Unit 2 - Guide and control multi-combination vehicle

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The may be assessed in a simulated exercise of:

• a seventy [70] metre straight line reverse into a marked bay within seven [7] minutes;
  
• coupling procedure;
  
• uncoupling procedure; and
  
• forward parallel parking.

2.1.1 Legal procedures and requirements are complied with.

Legal requirements include:

• manner and location of stopping; and
  
• other road users are not obstructed by the manoeuvre.

2.1.2 On approach to manoeuvre, mirrors and signals are used and rear blind spot [where appropriate] is checked.

2.1.3 Safety and legality of manoeuvre is checked.

The driver to make a complete scan of the area to be used during the manoeuvre and confirms that it is safe to continue; and

Other road users are not inconvenienced by the manoeuvre.

2.1.4 Appropriate starting position is selected.

A starting position is adopted that complements the intended manoeuvre. For example prior to the straight line reverse the truck is straight and aligned with the marked bay, or prior to the coupling procedure the prime mover is positioned in a straight line with the trailer; and

The starting position will not unnecessarily inconvenience other road users.

2.1.5 Observations are maintained.

Driver should conduct continual all round checks for hazards while conducting the manoeuvre.

2.1.6 Precise directional control and speed control is maintained.

During the manoeuvre the actual path taken should be consistent with the desired path. Movements should be steady and smooth and a speed that can compensate for errors not exceeded.

2.1.7 On completion of manoeuvre, vehicle is in the appropriate position.

Appropriate position means:

• vehicle should be parallel in the loading bay after the 70 metre reverse manoeuvre;
  
• vehicle should be no more than 30cm from the kerb after the parallel park manoeuvre; and
  
• prime mover should be in a straight line with the trailer after coupling and uncoupling.

2.1.8 Coupling and uncoupling procedures are conducted in accordance with transport industry [Truck Drivers Manual] and company policies.

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2.2.1 Accelerator is applied and released smoothly to produce desired change of speed.

Smoothly means:

• Incremental movements, the result does not unsettle vehicle occupants, stability, load, cause damage to drive train, king pin or its coupling.

2.2.2 Accelerator is used to maintain a selected speed.

On a level road the driver will be able to maintain a set speed for the required period by fine adjustments to the position of the accelerator pedal.

2.2.3 Accelerator is used to counteract the effects of a gradient.

When a gradient is encountered and a gear change not required the driver will adjust the accelerator to maintain the desired speed. No more than 5-10km/h increase or decrease in speed will occur.

2.2.4 Progressive acceleration is used in corners and
bends.

Progressive means:

• To balance the vehicle so that it is neither accelerating nor decelerating, but keeps the trailers tight and ensures they are not pushing the prime mover, while turning the corner or negotiating a bend.

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2.3.1 Braking system requirements are confirmed.

Confirmed means:

• the driver can identify the various braking systems used on heavy vehicles;
  
• the specific characteristics of the braking systems are pointed out by the driver; and
  
• special precautions to be taken by the driver regarding the braking systems are identified and demonstrated.

2.3.2 Braking is performed efficiently.

Efficiently means:

• brakes are used as the primary means of slowing the vehicle;
  
• brakes are used primarily while the vehicle is travelling straight;
  
• the best road surface option is selected for braking;
  
• engine braking is used to supplement vehicle brakes when descending hills;
  
• skidding does not occur;
  
• variations are made to the brake pressure according to changes in the road surface;
  
• variations are made to the brake pressure according to load;
  
• trailer brakes are not used instead of the service brakes; and
  
• auxiliary brakes or speed retarders are used to increase braking safety and reduce brake wear.

2.3.3 Braking is smooth and steady.

Smooth and steady braking means:

• Initial weight transfer should be gradual and then brake pressure applied progressively. Brake pressure should be modulated just prior to becoming stationary to avoid the wheels locking.

Smoothly means:

• Incremental movements, the result does not unsettle vehicle occupants, stability, load, cause damage to drive train, king pin or its coupling.

2.3.4 Desired stopping point is reached accurately.

Brake pedal pressure is modulated to achieve a steady stop and the vehicle becomes stationary less than one metre before the desired stopping point

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2.4.1 Steering is applied smoothly and consistent with the desired path.

The vehicle is steered with both hands unless operating the controls. Hands should be outside the wheel with palms on the rim at about the ten to two or quarter to three position and thumbs clear of the steering wheel spokes;

Pressure of grip is adjusted consistent with the required steering effort;

When steering is applied the driver should maintain a posture enabling effective control and operation of the vehicle;

Method of applying steering is not assessed as there is no evidence to suggest one method is better than another.

2.4.2 In straight line driving an accurate course is maintained.

An accurate course means:

• One that maintains a legal road position, without adversely affecting, people, vehicles or property.

A straight line means:

• A constant direction without wandering, crossing lane or centre lines.
• The vehicle is steered with both hands unless operating the controls. Hands should be outside the wheel with palms on the rim at about the ten to two or quarter to three position and thumbs clear of the steering wheel spokes;
  
• pressure of grip is adjusted consistent with the required steering effort.

2.4.3 In curves an accurate course is maintained.

The vehicle is steered with both hands. Hands should be outside the wheel with palms on the rim at about the ten to two or quarter to three position and thumbs clear of the steering wheel spokes;

Pressure of grip is adjusted consistent with the required steering effort

When steering through a turn or curve, the driver should maintain a posture enabling effective control and operation of the vehicle.

An accurate course means:

• One that allows for cornering lines and sweep paths, without adversely affecting, people, vehicles or property.

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2.5.1 Gears are changed smoothly.

The double de clutching method to be used if the vehicle is fitted with a constant mesh gear box.

If a clutch brake is fitted and the vehicle is moving, the clutch is not fully depressed when changing gear.

Smoothly means:

• Incremental movements, the result does not unsettle vehicle occupants, stability, load, cause damage to drive train, king pin or its coupling.

2.5.2 Appropriate gear for the speed and driving conditions is used.

Selection should be completed prior to the situation in which it will be required; and

Gears need not be selected in numerical sequence.

Appropriate gear means:

• The engine is not over revving or labouring.

2.5.3 Gear changes are completed primarily while the vehicle is travelling in a straight line.

At an intersection or curve the driver should not change gears while turning the steering wheel. Changing gears while in a turn but not when steering is being applied or removed is acceptable where the change does not unbalance the vehicle. This technique may be required when turning at intersections.

Completed means:

• The clutch pedal has been released.

2.5.4 When changing to a lower gear speed is adjusted first.

• Adjustment of speed must allow gear selection not to unsettle the vehicle or cause excessive engine revolutions.

2.5.5 When descending hills appropriate gear is selected before descent.

An appropriate gear is one that will hold the vehicle to a safe speed.

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2.6.1 When braking into turns brake pressure is matched to the increasing steering load.

Matching brake effort and steering effort requires brake pressure to be decreased as steering effort increases.

If the brakes are being applied firmly on the entry to a turn brake pressure will be reduced to provide for steering forces.

2.6.2 When steering in turns is being maintained speed is held steady.

Steady means:

• Significant acceleration of the vehicle does not occur.

2.6.3 When driving out of turns acceleration is matched to the reduced steering load.

Matching acceleration and steering effort requires steering effort to be reduced as acceleration increases.

2.6.4 Steering brake and accelerator input are adjusted according to variations in road surface conditions.

Appropriate adjustments will be recognised by smooth performance and an ability of the vehicle to handle significant changes in speed or direction.

2.6.5 Braking and gear selection are integrated efficiently as required.

Efficient integration (overlapping of brakes and gear change) will be observed when:

• the action is primarily conducted when the vehicle is travelling straight;
  
• vehicle occupants/load are not unsettled;
  
• gear selection is completed in a reasonable time;
  
• no significant increase in engine revolutions is noticed when gear selection is complete; and
  
• the transmission is engaged prior to any steering being applied.

Reasonable time means:

• Within a time span of 2 - 4 seconds.

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