Bridge engineering self supervision (BESS)

What is bridge engineering self supervision (BESS)

Many older bridges and culverts through New Zealand were not designed for modern heavy vehicle axle weights. Consequently they are at more risk of damage from the extra weight, which in turn is a risk to both drivers of heavy vehicles and other road users.

To reduce these risks, we require overweight vehicles crossing bridges and culverts to be supervised by suitably qualified individuals. Drivers of heavy vehicles can be registered and approved to self-supervise crossings on certain bridges which would normally be supervised by an engineer. This is referred to as BESS.

BESS registration currently last for five years.

Applying for BESS registration

Drivers and companies wanting to become BESS-registered must complete the appropriate required Transport Agency application form. A company must be BESS-registered if it wishes to employ BESS-registered drivers.

Download the BESS driver application form (updated 19 August2 March 2016)

Download the BESS company application form

The application form then needs to be sent to the overweight permit issuing officer (OPIO) in the driver's or company's region:

On receiving the application, the OPIO informs the Transport Agency National Office who carry out background checks on traffic and driving histories. 

Assessment requirements

Drivers are required to be assessed for unit standard 23436.

Contact details for the Transport Agency-approved assessors are listed below:

Assessors’ portal to e-BESS

I’m a manager/director of a heavy transport company. Is there any way I can monitor my employees?

BESS-registered drivers can be monitored through TORO (Transport Organisation Register Online).

Find out more about TORO

Renewing your bridge engineering self-supervision (BESS) registration

If you are are drivers whose full BESS registrations will expire soon, you can contact a NZ Transport Agency-approved BESS assessor to book a renewal course. Companies can also do this on their employees’ behalf. You can find the list of approved assessors above.

What to take to the renewal course

When you come to do the renewal course you will need to bring:

• your driver licence, and
• your BESS ID card.

If you don’t bring these you cannot sit the renewal course.

You must also be a holder of full (not provisional) BESS registration. The renewal application form can be completed at the time of the assessment.

When should I book into a renewal course?

We recommend that you book at least eight weeks before your card expires.

What happens after I do the renewal course?

Straight after you’ve done the course, the assessor will give you temporary renewal of BESS certification. Please ensure that you carry this certification with you at all times when driving on an overweight permit that requires BESS, until you receive your new BESS ID card.

Check your card’s expiry date

You must sit the renewal course before your card expires, as once it has expired, you no longer have BESS registration. You will then have to have a provisional driver trial period of six months.

If you have any questions, please call our contact centre .