Driving must be carried out in compliance with the licence requirements and regulations of the relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority.

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

Driving involves the application of routine vehicle driving principles and procedures to maintain the safety and operation of a commercial vehicle across a variety of job roles.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Operate commercial vehicle

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

1.2 Driving hazards are identified and/or anticipated and avoided

1.3 Vehicle lights and indicators are used in accordance with traffic regulations and manufacturers instructions

1.4 The vehicle is secured in accordance with manufacturers specifications, traffic regulations and workplace procedures

1.5 Appropriate procedures are followed in the event of a driving emergency

1.6 The behaviours displayed by operators towards other road users is appropriately aligned with workplace procedures

1.7 Vehicle positioning and movement are convenient and safe for loading and unloading in accordance with regulatory and workplace instruction

1.8 All associated equipment is operated in accordance with manufacturers and workplace instructions

2Monitor 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

3Monitor and maintain vehicle performance

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

3.2 Performance and efficiency of vehicle operation is monitored during use

3.3 The vehicle is driven in a manner that incorporates eco driving principles

3.4 Defective or irregular performance or malfunctions are repaired as a minor repair or reported to the appropriate authority

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

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Relevant road rules, regulations, permit and licence requirements of the relevant state/territory road traffic authority

Relevant OH&S and environmental/emissions procedures and regulations

Vehicle controls, instruments and indicators and their use

Vehicle handling procedures

Workplace driving and operational instructions

Driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques

Procedures to be followed in the event of a driving emergency

Engine power management and safe driving strategies

Efficient driving techniques

Pre-operational checks carried out on vehicle and related action

Differences between transmission types

Map reading and road navigation techniques

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

Principles of stress management when driving a vehicle

Causes and effects of fatigue on drivers

Factors which increase fatigue-related accidents

Fatigue management strategies including on-road techniques

Lifestyles which promote the effective long-term management of fatigue

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others when driving a commercial vehicle

Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the driving of a commercial vehicle

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Complete documentation related to the driving of a commercial vehicle

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Work collaboratively with others when driving a commercial vehicle

Adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions that may arise when driving a commercial vehicle in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unexpected events that may occur when driving a commercial vehicle

Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during the driving of a commercial vehicle

Monitor and anticipate traffic hazards and take appropriate action

Modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

Apply fatigue management knowledge and techniques

Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

Operate and adapt to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

Monitor performance of vehicle and take appropriate action where required

Check and replenish fluids and carry out lubrication processes in the course of work activities

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 competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of:

applying the underpinning knowledge and skills

demonstrating operation of a commercial vehicle and its associated equipment

demonstrating a theory and practical understanding of driving principles

demonstrating an understanding of possible associated equipment for commercial vehicles

applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or

access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate assessments using written/practical/oral assessments

Practical assessment must occur:

through appropriately simulated activities at the training organisation, and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

A simulator/online assessment is not suitable for the final assessment of this unit of competency

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

Commercial vehicle may include:

commercial vehicles equal to or less than 4.5 tonnes GVM and seating up to 12 adults, including the driver, and all types of transmission that is used or intended to be used to carry goods of all types for hire or reward. Hired or leased vehicles and vehicles owned by a business to carry its own goods are included

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

by day or night

in typical weather conditions

on the open road

on a private road

while at a depot, base or warehouse

while at a client's workplace or work site

Vehicle handling procedures may include:

starting a vehicle

eco driving

steering and manoeuvring a vehicle

accelerating and braking

positioning and stopping a vehicle

reversing a vehicle

operating vehicle controls, instruments and indicators

managing engine performance

Pre-operational checks may include:

visual check of vehicle

checking and topping up of fluid levels

checks of tyre pressures

checks of operation of vehicle lights and indicators

checks of brakes

load and load restraints

check operation of associated equipment

Minor routine repairs may include:

replacement of blown globes in vehicle lights

replacement of broken fan belt

replacement of blown fuse

replacement of door mirrors

repairs to rear tail-light lens

changing of tyres

repair of tyre punctures

replacement of broken coolant hose

Eco driving may include:

engine management

brake management

ancillary brakes

gear selection

using air-conditioning only when necessary

not idling engine for extended periods when not in use

anticipating traffic flow to prevent driving at congested times

Associated equipment may include:

tail gate loaders

electronic doors

gates, curtains

ramps

stairs

hydraulic lifters

ticket machines

Driving hazards may include:

wet and iced roads

oil on road

animals and objects on road

fire in vehicle

leaking fuel

faulty brakes

parked vehicles on the road

faulty steering mechanism on vehicle

pedestrians crossing the road

flooded sections of road

windy sections of road

foggy conditions

other road users

following distance

traffic flow

time of day or night

Factors that can cause traffic delays and diversions may include:

traffic accidents

flooded sections of road

road damage

bridge/tunnel damage

road works

building construction

emergency situations such as bushfires, building fires, etc.

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

holiday traffic

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

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

company procedures

enterprise procedures

organisational procedures

established procedures

Documentation/records may include:

state/territory driving licence requirements

state/territory road rules

workplace driving instructions and procedures

vehicle manufacturers instructions, specifications and recommended driving procedures including pre-operational checks of vehicle

emergency procedures

vehicle log book or record book (where required)

Applicable regulations, legislation and codes may include:

relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority driving regulations and licence requirements pertaining to the class of vehicle

relevant state/territory road rules

relevant state/territory permit regulations and requirements

relevant state/territory OH&S legislation

relevant state/territory fatigue management regulations

relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

This unit contains employability skills.