The Federal election was called on 28 March 2025. As this website is hosted by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, the site will only be updated with material in line with the Caretaker Conventions. Please note that the content of this site relates to the Australian Government’s existing policy.

RVS guides and resources

What's new? What's different? ROVER Release 9.3

This What's new? What's different? guide is a visual overview of key changes in ROVER Release 9.3 being deployed in May 2025. In this release, we will be removing the engine stroke field from Road Vehicle Descriptors and enabling users to request updates to embargo dates.

Guide to varying approvals in ROVER

This guide tells you:

List of motive power options and definitions

This document contains a list of motive power options on the Register of Approved Vehicles and their definitions.

Guide to the Register of Approved Vehicles

This guide explains what the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) is and how it fits within the context of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018.

Example of an XML file

This is an example of an XML file that includes fictional information and it is being provided for illustration purposes only. 

RAV submission template

RAV submission template—CSV (330 bytes)
RAV submission template-CSV—2025 (440 bytes)
Use either of these templates (in CSV format) when you submit road vehicles for entry on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV).

Guide to SPVs—Concessional RAV entry approvals

This guide describes the graduated pathway special purpose vehicles (SPVs) must follow to be granted a concessional RAV entry approval. It also outlines the ADRs they must comply with at each stage of the pathway.

Guide to vehicle type approvals

Under the Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) legislation, there are 2 approval pathways that allow vehicles to be entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV).

Guide to vehicle type approvals for low ATM trailers (4.5 tonnes or less)

This guide explains how trailer manufacturers or importers providing more than 4 trailers in a 12-month period can apply for a vehicle type approval for a low aggregate trailer mass (ATM) trailer (4.5 tonnes or less).

ROVER guide: Create an account and profile

ROVER is the department’s online portal for applications and approvals under the Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) legislation. This guide shows you what you need to do before you can begin using ROVER.