Unit of competency details

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.

1 

Drive a heavy combination vehicle 

1.1

Heavy combination vehicle is started, steered, manoeuvred, positioned and stopped according to 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 combination 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 combination vehicle is driven in reverse, maintaining visibility and achieving accurate positioning

1.6

Heavy combination vehicle is parked, shutdown, uncoupled 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 upon 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 according to 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

3.3

Prime mover and trailer are correctly aligned and coupled

3.4

Coupled vehicle is checked and tested to ensure it is correctly secured and to confirm it is fully operational

This section describes the knowledge and skills required for this unit.

Required knowledge: 

• Driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques

• Efficient driving techniques

• Engine power management and safe driving strategies

• Heavy combination vehicle controls, instruments and indicators and their use

• Heavy combination 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

Required skills: 

• Anticipate and monitor and traffic hazards and take appropriate action

• Apply precautions and required action to eliminate, minimise or control hazards that may exist when driving a heavy combination vehicle

• Carry out pre-operational vehicle checks

• Communicate effectively with others when driving a heavy combination vehicle

• Monitor performance of vehicle, its trailers and its equipment, and take appropriate action where required

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to driving a heavy combination vehicle

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 competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:
• applying relevant procedures that reflect legislative requirements
• negotiating a range of complex traffic infrastructure (such as roundabouts, traffic lights, stalemate intersections, railway level crossings).

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Resources for assessment include access to:

• range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment
• appropriate range of relevant on-road operational situations or in the workplace
• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
• applicable documentation such as workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Method 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.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Heavy combination vehicle includes:

• Prime mover with a minimum of three axles and a semi-trailer with a minimum of two axles - vehicle must have a GCM rating of at least 24 tonnes
• Heavy rigid vehicle towing a trailer - trailer must have at least two axles and a GVM of 12 tonnes or more

Vehicle handling procedures may include:

• 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

Driving hazards may include:

• Animals and objects on road
• Faulty:

• brakes
• steering mechanism on vehicle

• Fire in vehicle
• Flooded sections of road
• Foggy conditions
• Leaking fuel
• Oil on road
• Parked vehicles on road
• Pedestrians crossing road
• Wet and iced roads
• Windy sections of road

Traffic and road conditions may include:

• Negotiating a range of more complex traffic infrastructure (such as roundabouts, traffic lights, stalemate intersections, railway level crossings)
• On open or private roads including roads with moderate inclines and declines
• Operations conducted during the day or night
• Typical weather conditions
• While at a depot, base or warehouse
• While at a client workplace or worksite

Pre-operational inspections and equipment checks may include:

• Checking and topping up fluid levels
• Checking:

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

• Visually checking vehicle