This unit describes the skills required to drive, navigate and direct a vehicle at night under field conditions using white, reduced and blackout lighting where the threat(s) by an adversary or enemy may prohibit the full use of normal vehicle headlights, tail lights and interior lighting. In these circumstances, to assist in the control, operation and navigation of the vehicle, the driver may use guides and other aids, including specialist ‘blackout’ lighting equipment fitted to vehicles.

This unit was developed for military drivers in a threat environment, but is applicable to any individuals who work in this field.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work independently or as part of a team, under direct and indirect supervision, use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their output. They would perform routine tasks in a broad range of unpredictable contexts.

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

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

scanning terrain

judging terrain, distance and speed at night

driving a vehicle at night under normal lighting conditions

manoeuvring a vehicle in confined spaces

navigating a vehicle

responding to directions when driving

reading maps and using navigational aids

driving and navigating a vehicle at night using white, reduced and blackout lighting

acting as guide while using external aids

preparing a vehicle for night driving then driving the vehicle under field conditions in a range of environments including cross country, and on tracks and formed roads utilising the three types of lighting under a range of lighting and driving conditions

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

WHS requirements for driving at night

characteristics of night vision

vehicle navigation

vehicle signalling and directing techniques

Competency should be demonstrated as part of a broader assessment activity involving the tactical deployment of drivers and vehicles over an extended period.

Competency should be assessed progressively with the levels of complexity of driving with reduced lighting increasing i.e. the sequence should be white, reduced, then blackout. Activities should commence with the receipt of instructions for a night move. The individual should be assessed in the inspection and preparation of the vehicle for night driving.

Assessment under the particular light condition should test the individual’s competence including the conduct of more complex tasks including manoeuvring in confined spaces with and without the use of guides and associated aids. Navigation may be assessed as part of a vehicle navigation exercise conducted under various lighting conditions driving cross country as well as on tracks and sealed roads.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.

Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.

Transport