Electronic work diary (EWD)

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GlossaryUpdated 10 July 2026

An electronic work diary is an NHVR-approved electronic system that records a heavy vehicle driver's work and rest times as a voluntary alternative to the written work diary.

Drivers of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles must record work and rest. The traditional instrument is the written work diary; an EWD is the approved electronic replacement, and only systems approved by the NHVR may be called one.

The value is accuracy and real-time visibility: an EWD can warn before a breach instead of documenting it afterwards. See fatigue management and the fatigue and work diaries guide.

Last updated 10 July 2026General information, not tax or legal advice.

Related terms

Keep reading.

Neighbouring terms from the fleet glossary.

Fatigue managementFatigue management under the Heavy Vehicle National Law sets maximum work and minimum rest times for drivers of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles, with three levels: Standard hours, Basic Fatigue Management and Advanced Fatigue Management.Standard, BFM and AFM
National Heavy Vehicle RegulatorThe National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is the national body that administers the Heavy Vehicle National Law, including accreditation, access permits, fatigue rules and Chain of Responsibility enforcement.NHVR
Chain of ResponsibilityChain of Responsibility is the principle in the Heavy Vehicle National Law that everyone with influence over a transport task, not just the driver, shares legal responsibility for its safety.CoR

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