A pilot vehicle is a motor vehicle that travels with an oversize vehicle to warn other road users that it is there, as the Heavy Vehicle National Law defines it. In some states, pilots can also direct traffic. Who may drive one, and how many a move needs, is set by state and territory road authorities and by the permit or notice for the move.
OpsChase pilot vehicle software books, tracks and pays pilots for every move.
Pilot or escort
A pilot warns. An escort is driven by a police officer or another person authorised to direct traffic under an Australian road law. In Queensland, Level 2 escort vehicle drivers can do both, and in Western Australia licensed pilots can give lawful directions to traffic. See escort vehicle.
Who can pilot
New South Wales, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory have no pilot accreditation. Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory use two tiers, with a Level 2 pilot at the top, and Western Australia requires a Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence for every pilot.
How many pilots a move needs
The permit or notice says. In New South Wales, the 2025 daytime numbers start at one pilot for loads wider than 3.5 metres or longer than 26 metres, rising to three above 5.5 metres or 35 metres, with an escort at 6 metres or 45 metres and above.
What a pilot vehicle looks like
National rules cover warning lights, signs, headlights, positioning and communication. Main Roads Western Australia describes a yellow “Oversize Load Ahead” roof sign with amber flashing lights, and white flashing front lights when the load is more than 4.5 metres wide.
How OpsChase helps
OpsChase reads the permit and suggests how many pilots a move needs, offers the job to pilots by SMS or app, sends each confirmed pilot the permit, and turns the signed trip sheet into an invoice. Read pilot vehicle requirements by state. OpsChase is independent software and is not endorsed by any road authority.
On OpsChase: one queue for your team and contractors, follow-up when a job goes quiet, and photos or sign-off before it closes. Book a demo — one site or many.
- Is a pilot vehicle the same as an escort vehicle?
- No. A pilot warns other road users. An escort is driven by police or another person authorised to direct traffic, although some states give pilots traffic powers too.
- Who decides how many pilots a load needs?
- The permit or notice for the move, and the state operator’s guide behind it. New South Wales publishes standard numbers by width and length.
- Do pilots need accreditation?
- In Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, for some or all work. Not in New South Wales, South Australia or the Australian Capital Territory.