Application
This unit applies to driving that is carried out in compliance with the licence requirements and regulations of the relevant state/territory driver licensing authority pertaining to heavy rigid vehicles.
Driving is performed with limited or minimum supervision, and with limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes.
Driving involves the application of routine vehicle driving principles and procedures to maintain safety and operate a heavy rigid vehicle across a variety of driving contexts.
The primary legislative requirements applicable to this unit of competency are state/territory legislation in relation to road use and driver licensing.
This unit addresses the knowledge and skills necessary for the granting of a Heavy Rigid Driver Licence.
Being awarded this unit of competency is a necessary requirement to obtain a Heavy Rigid Driver Licence but is only one of several criteria. Prospective licence applicants should check with the state/territory driver licensing authority for other criteria (such as licence tenure and medical fitness) to confirm compliance with other eligibility requirements before undertaking training and/or assessment.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 | Drive a heavy rigid vehicle | 1.1 | Heavy rigid vehicle is started, steered, manoeuvred, positioned and stopped according to traffic regulations, manufacturer instructions and relevant vehicle handling procedures |
1.2 | Engine power is managed to ensure efficiency and performance, and to minimise engine and gear damage | ||
1.3 | Braking system of heavy rigid vehicle is managed and operated efficiently to ensure effective control of vehicle under all conditions | ||
1.4 | Driving hazards are identified and/or anticipated and avoided or controlled through defensive driving | ||
1.5 | Heavy rigid vehicle is driven in reverse, maintaining visibility and achieving accurate positioning | ||
1.6 | Heavy rigid vehicle is parked, shutdown and safely secured according to traffic regulations | ||
1.7 | Load is safely and effectively restrained | ||
2 | Monitor traffic and road conditions | 2.1 | Traffic and road conditions are constantly monitored and acted upon to enable safe operation and to ensure no injury to people or damage to property, equipment, loads and facilities |
2.2 | Interaction with other road users is conducted courteously according to road rules to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow | ||
3 | Monitor and maintain vehicle performance | 3.1 | Vehicle performance is maintained through pre-operational inspections and vehicle checks |
3.2 | Appropriate signage, lights and equipment are checked for operational effectiveness and for conformity to prescribed traffic regulations |
Required Skills
This section describes the knowledge and skills required for this unit. |
Required knowledge: |
Driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques |
Efficient driving techniques |
Engine power management and safe driving strategies |
Heavy rigid vehicle controls, instruments and indicators and their use |
Heavy rigid vehicle handling procedures |
Pre-operational checks carried out on vehicle and related action |
Relevant state/territory driver licensing authority road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements |
Required skills: |
Anticipate and monitor and traffic hazards and take appropriate action |
Apply precautions and required action to eliminate, minimise or control hazards that may exist when driving a heavy rigid vehicle |
Carry out pre-operational vehicle checks |
Communicate effectively with others when driving a heavy rigid vehicle |
Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to driving a heavy rigid vehicle |
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include: applying relevant procedures that reflect legislative requirements negotiating a range of complex traffic infrastructure (such as roundabouts, traffic lights, stalemate intersections, railway level crossings). |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Resources for assessment include access to: range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment appropriate range of relevant on-road operational situations or in the workplace relevant and appropriate materials and equipment applicable documentation such as workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals. |
Method of assessment | Practical driving aspects must be assessed in a vehicle typical of the class as approved by the state/territory driver licensing authority. The use of simulators for driver testing is not permitted. The assessor must use the mandatory assessment tool provided by the state/territory driver licensing authority to conduct the assessment for this unit according to licensing authority requirements. The state/territory driver licensing authority may prescribe approved routes, which must be used for the final assessment. |
Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. | |
Heavy rigid vehicle includes: | Rigid vehicle, not being an unladen prime mover, with a minimum of three axles and a minimum 15 tonnes GVM Modified three axle prime mover with a certified detachable tray (with capacity to carry 75% of its specified GVM) with a GVM of 15 tonnes Three axle articulated bus Three axle bus above 15 tonnes GVM |
Vehicle handling procedures may include: | Accelerating and braking Managing engine performance Operating vehicle controls, instruments and indicators Positioning and stopping a vehicle Reversing a vehicle Starting a vehicle Steering and manoeuvring a vehicle Using defensive driving techniques |
Driving hazards may include: | Animals and objects on road Faulty: brakes steering mechanism on vehicle Fire in vehicle Flooded sections of road Foggy conditions Leaking fuel Oil on road Parked vehicles on road Pedestrians crossing road Wet and iced roads Windy sections of road |
Traffic and road conditions may include: | Negotiating a range of more complex traffic infrastructure (such as roundabouts, traffic lights, stalemate intersections, railwaylevel crossings) On open or private roads including roads with moderate inclines and declines Operations conducted during the day or night Typical weather conditions While at a depot, base or warehouse While at a client workplace or worksite |
Pre-operational inspections and equipment checks may include: | Checking and topping up fluid levels Checking: brakes operation of vehicle lights and indicators tyre pressures Visually checking vehicle |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.