This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to maintain the safety of and to operate, a commercial vehicle across a variety of job roles.

It includes monitoring traffic and associated equipment, managing vehicle condition and performance, and effectively managing hazardous situations.

Driving must be carried out in accordance with relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority licence requirements and regulations.

Driving is performed with limited supervision, and with duty of care responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit. Provisional car licence must be held prior to commencement of this unit of competency.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Operate commercial vehicle 

1.1

Engine power is managed to ensure efficiency and performance and to minimise engine and transmission damage

1.2

Driving hazards are identified and/or anticipated and avoided

1.3

Vehicle lights and indicators are used in accordance with traffic regulations and manufacturer instructions

1.4

Vehicle is secured in accordance with manufacturer specifications, traffic regulations and workplace procedures

1.5

Appropriate procedures are followed in a driving emergency

1.6

Appropriate low-risk driving behaviour is displayed towards other road users in accordance with workplace procedures

1.7

Vehicle is positioning and moved conveniently and safely for loading and unloading in accordance with regulatory and workplace instruction

1.8

All associated equipment is operated in accordance with manufacturer and workplace instructions

2 

Monitor traffic and road conditions 

2.1

Most efficient route of travel is taken by monitoring and anticipating traffic flows and conditions, road standards and other factors likely to cause delays or route deviations

2.2

Traffic and road conditions are constantly monitored and acted on to enable safe operation and to ensure no injury to people or damage to property, equipment, loads and facilities

3 

Monitor and maintain vehicle performance 

3.1

Vehicle performance and safety is maintained through vehicle pre-operational inspections and

3.2

Performance and efficiency of vehicle operation is monitored during use

3.3

Vehicle is driven in a manner that incorporates eco driving principles

3.4

Defective or irregular performance or malfunctions are repaired as a minor repair or reported to appropriate authority

3.5

Vehicle records are maintained/updated and information is processed in accordance with workplace procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

• applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• checking and replenishing fluids and carrying out lubrication processes
• completing relevant documentation
• demonstrating low-risk driving behaviours
• monitoring and anticipating traffic hazards and taking appropriate action
• monitoring performance of vehicle and taking appropriate action
• operating a commercial vehicle and its associated equipment
• reporting and/or rectifying identified problems, faults or malfunctions promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures
• reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs .

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• causes and effects of fatigue on drivers
• differences between transmission types
• driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques
• efficient driving techniques
• engine power management and safe driving strategies
• factors that increase fatigue-related accidents
• factors that may cause traffic delays and diversions, and related action that can be taken
• fatigue management strategies including on-road techniques
• lifestyles that promote effective long-term fatigue management
• low-risk driving behaviours
• map reading and road navigation techniques
• pre-operational checks carried out on vehicle and related action
• principles of stress management when driving a vehicle
• procedures to be followed in a driving emergency
• relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental/emissions procedures and regulations
• relevant state/territory road traffic authority road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements
• vehicle controls, instruments and indicators and their use
• vehicle handling procedures
• workplace driving and operational instructions.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards forRegistered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards forRegistered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
• relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.

A simulator/online assessment is not suitable for the final assessment of this unit of competency.