TDTC597C
Drive heavy combination vehicle

Field C Driving vehicleThis unit involves the skills and knowledge required to drive a heavy combination vehicle safely including systematic and efficient control of all vehicle functions, monitoring of traffic and road conditions, management of vehicle condition and performance, coupling and uncoupling of trailer, and effective management of hazardous situations. Assessment of this unit will usually be undertaken within a licensing examination conducted, by or under the authority of, the relevant State/Territory Road Traffic AuthorityPersons achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil all of the relevant State/Territory learner permit or driver licence requirements before driving a heavy combination vehicle on a public road.Field C Driving vehicleThis unit involves the skills and knowledge required to drive a heavy combination vehicle safely including systematic and efficient control of all vehicle functions, monitoring of traffic and road conditions, management of vehicle condition and performance, coupling and uncoupling of trailer, and effective management of hazardous situations. Assessment of this unit will usually be undertaken within a licensing examination conducted, by or under the authority of, the relevant State/Territory Road Traffic AuthorityPersons achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil all of the relevant State/Territory learner permit or driver licence requirements before driving a heavy combination vehicle on a public road.

Application

Not applicable.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance Criteria

1

Drive the heavy combination vehicle

1.1

The heavy combination vehicle is started, steered, manoeuvred, positioned and stopped in accordance with traffic regulations and manufacturer's instructions

1.2

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

1.3

Engine operation is maintained within manufacturer's specified torque range and temperature through effective gear selection and smooth transition in gear changes

1.4

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

1.5

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

1.6

The heavy combination vehicle is driven in reverse, maintaining visibility and achieving accurate positioning

1.7

The heavy combination vehicle is parked, uncoupled, shut down and secured in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, traffic regulations and workplace procedures

1.8

Where required, overwidth and overweight permit applications are undertaken in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements

1.9

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

1.10

Appropriate procedures are followed in the event of a driving emergency

2

Monitor traffic and road conditions

2.1

The most efficient route of travel is taken through monitoring and anticipation of traffic flows and conditions, road standards and other factors likely to cause delays or route deviations

2.2

Traffic and road conditions are constantly monitored and acted upon to enable safe operation and ensure no injury to people or damage to property, equipment loads and facilities

3

Monitor and maintain vehicle performance

3.1

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

3.2

Prime mover and trailer are aligned and coupled in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and workplace procedures

3.3

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

3.4

Performance and efficiency of vehicle operation is monitored during use

3.5

Defective or irregular performance or malfunctions are reported to the appropriate authority

3.6

Vehicle records are maintained/updated and information is processed in accordance with workplace procedures

Required Skills

Not applicable.

Evidence Required

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

a. Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:

a.1. follow correct heavy combination vehicle handling procedures

a.2. monitor traffic and road conditions

a.3. carry out pre-operational checks

a.4. monitor and maintain vehicle performance

a.5. follow OHS and environmental protection procedures and regulations

a.6. follow emergency procedures when required

Interdependent assessment of units

a. This unit of competency may be assessed in conjunction with other relevant competency units that are form of a transport worker's job function

Required knowledge and skills

a. Relevant road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements of the relevant State/Territory road traffic authority

b. Relevant OHS and environmental procedures and regulations

c. Heavy combination vehicle controls, instruments and indicators and their use

d. Heavy combination vehicle handling procedures

e. Procedures to be followed in the event of a driving emergency

f. Engine power management and safe driving strategies

g. Efficient driving techniques

h. Pre-operational checks carried out on heavy combination vehicle and related action

u. Map reading and vehicle and related action

i. Differences between transmission types

j. Principles of operation of air brakes and procedures for their use

k. Fatigue management techniques

l. Driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques

m. Principles of stress management when driving a vehicle

n. Factors which may cause traffic delays and diversions and related action that can be taken by a driver

o. Workplace driving and operational instructions

p. Causes and effects of fatigue on drivers

q. Strategies to manage on-road fatigue

r. Factors which increase fatigue-related accidents

s. Lifestyles which promote the effective long-term management of fatigue

t. Ability to read instructions, procedures and signage relevant to the driving of a heavy combination vehicle

u. Map reading and road navigation techniques

v. Ability to monitor and anticipate traffic hazards and take appropriate action

Resource implications

a. Access is required to opportunities to:

a.1. participate in a range of exercises, case studies and other simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to drive a commercial heavy combination vehicle, and/or

a.2. drive a commercial heavy combination vehicle in an appropriate range of operational situations

Consistency in performance

a. Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:

a.1. driving a heavy combination vehicle

a.2. monitoring traffic and road conditions and taking appropriate action

a.3. carrying out pre-operational checks and taking appropriate action

a.4. monitoring and maintaining vehicle performance

a.5. exercising all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures during driving operations

a.6. communicating effectively with others when driving a heavy combination vehicle

a.7. completing required documentation

b. Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:

b.1. relevant State/Territory roads and traffic authority driving regulations and licence requirements pertaining to heavy combination vehicles

b.2. OHS policies and procedures

b.3. identification of driving hazards and the use of appropriate defensive driving techniques

b.4. workplace procedures and instructions (including security and housekeeping procedures)

b.5. relevant vehicle manufacturer's guidelines related to the driving of the heavy combination vehicle

b.6. environmental protection procedures when driving a vehicle and carrying out pre-operational checks

c. Action is taken promptly to report and/or rectify any identified vehicle faults or malfunctions in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, road traffic authority requirements and workplace procedures

d. Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts

e. Work is completed systematically with required attention to detail and without injury to self or others or damage to goods or equipment

Context for assessment

a. Assessment of competence must comply with the assessment requirements of the relevant State/Territory road traffic authority

b. Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a Registered Training Organisation:

b.1. As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate oral and/or written questioning

b.2. Appropriate practical assessment must occur:

b.2.1.at the Registered Training Organisation, and/or

b.2.2.in an appropriate work situation

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

a. Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:

a.1. follow correct heavy combination vehicle handling procedures

a.2. monitor traffic and road conditions

a.3. carry out pre-operational checks

a.4. monitor and maintain vehicle performance

a.5. follow OHS and environmental protection procedures and regulations

a.6. follow emergency procedures when required

Interdependent assessment of units

a. This unit of competency may be assessed in conjunction with other relevant competency units that are form of a transport worker's job function

Required knowledge and skills

a. Relevant road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements of the relevant State/Territory road traffic authority

b. Relevant OHS and environmental procedures and regulations

c. Heavy combination vehicle controls, instruments and indicators and their use

d. Heavy combination vehicle handling procedures

e. Procedures to be followed in the event of a driving emergency

f. Engine power management and safe driving strategies

g. Efficient driving techniques

h. Pre-operational checks carried out on heavy combination vehicle and related action

u. Map reading and vehicle and related action

i. Differences between transmission types

j. Principles of operation of air brakes and procedures for their use

k. Fatigue management techniques

l. Driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques

m. Principles of stress management when driving a vehicle

n. Factors which may cause traffic delays and diversions and related action that can be taken by a driver

o. Workplace driving and operational instructions

p. Causes and effects of fatigue on drivers

q. Strategies to manage on-road fatigue

r. Factors which increase fatigue-related accidents

s. Lifestyles which promote the effective long-term management of fatigue

t. Ability to read instructions, procedures and signage relevant to the driving of a heavy combination vehicle

u. Map reading and road navigation techniques

v. Ability to monitor and anticipate traffic hazards and take appropriate action

Resource implications

a. Access is required to opportunities to:

a.1. participate in a range of exercises, case studies and other simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to drive a commercial heavy combination vehicle, and/or

a.2. drive a commercial heavy combination vehicle in an appropriate range of operational situations

Consistency in performance

a. Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:

a.1. driving a heavy combination vehicle

a.2. monitoring traffic and road conditions and taking appropriate action

a.3. carrying out pre-operational checks and taking appropriate action

a.4. monitoring and maintaining vehicle performance

a.5. exercising all required safety, environmental and hazard control precautions and procedures during driving operations

a.6. communicating effectively with others when driving a heavy combination vehicle

a.7. completing required documentation

b. Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:

b.1. relevant State/Territory roads and traffic authority driving regulations and licence requirements pertaining to heavy combination vehicles

b.2. OHS policies and procedures

b.3. identification of driving hazards and the use of appropriate defensive driving techniques

b.4. workplace procedures and instructions (including security and housekeeping procedures)

b.5. relevant vehicle manufacturer's guidelines related to the driving of the heavy combination vehicle

b.6. environmental protection procedures when driving a vehicle and carrying out pre-operational checks

c. Action is taken promptly to report and/or rectify any identified vehicle faults or malfunctions in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, road traffic authority requirements and workplace procedures

d. Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts

e. Work is completed systematically with required attention to detail and without injury to self or others or damage to goods or equipment

Context for assessment

a. Assessment of competence must comply with the assessment requirements of the relevant State/Territory road traffic authority

b. Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a Registered Training Organisation:

b.1. As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate oral and/or written questioning

b.2. Appropriate practical assessment must occur:

b.2.1.at the Registered Training Organisation, and/or

b.2.2.in an appropriate work situation


Range Statement

General context

a. Driving must be carried out in compliance with the licence requirements and regulations of the relevant State/Territory roads and traffic authority pertaining to heavy combination vehicles

b. Driving is performed with limited or minimum supervision, with limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes

c. Driving involves the application of routine vehicle driving principles and procedures to maintain the safety and operation of a commercial heavy combination vehicle across a variety of driving contexts

Worksite environment

a. Type of vehicle includes all heavy combination vehicles that may be driven on public and private roads and work sites

b. Driving may be carried out in typical road transport situations, including:

b.1. operations conducted at day or night

b.2. typical weather conditions

b.3. on the open road

b.4. on a private road

b.5. while at a depot, base or warehouse

b.6. while at a client's workplace or work site

c. Vehicle handling procedures may include:

c.1. starting a vehicle

c.2. steering and manoeuvring a vehicle

c.3. accelerating and braking

c.4. positioning and stopping a vehicle

c.5. reversing a vehicle

c.6. operating vehicle controls, instruments and indicators

c.7. using air brakes

c.8. using defensive driving techniques

c.9. managing engine performance

d. Pre-operational checks may include:

d.1. visual check of vehicle

d.2. checking and topping up of fluid levels

d.3. checks of tyre pressures

d.4. checks of operation of vehicle lights and indicators

d.5. checks of brakes

d.6. checks of coupling equipment

e. Minor routine repairs may include:

e.1. replacement of blown globes in vehicle lights

e.2. replacement of broken fan belt

e.3. replacement of blown fuse

e.4. replacement of door mirrors

e.5. repairs to rear tail-light lens

e.6. changing of tyres

e.7. repair of tyre punctures

e.8. replacement of broken coolant hose

f. Driving hazards may include (examples only):

f.1. wet and iced roads

f.2. oil on road

f.3. animals and objects on road

f.4. fire in vehicle

f.5. leaking fuel

f.6. faulty brakes

f.7. parked vehicles on the road

f.8. faulty steering mechanism on vehicle

f.9. pedestrians crossing the road

f.10. flooded sections of road

f.11. windy sections of road

f.12. foggy conditions

f.13. work site hazards including power and service lines, buildings, structures, facilities, underground services, uneven or unstable ground and recently filled trenches, stationary and moving machinery and equipment, hazardous or dangerous materials, noise, light, energy sources, and obstructions

g. Factors that can cause traffic delays and diversions may include (examples only):

g.1. traffic accidents

g.2. flooded sections of road

g.3. road damage

g.4. bridge/tunnel damage

g.5. road works

g.6. building construction

g.7. emergency situations such as bushfires, building fires, etc.

g.8. road closures for special events such as marches, parades, sporting events, etc.

g.9. holiday traffic

g.10.road closures for utility works such as electricity, water, sewerage, telecommunications, gas, etc.

h. Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

h.1. company procedures

h.2. enterprise procedures

h.3. organisational procedures

h.4. established procedures

Sources of information/documents

a. Documentation/records may include:

a.1. State/Territory heavy combination vehicle driving licence/permit requirements

a.2. State/Territory road rules

a.3. workplace driving instructions and procedures

a.4. vehicle manufacturer's instructions, specifications and recommended driving procedures including preoperational checks of vehicle

a.5. emergency procedures

a.6. vehicle log book or record book (where required)

Applicable regulations and legislation

a. Applicable procedures and codes may include:

a.1. relevant State/Territory roads and traffic authority driving regulations and licence requirements pertaining to heavy combination vehicles

a.2. relevant State/Territory road rules

a.3. relevant State/Territory permit regulations and requirements

a.4. relevant State/Territory OHS legislation

a.5. relevant State/Territory fatigue management regulations

a.6. relevant State/Territory environmental protection legislation

General context

a. Driving must be carried out in compliance with the licence requirements and regulations of the relevant State/Territory roads and traffic authority pertaining to heavy combination vehicles

b. Driving is performed with limited or minimum supervision, with limited accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes

c. Driving involves the application of routine vehicle driving principles and procedures to maintain the safety and operation of a commercial heavy combination vehicle across a variety of driving contexts

Worksite environment

a. Type of vehicle includes all heavy combination vehicles that may be driven on public and private roads and work sites

b. Driving may be carried out in typical road transport situations, including:

b.1. operations conducted at day or night

b.2. typical weather conditions

b.3. on the open road

b.4. on a private road

b.5. while at a depot, base or warehouse

b.6. while at a client's workplace or work site

c. Vehicle handling procedures may include:

c.1. starting a vehicle

c.2. steering and manoeuvring a vehicle

c.3. accelerating and braking

c.4. positioning and stopping a vehicle

c.5. reversing a vehicle

c.6. operating vehicle controls, instruments and indicators

c.7. using air brakes

c.8. using defensive driving techniques

c.9. managing engine performance

d. Pre-operational checks may include:

d.1. visual check of vehicle

d.2. checking and topping up of fluid levels

d.3. checks of tyre pressures

d.4. checks of operation of vehicle lights and indicators

d.5. checks of brakes

d.6. checks of coupling equipment

e. Minor routine repairs may include:

e.1. replacement of blown globes in vehicle lights

e.2. replacement of broken fan belt

e.3. replacement of blown fuse

e.4. replacement of door mirrors

e.5. repairs to rear tail-light lens

e.6. changing of tyres

e.7. repair of tyre punctures

e.8. replacement of broken coolant hose

f. Driving hazards may include (examples only):

f.1. wet and iced roads

f.2. oil on road

f.3. animals and objects on road

f.4. fire in vehicle

f.5. leaking fuel

f.6. faulty brakes

f.7. parked vehicles on the road

f.8. faulty steering mechanism on vehicle

f.9. pedestrians crossing the road

f.10. flooded sections of road

f.11. windy sections of road

f.12. foggy conditions

f.13. work site hazards including power and service lines, buildings, structures, facilities, underground services, uneven or unstable ground and recently filled trenches, stationary and moving machinery and equipment, hazardous or dangerous materials, noise, light, energy sources, and obstructions

g. Factors that can cause traffic delays and diversions may include (examples only):

g.1. traffic accidents

g.2. flooded sections of road

g.3. road damage

g.4. bridge/tunnel damage

g.5. road works

g.6. building construction

g.7. emergency situations such as bushfires, building fires, etc.

g.8. road closures for special events such as marches, parades, sporting events, etc.

g.9. holiday traffic

g.10.road closures for utility works such as electricity, water, sewerage, telecommunications, gas, etc.

h. Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

h.1. company procedures

h.2. enterprise procedures

h.3. organisational procedures

h.4. established procedures

Sources of information/documents

a. Documentation/records may include:

a.1. State/Territory heavy combination vehicle driving licence/permit requirements

a.2. State/Territory road rules

a.3. workplace driving instructions and procedures

a.4. vehicle manufacturer's instructions, specifications and recommended driving procedures including preoperational checks of vehicle

a.5. emergency procedures

a.6. vehicle log book or record book (where required)

Applicable regulations and legislation

a. Applicable procedures and codes may include:

a.1. relevant State/Territory roads and traffic authority driving regulations and licence requirements pertaining to heavy combination vehicles

a.2. relevant State/Territory road rules

a.3. relevant State/Territory permit regulations and requirements

a.4. relevant State/Territory OHS legislation

a.5. relevant State/Territory fatigue management regulations

a.6. relevant State/Territory environmental protection legislation


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

Not applicable.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor