This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to drive a light rigid vehicle safely, in accordance with relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority licence requirements and regulations for light rigid vehicles.

It includes systematic and efficient control of all vehicle functions, monitoring traffic and road conditions, managing vehicle condition and performance, and effectively managing hazardous situations.

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 light rigid vehicle across a variety of driving contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1 

Drive light rigid vehicle 

1.1

Light rigid vehicle is started, steered, manoeuvred, positioned and stopped in accordance with traffic regulations and manufacturer instructions

1.2

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

1.3

Driving hazards are identified and/or anticipated and avoided or controlled through defensive driving

1.4

Light rigid vehicle is driven in reverse, maintaining visibility and achieving accurate positioning

1.5

Light rigid vehicle is parked, shut down and secured in accordance with manufacturer specifications, traffic regulations and workplace procedures

1.6

Appropriate procedures are followed in a driving emergency

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 is maintained through vehicle pre-operational inspections and checks

3.2

Performance and efficiency of vehicle operation is monitored during use

3.3

Defective or irregular performance or malfunctions are reported to appropriate authority

3.4

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
• carrying out pre-operational checks on vehicle
• completing relevant documentation
• demonstrating low-risk driving behaviours
• modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments
• monitoring and anticipating traffic hazards and taking appropriate action
• reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs
• reporting and/or rectifying identified problems, faults or malfunctions promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and 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 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
• light rigid vehicle controls, instruments and indicators and their use
• light rigid vehicle handling procedures
• map reading and road navigation techniques including using a global positioning system (GPS) device as required
• 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 state/territory road traffic authority road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements
• relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental procedures and regulations
• 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.

Assessment of this unit may be undertaken within a licensing examination conducted by, or under the authority of, the relevant state/territory road traffic authority.

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.