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Light vehicles competency standards

Table of contents

Outline of the standard


This section explains where the units come from and then summarises the units with their elements. 

The 'standard in detail' part of the document then gives the whole structure: in units, elements and performance criteria.  Most elements have further explanation and background information.  

 Chain of Responsibility for the transport of goods by road is soon to be introduced. Please see our Goods on road legislation section for more information.

The concepts in Tables 1, 2 and 3 explain the structure of the standard.

Table 1: Structure of a competency standard

Table 2: Units in the standard come from key issues of driver performance

Table 3: Summary of units and elements in the heavy combination driver competency standard

 

Table 1 Structure of a competency standard

There is a key purpose of the function or role that must reflect the needs of an industry or enterprise.

  1. What must happen in order to achieve this key purpose ... is called a Unit of Competence. Units are worded in terms of an outcome.
  2. What the individual must do to show they have achieved the unit ... is called collectively the Elements.  They are oriented towards performance, and have a start and a finish.  Elements should be unambiguous, measurable and describe performance in terms of results not procedures.
  3. What level of performance is expected in each element ... is collectively called the Performance Criteria  They should be realistic, attainable and measurable.
  4. When and where this is to happen ... is specified in the Range of Variables
  5. Contexts for assessing and specifying evidence ... is specified in the evidence guide.

In the driver competency standard, the key purpose is for the individual to effect safe, efficient personal mobility by operating a motor vehicle in the public traffic system'.

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Table 2 - Units in the standard come from key issues of driver performance
  1. Operate vehicle

    These are the most basic skills you need so that you can safely operate the vehicle, move off and stop.

  2. Guide/control vehicle

    These are the things you have to be able to do to accurately drive and position the vehicle on the road.  (They are separate from dealing with traffic.)

  3. Drive in orderly traffic system

    These are driving techniques you use  in a traffic system where everyone is obeying the rules.

    · Eventually you use these techniques  almost without thinking.

  4. Minimise conflict 

    Driving conditions will not always be ideal.  People can make mistakes, or take chances in spite of the rules.  Experienced drivers second-guess' what might happen.  This helps them avoid getting hurt.

    Experienced drivers can also control things about themselves that could cause danger. 

    Together, the elements in this unit help you to avoid trouble before it starts.

  5. Manage crisis 

    It is possible to reduce conflicts on the road, but not get rid of them completely.  Most drivers at some time find themselves in trouble.

    Experienced drivers have yet another set of ways to do something about a crisis, or at least make it not quite so bad.

  6. Evaluate and adjust driving 

    This unit describes how you can learn from experience and become a better driver.

    It also mentions some important things you need to know about road safety.

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Table 3 - Summary of units and elements in the driver competency standard

Unit
To drive a motor vehicle in the public traffic system you must be able to:		 Elements
To perform the unit, you do this:
 
1. Operate the vehicle
These are the most basic skills you need so that you can safely operate the vehicle, move off and stop.		 1. Make sure the vehicle is safe.
2. Get ready to drive.
3. Move off. 
4. Use instruments and switches.
5. Stop.
2.  Guide and control the vehicle
These are the things you have to be able to do to accurately drive and position the vehicle on the road.  (They are separate from dealing with traffic.)		 1. Manoeuvre the vehicle.
2. Manage the accelerator.
3. Manage the brakes.
4. Manage the steering.
5. Use the gears.
6. Match controls smoothly together.
3.  Drive in an orderly traffic system
These are driving techniques you use  in a traffic system where everyone is obeying the rules.

Eventually you use these techniques  almost without thinking.

1. Use driving procedures.
2. Navigate the road system. Pass through the road and traffic system.
3. Travel with traffic and respond to it.
4. Drive efficiently in the traffic system.
5. Adjust driving for  poor visibility.
4.  Avoid conflict
Driving conditions will not always be ideal.  People can make mistakes, or take chances in spite of the rules.  Experienced drivers second-guess' what might happen.  This helps them avoid getting hurt.

Experienced drivers can also control things about themselves that could cause danger. 

Together, the elements in this unit help you to avoid trouble before it starts. 

1. Adjust to the driving environment.
2. Deal with situations in the driving environment.
3. Avoid stressful or difficult driving environments.
4. Make safe decisions in stressful situations.
5. Manage motivations.  (Control yourself when you want to drive in a way that might be dangerous.)
5.  Manage crisis
It is possible to reduce conflicts on the road, but not get rid of them completely.  Most drivers at some time find themselves in trouble.

Experienced drivers have yet another set of ways to do something about a crisis, or at least make it not quite so bad.

1. Avoid a crash that is about to happen. 
2. Do the right things to keep control (or to get back control).
3. Take the correct action after a crash.
4. Take the correct action if your own vehicle breaks down.
6.  Review and adjust driving
This unit describes how you can learn from experience and become a better driver. It also mentions some important things you need to know about road safety.		 1. Watch your own driving and improve it.
2. Think about how you behave on the road, and change it if necessary.
3. Watch how other road users behave.
4. Watch out for things that cause risk, and do something about them.

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Page last updated Thursday, 23 October 2008 9:39
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