This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to obtain a licence to drive a heavy rigid vehicle. It includes systematically and efficiently controlling all vehicle functions, monitoring traffic and road conditions, managing vehicle condition and performance, and effectively managing hazardous situations.

Heavy rigid vehicle includes:

• a rigid vehicle, not being an unladen prime mover, with a minimum of three axles and a minimum 15 tonnes GVM or
• a modified three axle prime mover with a certified detachable tray (with capacity to carry 75% of its specified GVM) with a GVM of 15 tonnes and holds dual registration (HC & HR) or
• a three axle articulated bus or
• a three axle bus above 15 tonnes GVM.

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

This unit applies to driving that is carried out in accordance with relevant state/territory driver licensing authority licence requirements and regulations for heavy rigid vehicles.

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 safety and to operate a heavy rigid vehicle across a variety of driving contexts.

The primary legislative requirements applicable to this unit of competency are state/territory legislation in relation to road use and driver licensing.

This unit addresses the knowledge and skills necessary for the granting of a Heavy Rigid Driver Licence.

Being awarded this unit of competency is a necessary requirement to obtain a Heavy Rigid Driver Licence but is only one of several criteria. Prospective licence applicants should check with the state/territory driver licensing authority for other criteria (such as licence tenure and medical fitness) to confirm other eligibility requirements before undertaking training and/or assessment.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1 

Drive a heavy rigid vehicle 

1.1

Heavy rigid vehicle is started, steered, manoeuvred, positioned and stopped in accordance with traffic regulations, manufacturer instructions and relevant vehicle handling procedures

1.2

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

1.3

Braking system of heavy rigid vehicle is managed and operated efficiently to ensure effective control of vehicle under all conditions

1.4

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

1.5

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

1.6

Heavy rigid vehicle is parked, shutdown and safely secured according to traffic regulations

1.7

Load is safely and effectively restrained

2 

Monitor traffic and road conditions 

2.1

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

2.2

Interaction with other road users is conducted courteously in accordance with road rules to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow

3 

Monitor and maintain vehicle performance 

3.1

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

3.2

Appropriate signage, lights and equipment are checked for operational effectiveness and for conformity to prescribed traffic regulations

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:

• anticipating and monitoring traffic hazards and taking appropriate action
• applying precautions and required action to eliminate, minimise or control identified hazards
• applying relevant procedures that reflect legislative requirements
• carrying out pre-operational vehicle checks including:

• checking and topping up fluid levels
• checking:

• brakes
• operation of vehicle lights and indicators
• tyre pressures

• visually checking vehicle

• communicating effectively with others
• handling vehicle including:

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

• negotiating a range of complex traffic infrastructure (such as roundabouts, traffic lights, stalemate intersections, railway level crossings)
• 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:

• driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques
• efficient driving techniques
• engine power management and safe driving strategies
• heavy rigid vehicle controls, instruments and indicators, and their use
• heavy rigid vehicle handling procedures
• pre-operational checks carried out on vehicle and related action
• relevant state/territory driver licensing authority road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements.

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

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

Practical driving aspects must be assessed in a vehicle typical of the class as approved by the state/territory driver licensing authority. The use of simulators for driver testing is not permitted.

The assessor must use the mandatory assessment tool provided by the state/territory driver licensing authority to conduct the assessment for this unit according to licensing authority requirements.

The state/territory driver licensing authority may prescribe approved routes, which must be used for the final assessment.

Assessment must occur in the following traffic and road conditions:

• on open and/or private roads with moderate inclines and declines
• operations that are conducted during the day and night
• typical weather conditions

and may also include traffic and road conditions at a depot, base or warehouse.

Resources for assessment include:

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