Eligibility Rules
For the purpose of the TruckSafe Owner-Driver Safety Management System (SVOD SMS), the definition of an ‘owner-driver’ is a person who is self-employed, is the only driver of their vehicle(s) and has engaged no other persons that have control or influence on a transport task, other than a temporary relief driver or a subcontractor.

For the purpose of the SVOD SMS the definition of a ‘relief driver’ is a person who replaces the owner-driver on a temporary basis as a result of the owner-driver being unable to drive due to illness, injury, leave, or other factor, that prevents the owner-driver from driving.

Use of and recognition under the SVOD SMS is strictly subject to each of the following eligibility conditions being met at the time of becoming a member to, at all times during membership to and at the time of any audit under the SVOD SMS:
1. The owner-driver is self-employed, has only one vehicle in use at any one time, and is the only driver of the vehicle
2. The owner-driver has engaged no other persons that have control or influence on a transport task other than a temporary relief driver or a subcontractor
3. The owner-driver must sign the legal declaration at the commencement of their membership and then at every audit confirming they meet the requirements of point 1 and 2 above
4. Should a SVOD SMS member engage anyone with control or influence on a transport task (excluding a temporary relief driver or subcontractor) including casual drivers, their SVOD SMS certification will be cancelled. The member will need to follow the procedure outlined in the TruckSafe business rules to change to the TruckSafe Safety Management System (TS SMS)
5. A TruckSafe registered auditor is not permitted to audit a member using the SVOD SMS audit assessment tool where it is known the member does not meet the eligibility rules for the SVOD SMS
6. A relief driver that is engaged that temporarily replaces the owner-driver is permitted providing the relief driver continues to meet all requirements of the SVOD SMS in the same way the owner-driver is by ensuring they are aware of, understand, and execute the owner-driver’s policies, processes, and procedures as if they are the owner-driver
7. Subcontractors are permitted to work for the owner-driver providing all requirements of the SVOD SMS are being met.

The SVOD SMS is only intended for use when each of the above eligibility conditions are met.

If any of the above conditions are not met at any relevant time, then the member is not entitled to use or be recognised under the SVOD SMS and TruckSafe will be immediately entitled to void any certificate of membership, not recognise any audit done under and cancel the member’s subscription to the SVOD SMS, without notice.