Unit 1 - Operate heavy combination vehicle

There are some things you need to be able to do so that you can safely operate the vehicle. They are called skills.

Operating the vehicle can be broken down into these five elements:

1.1 Prepares to drive.

1.2 Moves off.

1.3 Monitors and uses instruments and switches.

1.4 Conducts a mid-trip inspection.

1.5 Stops.

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1.1 Prepares to drive

1.1.1 Legal requirements are confirmed.

Essential legal requirements include:

• common road law requirements associated with B doubles and road trains, including Road Traffic Code, Road Traffic [Vehicle Standards] Regulations;
• knowledge of permissible maximum lengths of multi-combination vehicles;
• driver's licence and any required permits are carried;
• appropriate signs are displayed;
• driver licence condition codes, i.e. glasses/contact lenses, are complied with; and
• towing vehicle appropriately Licensed for the number of trailers towed.
• Confirmed, means:
• Successfully completing the theory component of the assessment.

1.1.2 Pre trip checks are conducted.

Essential Pre trip checks include:

• vehicle posture;
• leaks;
• load security;
• turntable;
• wheels, rims, hubs and tyres;
• fluid levels;
• belts and pulleys;
• lights;
• safety equipment; and
• signage.

1.1.3 Results of inspection and checks are recorded.

• an accurate record of the results of the pre-trip inspection is made.
• record is clear and concise and completed in accordance with company policy.

1.1.4 A Cabin drill is performed.

• Performance includes:
• approach to the driver's door is from the front of the vehicle;
• steps, foot - holds and grab handles are used when entering and exiting the cab;
• loose articles are secured; and
• controls are located and identified.

1.1.5 Mirrors are adjusted for maximum vision.

Correct adjustment is when:

• View into side mirrors skims the side of the vehicle and takes in 50/50 horizon and road when the vehicle is on a level surface.

1.1.6 A driving posture that permits effective control and operation of the vehicle is adopted.

Effective posture includes:

• legs placed apart and left foot extended to supporting position [full clutch operation possible];
• knees are slightly bent [will not lock when legs are stretched];
• hands can complete a full turn of the wheel with slight bend in the elbow when shoulders are against seat; and
• head restraint adjusted [if possible] to allow even impact.

1.1.7 Climate control and demisters are set.

• Settings are appropriate for conditions or immediately anticipated conditions.

1.1.8 Seat belt is secured and adjusted.

Secured and adjusted means:

• lap section fitted below the stomach;
• no twists in the webbing; and
• looseness between the belt and the body is removed to ensure a firm fit.

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1.2.1 Engine is started.

• A procedure is followed that complements the characteristics of the vehicle and that should enable the engine to start, run and continue to run.
• The vehicle remains stationary and secure throughout the starting operation.
• An appropriate contingency is used if the engine fails to start the first time or to continue to run after starting.

1.2.2 Gear is selected.

• Vehicle is stationary and held with park brake prior to selecting gear;
• clutch brake [if fitted] is applied; and
• the gear selected is the one that can enable the vehicle to move off in the desired direction without causing the engine to labour.

1.2.3 Vehicle is moved off with co-ordinated inputs.

• No significant imbalance results when the vehicle moves off; and
• satisfactory contingencies are immediately employed if an error occurs when the vehicle is moving off.

1.2.4 Mobile checks are conducted.

• Checks to include:
• trailer brakes;
• fifth wheel slackness;
• parking brakes;
• service brakes; and
• steering.

1.2.5 Vehicle is moved off on an incline where required.

• a procedure that enables the vehicle to move off without noticeable roll in the opposite direction is used;
• no significant imbalance results when the vehicle moves off; and
• satisfactory contingencies are immediately employed if an error occurs when the vehicle is moving off.

1.3 Monitors and uses engine instruments and switches

1.3.1 Gauges and warning lights are checked after the engine starts.

• Contingencies will be used in response to warning lights that do not go off at appropriate times or when gauges or alarms inform the driver of the need for follow up action.

1.3.2 Whilst driving, necessary action in response to gauges, alarms and warning lights is taken.

• Contingencies will be used in response to warning lights and alarms that come on and gauges that alert the driver to problems; and
• a response time of less than thirty [30] seconds to warning lights is required.

1.3.3 Switches and auxiliary controls are used according to needs.

• Switches and auxiliary controls may include:
• lights;
• indicators, horns and hazard lights;
• wipers;
• climate and ventilation controls;
• speed or vehicle stability devices;
• side window operation; or
• entertainment and communication equipment.