record your work and rest times in a National Driver Work Diary if you drive a heavy vehicle (over 4.5 tonnes GVM) for business, including:
- Delivering goods or services for an employer or as a contractor
- Driving to and from a work site, even if the truck is empty
- Driving a hire or reward vehicle (e.g., a rental truck used for moving)
This applies to medium rigid trucks because they exceed the 4.5-tonne threshold. The only drivers who do not need a log book are those who drive solely for private purposes, such as moving your own furniture, or those who qualify for a specific exemption.
Exemptions: When You Might Not Need One
There are a few limited situations where you can drive a medium rigid truck without a log book:
- Private use only – If the truck is never used for business, you do not need a work diary.
- Local work exemption – If you drive within a 100km radius of your base and return to base within 24 hours, you may not need to fill out the diary, but you must still adhere to work and rest limits. This exemption varies by state, so check your local rules.
- Exempt vehicle – Some vehicles like fire trucks or certain agricultural vehicles are exempt.
If you are unsure, the safest approach is to keep a log book. Fines for not having one can be significant, and it is easy to accidentally fall under the rules.
How to Use a Log Book Correctly
A National Driver Work Diary is a daily record of your work and rest times. You must fill it out in ink, and you cannot use erasers or correction fluid. Key rules:
- Record the date, start and end time of each work and rest period.
- Use the correct time zone (the one where you start the day).
- Keep the diary with you when driving, and produce it on request.
- Do not leave blank periods – if you are on break, write ‘rest’.
You must also count your hours across a 24-hour period and a 14-day period to ensure you do not exceed maximum work hours or minimum rest times.
Work and Rest Limits for Medium Rigid Trucks
The standard limits for a solo driver of a medium rigid truck are:
- Maximum 12 hours of work in a 24-hour period
- Maximum 5.5 hours of driving before a break
- Minimum 30-minute break after 5.5 hours of driving
- Minimum 7 hours of continuous rest (or split into two periods) in every 24 hours
These are the basic rules, but there are also fatigue management options (like BFM or AFM) that allow different limits. If you operate under those, you must have a written accreditation and follow different record-keeping.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Many drivers think a log book is only for long-distance trips, but that is false. Even a 20-minute delivery run requires a diary entry. Another misconception is that you can fill it out at the end of the week – you must record each change immediately. Also, some drivers believe that if they drive a truck under 4.5 tonnes, they don’t need a diary, which is true, but a medium rigid truck is over that limit.
How to Choose the Right Log Book
You can buy a paper National Driver Work Diary from most truck stops or online. The official version has a distinctive green cover and is the only one accepted by authorities. You cannot use a homemade spreadsheet or app unless it is an approved electronic work diary. Some companies use electronic systems, but for an individual owner-driver, a paper diary is simplest.
Costs and Penalties
A paper log book costs around $15–$20. Fines for not carrying or completing a work diary can be over $1,000 per offence, and you can be issued multiple fines for the same trip. If you are in an accident and your diary is incomplete, it can also affect insurance claims.
Template
Daily Work Diary Template
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Activity (Work/Driving/Rest) | Location | KM Reading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sample (fictional): Date: 15/10/2024, Start 07:00, End 07:45, Driving, Depot to Smith St, KM 12,450. Then 08:15–09:00, Rest, Smith St.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a log book for a medium rigid truck if I only drive it on weekends?
If you drive it for business on weekends, yes. If it is purely for private use, like moving your own furniture, no.
Can I use my phone as a log book?
Only if you use an approved electronic work diary app that meets NHVR standards. A simple notes app is not legal.
What happens if I forget my log book at home?
You can be fined for not having it in your possession while driving. You should not drive without it.
Do I need a log book for a medium rigid truck if I drive less than 100km from base?
You may be exempt from filling it out, but you still need to carry it and record your hours if you are not exempt. Check your state’s local work exemption rules.
Is a log book the same as a fatigue management plan?
No. A log book records your hours; a fatigue management plan is a formal accreditation that allows different limits. You need both if you operate under a plan.