Operate Heavy Rigid Vehicle

This course is accredited with the Transport Education Training Authority and covers unit standard “123253” NQF level 4, 15 Credits

All training programs are Outcome Based and are assessed according to various Unit Standards and Outcomes.

Assessment criteria consists of a Formative Assessment, In-Class Assessments and a Summative Assessment.

Course Duration

Duration: 1-5 day course

• Theory and Practical
• In-Class Activities
• Final Examination
• Practical Evaluation

Course Overview

The purpose of learning is to ensure safe, professional operation of rigid (no articulation points) heavy vehicles with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tons. Credited learners can drive a specific type of rigid heavy vehicle in accordance with legal, safety, manufacturer and other relevant requirements and reflect on the manner in which the vehicle is operated. Competent drivers are able to preserve vehicles as assets, drive safely and defensively, and contribute significantly to the economy by transporting goods and/or passengers. Credited learners are capable of:

• Preparing a rigid heavy vehicle for road transport trips according to specification.
• Driving a rigid heavy vehicle in accordance with specified requirements.
• Ensuring the maintenance of road transport service quality.
• Handling unexpected situations according to specified procedures.
• Reflecting on rigid heavy vehicle performance and own operation of vehicle against requirements.
• Parking rigid heavy vehicle in accordance with specified requirements.

Learning Outcomes - Theoretical Content

• Prepare a rigid heavy vehicle for road transport trips according to specification.
  • Vital rigid heavy vehicle components are inspected in a systematic way in order to comply with the relevant legislation.
  • Relevant legislation currently includes the Road Traffic Act of 1993.
  • Rigid heavy vehicle inspection is recorded legibly and in accordance with operational requirements/specifications.
  • All rigid heavy vehicle defects are identified and reported accurately, comprehensively and timeously, so that the necessary actions to rectify defects are initiated.
  • All prescribed and or other relevant preliminaries are executed as per organisational requirements.
  • Preliminaries can include brake tests and start up procedures.
• Drive a heavy rigid vehicle in accordance with specified requirements.
  • Rigid heavy vehicle is driven and manoeuvred in accordance with the specified standard Range: K53.
  • Rigid heavy vehicle is operated and manoeuvred in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.
  • Rigid heavy vehicle is driven and manoeuvred in accordance with legal provisions (The Road Traffic Act of 1993).
  • Rigid heavy vehicle is driven to actively prevent accidents, injury to people or damage to property/vehicle, despite the incorrect actions of others or adverse conditions, by driving safely and in a defensive manner.
• Ensure the maintenance of road transport service quality.
  • Time schedules are considered, implications for freight/passengers are established, and appropriate action is taken to ensure the maintenance of freight quality/passenger safety and comfort.
  • The impact of load positioning on the stability of the rigid heavy vehicle is accurately described.
  • Driving style is adapted in order to maintain freight quality/passenger safety and comfort during transportation.
  • Organisational standards are adhered to with full consideration of safety and comfort factors and actions implemented to rectify problems are appropriate for specific contexts.
• Handle unexpected situations according to specified procedures.
  • Rigid heavy vehicle and cab instruments are monitored for malfunctions and appropriate action is taken, where required.
  • Driving is adapted to unexpected situations safely and according to specified procedures.
  • Unexpected situations are reported according to operational procedures and legal requirements.
  • Description of corrective actions to get freight/passengers to their destinations in the event of route deviations, delays experienced and breakdowns, as well as the company guidelines for consideration in selecting course of action are appropriate for specific contexts.
• Park rigid heavy vehicle in accordance with specified requirements.
  • Rigid heavy vehicle is parked within designated or reserved areas in accordance with manufacturer specifications, traffic regulations and operational procedures.
  • Rigid heavy vehicle is shut down in accordance with manufacturer specifications, traffic regulations and operational procedures.
  • Rigid heavy vehicle is secured in accordance with manufacturer specifications, traffic regulations and operational procedures.
  • Security and convenience factors are taken into account.

Learning Outcomes – Practical Evaluation

• In Cab Assessment.
  • Practical Driver Evaluation
  • Competency Evaluation

Competency Scores

• All learners are to achieve 80% and above for Theoretical Assessments.
• All learners are to achieve 100% for Practical Assessments.

Training Aids

• Slide Show Presentation