Multi-combination competency standard

The driver competency standard specifies the attributes of safe multi-combination driver performance and behaviour. The standard will become the foundation for both training and assessment.

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.

Using the standard

This competency standard contains much detail, which explicitly describes the performance, which licensing services requires from multi-combination drivers.
It will be the foundation for the training and assessment of multi-combination drivers.
Accredited training providers will be required to use it to develop checklists of learning points and devise comprehensive training programs.

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 then gives the whole structure: in units, elements and performance criteria. Most elements have further explanation and background information.

The concepts in sections 1 and 2 and table 3 explain the structure of the standard.

Structure of a competency standard

Units in the standard come from key issues of driver performance

Table 3:Summary of units and elements in the multi-combination driver 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 multi-combination driver competency standard, the key purpose is for the individual 'to effect safe, efficient personal mobility by operating a multi-combination vehicle in the public traffic system'.

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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 and 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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This standard specifies the role and function of driving in units, elements and performance criteria. Most elements have further explanation and background information. This is shown in the boxes.

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

Unit
To drive a motor vehicle in the public traffic system you must be able to:

To perform the unit, you do this:

1. Prepares to drive.
2. Moves off.
3. Monitors and uses instruments and switches.
4. Conducts a mid-trip inspection.
5. Stops.

To perform the unit, you do this:

1. Manoeuvres the vehicle.
2. Manages the accelerator.
3. Manages the brakes.
4. Manages the steering.
5. Uses the engine's transmission.
6. Uses and co-ordinates inputs.

To perform the unit, you do this:

1. Uses safe driving procedures.
2. Navigates the road system.
3. Negotiates the road and traffic system.
4. Interacts with traffic.
5. Drives efficiently in the traffic system.
6. Responds to conditions of poor visibility.

To perform the unit, you do this:

1. Adjusts to environment.
2. Responds to situations within the environment.
3. Avoids stressful/difficult situations.
4. Responds to stressful situations.
5. Manages motivations.

To perform the unit, you do this:

1. Avoids imminent crisis.
2. Uses and co-ordinates inputs to retain or restore control of the vehicle.
3. Follows procedures in the event of a crash.
4. Follows procedures in the event of own vehicle breaking down.

To perform the unit, you do this:

1. Monitors and improves performance.
2. Monitors and modifies behaviour.
3. Monitors other road users' behaviour.
4. Monitors and responds to risk factors.

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