- Standard hours: 12 hrs work / 7 hrs continuous rest in 24.
- BFM allows 14 hrs / 24 and longer 7-day limits with documented controls.
- AFM is fully customised, requires NHVR approval and full risk-management documentation.
- Microsleeps can happen with eyes open — the symptoms are real warning signs.
The three fatigue regimes
Standard Hours apply by default. Work no more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period and take a minimum 7 hours continuous rest.
Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) allows up to 14 hours work in 24 and longer 7-day cycles in exchange for documented fatigue training, scheduling controls and record-keeping.
Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) is a tailored regime negotiated with the NHVR — most often used in mining and remote operations.
Reading the symptoms
Heavy eyelids, missing exits, drifting in the lane, yawning in clusters, losing track of the last few minutes — all early warnings. A driver who experiences microsleeps with eyes open is critically fatigued, regardless of what the work diary says.
Practical strategies
Plan rest stops before you start, not during. A 20-minute power nap restores more alertness than a caffeine hit alone. Avoid heavy meals before night driving. Keep the cab cool and well-lit; if you find yourself adjusting the radio to stay awake, stop now.
Records that protect you
Fill in the work diary honestly and in real time. Note any delays at depots — they're powerful evidence in a CoR investigation. If you refuse to drive due to fatigue, document the conversation and the time.