This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a passenger coach/bus across a variety of contexts.

It includes maintaining systematic and efficient control of all coach/bus functions, monitoring traffic and road conditions, managing coach/bus condition and performance, and effectively managing hazardous situations.

Operation of a passenger coach/bus is performed with limited supervision, and with duty of care responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes.

This unit meets part of the certification requirements for obtaining coach/bus driver accreditation. As requirements may vary between states and territories, people seeking coach/bus accreditation should contact their state/territory regulatory authority.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Operate coach/bus

1.1

Job hazards are identified and required action is taken to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards

1.2

Coach/bus is started, steered, manoeuvred, positioned and stopped in accordance with manufacturer instructions

1.3

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

1.4

Engine operation is maintained within the manufacturer specified torque range and temperature, by effectively using transmission

1.5

Coach/bus braking system is managed and operated to ensure effective control of coach/bus under all conditions

1.6

Road and traffic hazards are identified and/or anticipated and avoided or controlled through defensive driving techniques

1.7

Coach/bus is driven in reverse, maintaining visibility and achieving accurate positioning in accordance with workplace procedures

1.8

Coach/bus is parked, shut down and secured in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

1.9

Low risk driving behaviour is applied towards other road users in accordance with workplace procedures

2

Monitor and respond to traffic and road conditions

2.1

Efficient route of travel is taken by monitoring and anticipating 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 on to enable safe operation and to ensure no injury to people or damage to property, equipment, loads and facilities

3

Monitor and maintain coach/bus performance

3.1

Coach/bus performance is maintained through pre-operational inspections and checks of coach/bus and ancillary equipment

3.2

Performance and efficiency of coach/bus operation is monitored during use

3.3

Defective or irregular performance or malfunctions are repaired or reported to appropriate authority in accordance with workplace procedures

3.4

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

3.5

Vehicle monitoring devices (such as tachographs) are operated in accordance with workplace procedures

4

Operate coach/bus safely

4.1

Passenger positioning and dispersion is undertaken in accordance with manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures

4.2

Coach/bus doors are operated safely for entry and exit from coach/bus in accordance with manufacturer and workplace procedures

4.3

Visual checks are conducted on entry to and exit from coach/bus stops in accordance with workplace procedures

4.4

Vehicle is positioned and moved conveniently and safely for passengers embarking and disembarking, in accordance with regulatory and workplace procedures

5

Operate coach/bus associated equipment

5.1

Coach/bus associated equipment is operated in accordance with manufacturer and workplace procedures

5.2

Faults with coach/bus associated equipment are reported according to manufacturer and workplace procedures

5.3

Route destination is clearly displayed on vehicle in accordance with workplace procedures

6

Provide customer service to passengers on coach/bus

6.1

Comfort and wellbeing of passengers are managed in accordance with workplace instructions

6.2

Lost property is processed in accordance with workplace procedures

6.3

Assistance is provided for identified customer specific needs and/or luggage and ancillary equipment requirements in accordance with workplace procedures

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 fatigue management techniques

applying industry and organisational customer service standards

applying knowledge of relevant legislation and workplace procedures

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

checking and replenishing fluids and carrying out lubrication processes

communicating effectively with others

completing relevant documentation

implementing responses to changing road conditions

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring performance of coach/bus and its equipment and taking appropriate action

operating and adapting to differences in equipment in accordance with operating procedures

operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol including on-board intercom and communications equipment

reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs

reporting and/or rectifying identified problems, faults or malfunctions promptly, in accordance with workplace procedures

servicing coach/bus and its equipment in terms of maintenance schedule and standard operating procedures

undertaking pre-operational checks and vehicle handling procedures

working collaboratively with others

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

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:

causes and effects of driver fatigue

coach/bus controls, instruments and indicators, and their use

coach/bus handling procedures

differences between transmission types

driving hazards and related defensive driving techniques

efficient driving techniques

engine power management and safe driving strategies

factors that increase fatigue-related accidents

factors that may cause traffic delays and diversions and related action that can be taken by a driver

fatigue management strategies including on-road techniques

lifestyles that promote effective long-term fatigue management

map reading and road navigation techniques

pre-operational checks carried out on coaches/buses and related action

principles of stress management when driving a vehicle

procedures to be followed in a driving emergency

relevant state/territory regulations and procedures in relation to bus stops

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.

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.