Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
This unit covers the operation and maintenance of four-wheel drive vehicles in the resources and infrastructure industries. It includes identifying four-wheel drive specific terms, terminology and techniques, planning for minimal environmental impact, performing pre-departure checks, using the features of a four-wheel drive vehicle to drive in a variety of terrain types, and performing maintenance and minor repairs on four-wheel drive vehicles. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.
Application of the Unit
This unit is appropriate for those working in an operational role at worksites within:
- Civil construction
- Coal mining
- Drilling
- Extractive industries
- Metalliferous mining
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Refer to Unit Descriptor.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Identify four-wheel drive specific terms, terminology and techniques |
1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity 1.2. Identify the structural and handling differences between a conventional two wheel drive and a four-wheel drive vehicle 1.3. Identify and demonstrate the purpose and use of front wheel hubs 1.4. Identify factors affecting tyre size, fitment, rating, and pressure 1.5. Correctly identify, recovery hooks and mounting features 1.6. Identify hazards associated with incorrect use of vehicle features or equipment |
2. Plan for minimal environmental impact |
2.1. Determine types of impact likely to occur during four-wheel driving and associated activities 2.2. Demonstrate compliance with land management principles and policies when planning exploration activities 2.3. Comply with policies and management plans relevant to the activity area 2.4. Plan and conduct activities in a manner which minimises environmental impact 2.5. Adopt and implement procedures to ensure minimisation of harm to the environment from four-wheel drive activities 2.6. Demonstrate cooperation and consideration towards other land users |
3. Perform pre-departure checks |
3.1. Perform routine pre-departure checks under the bonnet, under the body, and on external and internal items and accessories 3.2. Take action to correct any deficiency 3.3. Determine food and water requirements for journey 3.4. Select suitable navigation equipment where necessary 3.5. Interpret weather conditions to determine suitability for driving 3.6. Apply safe vehicle loading practices 3.7. Secure items of personal luggage safely 3.8. Advise passengers of any special safety precautions to be taken when traversing rough terrain |
4. Use the features of a four-wheel drive vehicle to drive in a variety of terrain types |
4.1. Operate four-wheel drive vehicles correctly and safely both on and off road, in accordance with road rules, principles of four-wheel driving and OHS regulations 4.2. Apply smooth accelerator control strategies over a range of terrain types 4.3. Demonstrate recommended braking techniques for hard top surfaces and off road conditions 4.4. Correctly identify situations where the engagement of four-wheel drive is required 4.5. Engage correctly, where fitted, front hubs or centre differential lock (constant four-wheel drive vehicles) 4.6. Survey track to identify hazards, asses risk and select a best route 4.7. Select routes to minimise damage to the environment 4.8. Use appropriate range, gear, speed, driving and braking technique to negotiate a range of terrain types and whilst maintaining control of vehicle at all times, being aware of contextual issues 4.9. Perform a stop stall key start recovery procedure on a moderate incline 4.10. Check brakes and undercarriage after negotiating varying terrain 4.11. Perform repairs to damaged tracks if necessary 4.12. Use standardised operating procedures when travelling in company with other vehicles 4.13. Maintain appropriate hand positioning on steering wheel |
5. Use a single snatch strap to recover a vehicle |
5.1. Identify risks associated with vehicle recovery and develop and implement strategies to minimise risks 5.2. Identify recovery hooks 5.3. Confirm use of recommended mounting strategy on the four-wheel drive vehicle and use of rated recovery equipment when practicable 5.4. Demonstrate procedures for preparing vehicles for recovery 5.5. Demonstrate techniques to minimise impact on the environment during vehicle recovery 5.6. Demonstrate techniques for joining two snatch straps 5.7. Coordinate safe recovery of a four-wheel drive vehicle using a single snatch strap 5.8. Correctly perform post recovery checks and repairs |
6. Perform maintenance and minor repairs on four-wheel drive vehicles |
6.1. Select/access maintenance equipment correctly, including spares and fluids, prior to departure after consideration of contextual issues 6.2. Check vehicles regularly prior to and during trip and correctly perform routine maintenance /repair tasks 6.3. Make vehicle performance reports to the designated person 6.4. Demonstrate safe use of a jack to support a four-wheel drive vehicle on uneven ground |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to operate and maintain a four-wheel drive vehicle:
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Required knowledge |
Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following as required to operate and maintain a four-wheel drive vehicle:
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Evidence Guide
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
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Method of assessment |
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:
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Guidance information for assessment |
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues. |
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
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Compliance documentation may include: |
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Types of impact may include: |
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Range of terrain types may include: |
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Contextual issues may include: |
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Routine maintenance may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Vehicle Operations
Competency field
Refer to Unit Sector(s).
Co-requisite units
Not applicable.