Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate commercial vehicles safely. It includes the monitoring of traffic and associated equipment and, management of vehicle condition, and performance and effective management of hazardous situations. 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.

Application of the Unit 

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

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 the safety and operation of a commercial vehicle across a variety of job roles.

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. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

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 manufacturers instructions

1.4 The vehicle is secured in accordance with manufacturers specifications, traffic regulations and workplace procedures

1.5 Appropriate procedures are followed in the event of a driving emergency

1.6 The behaviours displayed by operators towards other road users is appropriately aligned with workplace procedures

1.7 Vehicle positioning and movement are convenient and safe for loading and unloading in accordance with regulatory and workplace instruction

1.8 All associated equipment is operated in accordance with manufacturers and workplace instructions

2 Monitor traffic and road conditions 

2.1 The most efficient route of travel is taken through monitoring and anticipation of 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 upon to enable safe operation and 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 pre-operational inspections and checks of the vehicle

3.2 Performance and efficiency of vehicle operation is monitored during use

3.3 The 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 the appropriate authority

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

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

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

Required knowledge :

• Relevant road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements of the relevant state/territory road traffic authority

• Relevant OH&S and environmental/emissions procedures and regulations

• Vehicle controls, instruments and indicators and their use

• Vehicle handling procedures

• Workplace driving and operational instructions

• Driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques

• Procedures to be followed in the event of a driving emergency

• Engine power management and safe driving strategies

• Efficient driving techniques

• Pre-operational checks carried out on vehicle and related action

• Differences between transmission types

• Map reading and road navigation techniques

• Factors which may cause traffic delays and diversions, and related action that can be taken by a driver

• Principles of stress management when driving a vehicle

• Causes and effects of fatigue on drivers

• Factors which increase fatigue-related accidents

• Fatigue management strategies including on-road techniques

• Lifestyles which promote the effective long-term management of fatigue

Required skills :

• Communicate effectively with others when driving a commercial vehicle

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the driving of a commercial vehicle

• Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

• Complete documentation related to the driving of a commercial vehicle

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Work collaboratively with others when driving a commercial vehicle

• Adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

• Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions that may arise when driving a commercial vehicle in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

• Implement contingency plans for unexpected events that may occur when driving a commercial vehicle

• Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during the driving of a commercial vehicle

• Monitor and anticipate traffic hazards and take appropriate action

• Modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

• Apply fatigue management knowledge and techniques

• Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

• Operate and adapt to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

• Monitor performance of vehicle and take appropriate action where required

• Check and replenish fluids and carry out lubrication processes in the course of work activities

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of:

• applying the underpinning knowledge and skills
• demonstrating operation of a commercial vehicle and its associated equipment
• demonstrating a theory and practical understanding of driving principles
• demonstrating an understanding of possible associated equipment for commercial vehicles
• applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
• Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
• access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

• In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment 

• As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate assessments using written/practical/oral assessments
• Practical assessment must occur:

• through appropriately simulated activities at the training organisation, and/or
• in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

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

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.

Commercial vehicle may include:

• commercial vehicles equal to or less than 4.5 tonnes GVM and seating up to 12 adults, including the driver, and all types of transmission that is used or intended to be used to carry goods of all types for hire or reward. Hired or leased vehicles and vehicles owned by a business to carry its own goods are included

Driving may be carried out in typical road transport situations, including:

• by day or night
• in typical weather conditions
• on the open road
• on a private road
• while at a depot, base or warehouse
• while at a client's workplace or work site

Vehicle handling procedures may include:

• starting a vehicle
• eco driving
• steering and manoeuvring a vehicle
• accelerating and braking
• positioning and stopping a vehicle
• reversing a vehicle
• operating vehicle controls, instruments and indicators
• managing engine performance

Pre-operational checks may include:

• visual check of vehicle
• checking and topping up of fluid levels
• checks of tyre pressures
• checks of operation of vehicle lights and indicators
• checks of brakes
• load and load restraints
• check operation of associated equipment

Minor routine repairs may include:

• replacement of blown globes in vehicle lights
• replacement of broken fan belt
• replacement of blown fuse
• replacement of door mirrors
• repairs to rear tail-light lens
• changing of tyres
• repair of tyre punctures
• replacement of broken coolant hose

Eco driving may include:

• engine management
• brake management
• ancillary brakes
• gear selection
• using air-conditioning only when necessary
• not idling engine for extended periods when not in use
• anticipating traffic flow to prevent driving at congested times

Associated equipment may include:

• tail gate loaders
• electronic doors
• gates, curtains
• ramps
• stairs
• hydraulic lifters
• ticket machines

Driving hazards may include:

• wet and iced roads
• oil on road
• animals and objects on road
• fire in vehicle
• leaking fuel
• faulty brakes
• parked vehicles on the road
• faulty steering mechanism on vehicle
• pedestrians crossing the road
• flooded sections of road
• windy sections of road
• foggy conditions
• other road users
• following distance
• traffic flow
• time of day or night

Factors that can cause traffic delays and diversions may include:

• traffic accidents
• flooded sections of road
• road damage
• bridge/tunnel damage
• road works
• building construction
• emergency situations such as bushfires, building fires, etc.
• road closures for special events such as marches, parades, etc.
• holiday traffic
• road closures for utility works such as electricity, water, sewerage, telecommunications, gas, etc.

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

• company procedures
• enterprise procedures
• organisational procedures
• established procedures

Documentation/records may include:

• state/territory driving licence requirements
• state/territory road rules
• workplace driving instructions and procedures
• vehicle manufacturers instructions, specifications and recommended driving procedures including pre-operational checks of vehicle
• emergency procedures
• vehicle log book or record book (where required)

Applicable regulations, legislation and codes may include:

• relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority driving regulations and licence requirements pertaining to the class of vehicle
• relevant state/territory road rules
• relevant state/territory permit regulations and requirements
• relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
• relevant state/territory fatigue management regulations
• relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

Competency Field 

C - Vehicle Operation