Application
This unit describes the fundamental skills required to prepare and safely drive police vehicles in an operational environment, including the effective management of hazardous situations and application of tactical driving techniques.
This unit applies to those working within operational policing environments.
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, particularly those relating to vehicle management, traffic laws and work health and safety (WHS).
Those undertaking this unit would work independently or under supervision, demonstrating responsibility for own functions and outputs while driving. They would complete routine and non-routine tasks in both familiar and changing contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Prepare vehicle for operational driving | 1.1 Select vehicle in accordance with operational requirements and terrain. 1.2 Conduct pre-drive check of vehicle, equipment and accessories to ensure availability and operational readiness. 1.3 Conduct checks on start-up to ensure vehicle is safe and drivable. 1.4 Check audible and visual warning systems to ensure operational readiness. 1.5 Complete vehicle and operational response documentation for accountability purposes. |
2. Drive vehicle in operational conditions | 2.1 Assess traffic flows and environmental conditions to identify route of travel. 2.2 Control vehicles in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, road and traffic conditions. 2.3 Apply risk management strategies during operational driving to maintain safety. 2.4 Apply defensive driving techniques to maintain safe control of vehicle. 2.5 Adapt driving techniques to adjust to changing circumstances. |
Evidence of Performance
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.
applying engine power management and safe driving strategies
applying vehicle handling techniques, including defensive driving
assessing and managing risk when driving vehicles
managing personal stress and fatigue when driving vehicles
performing pre-drive vehicle checks, including audio and visual warning systems
planning route, navigating roads and reading maps
using on-board vehicle technology, including audible and visual warning systems
using police communication systems and processes
Evidence of Knowledge
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.
ancillary vehicle equipment
police vehicle requirements and regulations
jurisdictional policies and procedures relating to the use of police vehicles, including audible and visual warning systems
police vehicle inspection procedures
traffic legislation, rules and regulations
causes and effects of fatigue on drivers
jurisdictional reporting and recording requirements
risk assessment strategies
Assessment Conditions
This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.
Consideration must be given to practical assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the companion volumes.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
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.
Competency Field
Auxiliary