Bridge engineering self supervision (BESS) is a training and registration system for companies and drivers of heavy vehicles that operate under an overweight permit. BESS registration is a requirement for obtaining overweight permits that include restrictions on crossing bridges.
Heavy indivisible loads often need to be transported for the greater economic good of the country. When issuing overweight permits for such loads, the key consideration for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is the safe load capacity of bridges on the route.
Increased axle group and gross masses are generally allowed over unrestricted bridges under an overweight permit based on greater certainty of load mass accuracy compared with general access vehicles.
Allowable vehicle masses may be further increased under a permit but with the following restrictions:
If an overweight permit specifies such restrictions, then the company and the driver operating the vehicle must be BESS-registered.
Alternatively, a BESS-registered supervisor may accompany the driver to control the crossings over any restricted bridges and to ensure the restrictions on the permit are complied with.
Companies and drivers wanting to become BESS-registered must apply to Waka Kotahi by completing the relevant form.
BESS driver application form [PDF, 79 KB]
BESS company application form [PDF, 71 KB]
Send the completed application form to:
BESS administrator
Email: BESSadmin@nzta.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 683 774
Address: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency,
Private Bag 11777,
Palmerston North 4442
To be eligible for BESS registration, companies must:
If we have concerns about a company’s traffic offence history or compliance record, we may approve BESS registration on a six-month trial basis or decline the application.
To be eligible for BESS registration as a driver, you must have a current driver licence class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 when you apply.
You must also meet the Waka Kotahi criteria for a good driving record, that is:
If you are eligible for training, you must sit and pass the NZQA unit standard 23436.
NZQA unit standard 23436(external link)
When you apply for BESS registration, we review your driving history over the last two years. If you are eligible for BESS training, we will refer you to the nearest assessor. You then have six months to complete the training. If you do not pass the BESS training within six months, you need to submit a new application.
When you have successfully completed your BESS training, Waka Kotahi will either issue your full BESS ID card or grant you provisional registration for six months, depending on how many demerit points you have.
If your application is declined, you can apply again in six months.
BESS driver registration is valid for five years. Before your registration expires, you must complete a renewal course with a Waka Kotahi approved assessor to renew your BESS registration. Companies can book a renewal course on behalf of their drivers.
We recommend that you book at least eight weeks before the expiry date on the BESS ID card.
When you come to the renewal course, you need to bring:
For assessor contact details to book your renewal course, see the list of approved assessors.
If you are found to have breached permit or BESS conditions, we may disqualify you and the company you work for and remove your names from the BESS register.
If it was a minor breach and a first offence, we may put you and the company on probation for a period and reinstate your BESS licences if there are no repeat offences.
If you disagree with a decision about your BESS registration, you can submit an appeal to Waka Kotahi and request a review of the decision. We will review your submission as well as all the information considered for the initial decision and advise you by letter of our final decision.
Send your appeal submission or review request to the BESS administrator.
Waka Kotahi-approved BESS assessors and their contact details are listed below:
| Regions covered | Name | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northland Auckland |
Brian Parker | brian_parker@xtra.co.nz | 021 989 395 |
| Northland Auckland Waikato |
Nadine Bell | odtransportservices@gmail.com | 021 127 1945 |
| Marc Ryan | westhaul575@gmail.com | 027 670 7707 | |
| Northland Auckland Waikato Bay of Plenty |
Allan Collins | allan@digitalcranes.co.nz | 027 715 8980 |
| Bill deRenzy | bill.derenzy@xtra.co.nz | 027 478 8594 | |
| Gisborne Napier Whakatāne |
John Sutton | nottuspiloting@xtra.co.nz | 027 278 7049 |
|
Hawke’s Bay |
Tina Ware | JPWT@xtra.co.nz | 027 443 2065 |
| Hawke’s Bay Manawatū Wairarapa |
Stuart McConchie | Stuart.McConchie@trgroup.co.nz | 021 392 762 |
| Wellington Marlborough West Coast Top of the South Island |
Gary Pearce | pearce.anderson@xtra.co.nz | 027 459 4058 |
| Christchurch South Island |
Jason Campbell | jason@jcoar.co.nz | 027 242 6502 |
| Pat Power | pat.janine@xtra.co.nz | 027 208 4215 | |
| Janine Millar-Power | pat.janine@xtra.co.nz | 027 208 4156 | |
| Otago Southland South Island |
Daryl Stephen | southerncommercialtraining@outlook.co.nz | 021 299 3630 |
| Otago | Danny Stephen | dmstephen@xnet.co.nz | 027 227 6716 |
BESS-registered drivers can be monitored through Transport Organisation Register Online (TORO).
If you notice any damage when you cross a bridge or culvert, you should notify the Network Manager at the regional Waka Kotahi office as soon as possible but in any event no later than 24 hours after the crossing.
If it is an emergency, then you must immediately notify the police.
If you have any questions, please contact the BESS administrator.
