This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a heavy vehicle on unsealed roads safely, in accordance with relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority licence requirements and regulations for heavy vehicles.

It includes maintaining systematic and efficient control of all vehicle functions, monitoring traffic and road conditions, managing vehicle condition and performance, and effectively managing hazardous situations while operating a heavy vehicle on unsealed surfaces.

Operation of a heavy vehicle on unsealed roads involves the application of routine vehicle driving principles and procedures to maintain the safety and operation of a heavy vehicle across a variety of driving contexts and job roles.

Operation of a heavy vehicle on unsealed roads is performed with limited or minimum supervision, and with accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes.

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

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Anticipate and transfer from sealed to unsealed road surfaces

1.1

Unsealed road surfaces are identified by sight

1.2

Adjustments are made to driving techniques before unsealed surface is encountered

1.3

Vehicle speed and line are adjusted for smooth transition from sealed to unsealed surfaces

1.4

Control of vehicle is maintained throughout transition

1.5

Appropriate signage and lights are checked for operational effectiveness on exiting sealed surfaces

1.6

While entering unsealed surfaces, heavy vehicle is managed and operated to ensure effective vehicle control

2

Operate heavy vehicle on unsealed surfaces

2.1

Engine power is managed to ensure efficiency and performance and to minimise engine and transmission damage when operating on unsealed surfaces

2.2

Braking system of heavy vehicle is managed and operated to ensure effective vehicle control while operating on unsealed surfaces

2.3

Driving hazards on unsealed surfaces are identified and/or anticipated and avoided or controlled through defensive driving techniques

2.4

Appropriate procedures are followed in a driving emergency

2.5

Surrounding environmental sensitivity is considered when operating heavy vehicle on unsealed roads

3

Anticipate and transfer from unsealed to sealed road surfaces

3.1

Sealed road surfaces are identified by sight

3.2

Adjustments are made to driving techniques before sealed surface is encountered

3.3

Vehicle speed and line are adjusted for smooth transition from unsealed to sealed surfaces

3.4

Control of vehicle is maintained throughout transition

3.5

Appropriate signage and lights are checked for operational effectiveness on exiting unsealed surfaces

3.6

While exiting unsealed and sealed surfaces, heavy vehicle is managed and operated to ensure effective vehicle control

3.7

Heavy vehicle is inspected and cleared of road debris prior to re-entering sealed surfaces

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards

applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures

demonstrating low-risk driving behaviours

identifying awareness of environmental sensitivities when driving on unsealed roads

identifying techniques for entering and exiting sealed and unsealed road surfaces

implementing contingency plans

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring and anticipating traffic hazards and taking appropriate action

monitoring performance of vehicle, its trailers and its equipment and taking appropriate action as required

reading and interpreting instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the driving of a heavy vehicle on unsealed roads.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

differences between transmission types

driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques

efficient driving techniques

engine power management and safe driving strategies

heavy vehicle handling procedures

principles of operation of air brakes and procedures for their use

relevant road-bridge classification of unsealed roads

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

relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental procedures and regulations

workplace driving and operational instructions.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Practical driving aspects must be assessed in a vehicle typical of one of the following classes:

medium rigid

heavy rigid

heavy combination

multicombination.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

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

relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.

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