Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to drive and manoeuvre a trailer while it is attached to a driving vehicle. It involves inspecting the trailer before use, connecting the trailer to a vehicle, driving the trailer, and disconnecting the trailer from the vehicle.
It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry. The trailers may have non-pivoting axles or pivoting front axles.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold and italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Carry out trailer safety inspection | 1.1 Pre-operational inspections and checks of trailer are carried out according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures 1.2 Trailer load is inspected and secured according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures 1.3 Safe condition of towing vehicle is determined according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures |
2. Connect trailer to vehicle | 2.1 Trailer and vehicle are aligned and trailer is coupled to vehicle according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements 2.2 Ancillary devices are connected between vehicle and trailer according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures 2.3 Trailer and vehicle connections are tested according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures 2.4 Faults are identified and action is taken to report them according to workplace procedures |
3. Drive and manoeuvre trailer | 3.1 Brake lock-out devices are set according to manufacturer procedures 3.2 Trailer is safely manoeuvred by vehicle in forward and reverse directions and parked according to road safety regulations, and without causing damage to trailer, towing vehicle, other vehicles or surrounding environment |
4. Disconnect trailer from vehicle | 4.1 Parking devices of trailer and vehicle are applied as appropriate according to manufacturer procedures 4.2 Ancillary devices are disconnected and trailer is decoupled from vehicle according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements 4.3 Trailer or vehicle is placed in appropriate parking area according to road safety regulations |
Evidence of Performance
Before competency can be determined, individuals must demonstrate they can perform the following according to the standards defined in this unit’s elements, performance criteria, range of conditions and foundation skills:
drive and manoeuvre two different trailers on a road with curves.
Evidence of Knowledge
Individuals must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to driving and manoeuvring trailers, including procedures for manually manoeuvring trailers
key features of relevant state and territory regulations relating to trailers, including those relating to:
couplings
safe towing weights
towing speeds
braking
application, purpose and operation of trailers, including:
pivot and non-pivot trailers
definition of aggregate trailer mass and gross trailer mass
trailer coupling systems, including:
tow ball
lunette ring
weight distributing hitch
inspection procedures for trailers, including:
coupling system
electrical system
braking system
wheel assembly and bearings
suspension system
loading procedures for trailers, including:
centre of mass location
tongue weight
methods for determining maximum towing capacity of vehicle
methods for determining load capacity of towbar
driving and manoeuvring techniques, including:
effects of trailer on overall turning circle
effects of trailer on acceleration, steering and braking
methods of avoiding and controlling vehicle and trailer sway
methods of reversing a trailer.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessment must include direct observation of tasks.
Where assessment of competency includes third-party evidence, individuals must provide evidence that links them to the trailers that they have driven and manoeuvred, e.g. trailer log book.
Assessors must verify performance evidence through questioning on skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
The following resources must be made available:
road with curves suitable for trailer forward and reverse driving, manoeuvring and parking
trailer specifications and relevant state and territory regulations for towing trailers
two different trailers and towing vehicles with suitable trailer couplings.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skills | Description |
Learning skills to: | locate appropriate sources of information efficiently. |
Reading skills to: | interpret state and territory regulations for towing trailers and road signs. |
Writing skills to: | legibly and accurately fill out workplace documentation when reporting inspection findings and trailer faults. |
Oral communication skills to: | report inspection findings and trailer faults to workplace supervisor and customers. |
Numeracy skills to: | use basic mathematical processes, including addition and subtraction, to calculate trailer load and perform simple measurements of trailer dimensions interpret numerical information on trailers, such as aggregate trailer mass and gross trailer mass. |
Range Statement
This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.
Pre-operational inspections and checks must include: | braking systems suspension and axles electrical systems wheels and tyres. |
Safety requirements must include: | work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, including procedures for manually manoeuvring trailers. |
Sectors
Competency Field
Mechanical Miscellaneous