A log book allows you to use vehicles registered under the Historic and Classic Vehicle Schemes for up to 60 days per year for maintenance and personal use (general use), outside of club-organised events. Each day of general use must be recorded in the log book.
Why do I need a log book?
Who must fill in the log book?
A person responsible for the vehicle can fill in the log book. Only one log book entry is required per day, even if there are multiple drivers. The daily entry expires at midnight on the day of the log book entry. The person making the entry in the log book must write their full name and signature each time.
What if I get a log book part way through the existing registration year?
Days of general use are calculated pro rata based on remaining registration and is not relevant when you have a full year of registration and have opted in to the log book scheme.
- Up to 3 months = 15 days
- Over 3 and up to 6 months = 30 days
- Over 6 and up to 9 months = 45 days
- Over 9 months = 60 days
The same calculation is applicable if a replacement log book has to be issued. You can use the number of days you are eligible for at your discretion throughout the registration period.
When do I need to carry the log book?
The log book must be carried in the vehicle at all times when the vehicle is being used. If you are towing trailers or caravans that are registered under the Historic Scheme, separate log books are required and also must be completed and carried.
When do I need to carry the Certificate of Approved Operations?
The certificate is issued to all vehicles registered under the Historic and Classic Vehicle Schemes. It must be carried in the vehicle whenever it is in use, including when using the log book and during club organised events. As with the log book, the certificate of approved operations for trailers or caravans that are registered under the Historic Vehicle Scheme must also be carried.
Do I need to fill in the log book when driving interstate?
Yes, the rules applying to log books and club event use still apply when driving interstate. When interstate, the NSW rules must be followed.
Can I go on a long trip (multi day)?
Yes, provided that each driving day is recorded in the log book. For days when the vehicle is parked up (not driven) a log book entry is not required.
Historic and Classic Vehicle log book and club run scenario
A club run is an event that is publicised in advance, and then recorded by the club’s secretary in the club’s official diary or meeting minutes. It can include travel from the member’s home to the event starting location and return.
Scenario: A club run is planned to go from the members’ homes to a park in Merrylands, a central meeting place for all club members. From there, the club members will drive to Wollongong lighthouse and back again. No log book or log book entry is required for this club run provided it is declared to be an official club event. However, if a member decides to leave the club run and travel to Kiama before returning home, a log book entry would be required. For non-log book clubs and members, this deviation would not be permitted.
How do I opt in for a Historic and Classic Vehicle log book?
For historic registration you must be a member of a club listed on the Transport for NSW list of recognised historic clubs, and for classic registration you must belong to a club affiliated with one of the four approved organisations.
To opt in you need to attend a Service NSW service centre and provide:
- proof of identity such as a NSW driver licence
- current Certificate of Conditional Registration (if available)
- current Certificate of Approved Operations (if available)
- and complete a change of record form.
You can opt in at any time and there is no additional cost.
What if a club has not opted in for the Historic vehicle log book?
Clubs and their members that have not opted in for the log book can only use their vehicles for club runs and maintenance trips. If a club opts out of the log book, the club members are then also limited to club and maintenance runs only.
Alternatively, historic vehicle owners can join another club that is participating in the log book scheme. Participating clubs may also have club rules or bylaws relating to the use of vehicles within their club