Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to drive, navigate and direct a vehicle  at night under field conditions  using white, reduced and blackout lighting where the threat(s) by an adversary or enemy may prohibit the full use of normal vehicle headlights, tail lights and interior lighting.

In these circumstances, to assist in the control, operation and navigation of the vehicle, the driver may use guides and other aids, including specialist 'blackout' lighting equipment fitted to vehicles.

This unit does not include the use of night fighting equipment, which is addressed in competency PUADEFTP004B.

Application of the Unit 

The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit /s 

PUADEFTP003B Operate a vehicle over difficult terrain

TDTH297B Plan and navigate routes

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare a vehicle for driving at night 

1.1 Serviceability check  of a vehicle and any external aids  to night driving is conducted

1.2 Any faults are rectified or reported in accordance with standard procedures

1.3 Vehicle is configured for night driving in accordance with standard procedures and instructions 

2. Drive a vehicle at night 

2.1 Vehicle is driven at night using various types of lighting  and external aids in different types of terrain, road and light conditions

2.2 Directions from a co-driver and a guide, both with and without the assistance of external aids, are responded to

2.3 Vehicle is navigated at night using navigational equipment 

3. Direct a vehicle at night 

3.1 Appropriate external aids, are identified, obtained and checked for serviceability

3.2 Any vehicle faults are rectified or reported in accordance with standard procedures

3.3 Vehicle is directed using external aids in accordance with standard procedures

3.4 External aids are retrieved, checked and returned to storage area

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• scan terrain
• judge terrain, distance and speed at night
• drive a vehicle at night under normal lighting conditions
• manoeuvre a vehicle in confined spaces
• navigate a vehicle
• respond to directions when driving
• participate in team
• encourage other team members
• use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening
• read and implement written or verbal orders and procedures
• read maps and use navigational aids

Required Knowledge 

• OH&S requirements for driving at night
• characteristics of night vision
• vehicle navigation
• vehicle signalling and directing techniques
• team work principles and strategies
• techniques for supporting others
• composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members
• verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Assessment must confirm the ability to prepare a vehicle for night driving then drive the vehicle under field conditions in a range of environments such as cross-country, and on tracks and formed roads utilising the three types of lighting under a range of lighting and driving conditions.

Assessment must also confirm the ability to:

• drive and navigate a vehicle at night using white, reduced and blackout lighting
• respond to directions from a co-driver and guides
• act as guide while using external aids.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated as part of a broader assessment activity involving the tactical deployment of drivers and vehicles over an extended period.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed progressively with the levels of complexity of driving with reduced lighting increasing i.e. the sequence should be white, reduced then blackout. Activities should commence with the receipt of instructions for a night move. The individual should be assessed in the inspection and preparation of the vehicle for night driving.

Assessment under the particular light condition should test the individual's competence including the conduct of more complex tasks such as manoeuvring in confined spaces with and without the use of guides and associated aids. Navigation may be assessed as part of a vehicle navigation exercise conducted under various lighting conditions driving cross-country as well as on tracks and sealed roads.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to:

• suitable training and assessment area to simulate operational conditions
• vehicle with complete equipment schedule
• external aids and navigation equipment listed in the range statement.

Guidance information for assessment 

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

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. Bold italicised  wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Vehicles may include 

All wheeled road transport vehicles (in Defence this equates to B class vehicles)

Field conditions include 

Work conducted under exposed conditions

A variety of road, terrain and vegetation conditions

A range of typical weather conditions

Driving at night includes 

Moving in a forward direction, including overtaking

Reversing

Parking

Manoeuvring in confined spaces

Serviceability check may include 

Operation of the vehicle, accessories and equipment

Operation of brakes, instruments and lights, including blackout lighting

Aids such as torches, lamps and flares

External aids include 

Torches, lamps and street lights

Flares, cylume sticks and illumination

Use of signs, markers, tape and fluorescent devices

Guides

Standard procedures and instructions refer to 

Written and verbal orders and instructions

Standing orders, routine orders, procedures manuals, doctrine pamphlets, job guides and other publications

Defence Road Transport Instructions, Driver's Handbook, Vehicle user's handbook

OH&S requirements for driving a vehicle at night

Procedures prescribed for the vehicle by the relevant state/territory traffic authority and the parent Defence unit/formation for operating at night

Configuring a vehicle for night driving may include 

Attaching tape and markers to a vehicle to aid observation and recognition

Removing camouflage material

Painting/cleaning blackout makers

Fitting specialist equipment

Types of lighting may include 

Moon and limited visibility

Full or partial artificial illumination

White

Reduced

Blackout

Navigational equipment may include 

Maps, navigation data sheet, route cards, odometer, compass and Global Positioning System (GPS)

Co-requisite Unit /s 

Nil