tlic207c - drive light rigid vehicle - learner guide

8/14/2019 TLIC207C - Drive Light Rigid Vehicle - Learner Guide

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TLIC207C Drivelight rigid vehicle

Learner Guide


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Contents

What this Learners Guide is about........................................ 1

Planning your learning ........................................................... 2

How you will be assessed...................................................... 5

Section 1............................................................................................. 7

Licensing requirements and traffic laws ................................. 7

Section 2........................................................................................... 56

Vehicle preparation .............................................................. 56

Section 3........................................................................................... 82

Drive vehicle in a safe efficient manner ............................... 82

Section 4........................................................................................... 94

Completing a drivers log book............................................. 94

Additional resources..................................................................... 102

Feedback on activities .................................................................. 104


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TLIC207C Drive light rigid vehicle

Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 1Customised and Developed by Armstrongs Driver Education P/L April 2008 ADELG1013

What this Learners Guide is about

ThisLearnersGuideisabouttheskillsandknowledgerequiredtodrivealightrigidvehiclesafelyincludingsystematicandefficientcontrolofallvehiclefunctions,monitoringoftrafficandroadconditions,managementofvehiclecondition,andperformanceandeffectivemanagementofhazardoussituations.Assessmentofthisunitwillusuallybeundertakenwithinalicensingexaminationconductedby,orundertheauthorityof,therelevantstate/territoryRoadTrafficAuthority.

Personsachievingcompetenceinthisunitwillneedtofulfilalloftherelevantstate/territorylearnerpermitordriverlicencerequirements

beforedrivingalightrigidvehicleonapublicroad.

TheElementsofCompetencyfromtheunitTLIC207CDrivelightrigidvehiclecoveredinthisLearnersGuidearelistedbelow.

Drivethelightrigidvehicle

Monitortrafficandroadconditions

Monitorandmaintainvehicleperformance

ThisunitofcompetencyisfromtheTransportandLogisticsTrainingPackage(TLI07).


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Page 2 Australian National Training Authority 2003ADELG1013 Customised and Developed by Armstrongs Driver Education P/L April 2008

Planning your learning

ItisimportanttoplanyourlearningbeforeyoustartbecauseyoumayalreadyhavesomeoftheknowledgeandskillsthatarecoveredinthisLearnersGuide.Thismightbebecause:

youhavebeenworkingintheindustryforsometime,and/or

youhavealreadycompletedtraininginthisarea.

Togetherwithyoursupervisorortrainerusethechecklistsonthefollowingpagestohelpyouplanyourstudyprogram.Youranswerstothequestionsinthechecklistwillhelpyouworkoutwhichsectionsof

thisLearnersGuideyouneedtocomplete.

ThisLearnersGuideiswrittenwiththeideathatlearningismademorerelevantwhenyou,thelearner,areactuallyworkingintheindustry.Thismeansthatyouwillhavepeoplewithintheenterprisewhocanshowyouthings,discusshowthingsaredoneandansweranyquestionsyouhave.Alsoyoucanpractisewhatyoulearnandseehowwhatyoulearnisappliedintheenterprise.

IfyouareworkingthroughthisLearnersGuideandhavenotyetfoundajobintheindustry,youwillneedtotalktoyourtraineraboutdoingworkexperienceorworkingandlearninginsomesortofsimulatedworkplace.


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Section 1: Licensing requirements and trafficlaws

Areyouableto: Yes No

1. describeandexplainthelicencecategoriesforheavyvehicledrivers,asgivenintherelevanthandbook?

2. describeandexplaintrafficlawsandregulationsforlightrigidvehicles,asgivenintherelevantroadtrafficandsafetylegislation?

3. describeandexplaintrafficregulationsrelatedtospecialrequirementsoflightrigidvehicledrivers,asgivenintherelevantroadtrafficandsafetylegislation?

4. describeandexplainemergencyandreportingproceduresinthecaseofaccidentsorbreakdowns,asgivenintherelevantroadtrafficandsafetylegislation?

5. steer,manoeuvreandpositionthevehicleinaccordancewithtrafficregulations,vehiclelimitationsandroaddimensions?

6. monitorandanticipatetrafficandroadconditionsinordertoavoidaccidentsandmaximiseprogress?

Section 2: Vehicle preparation


1. maintainvehicleperformancethroughpre-operationalinspectionsandchecksonthevehicle?

2. monitorperformanceandefficiencyofvehicleoperationduringuse?

3. stopthevehiclesafelywithoutdangertopassengers,vehicle,propertyorload?


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Section 3: Drive vehicle in a safe, efficientmanner

Areyouableto: Yes No1. manageenginepowertoensure

efficiencyinperformanceandtominimiseenginegeardamage?

Section 4: Completing a drivers log book


1. ensurevehiclerecordsaremaintained/updatedandinformationisprocessedinaccordancewithcompanyprocedures?


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How you will be assessed

AssessmentofthisUnitofCompetencywillincludeobservationofrealorsimulatedworkprocessesusingworkplaceproceduresandquestioningonunderpinningknowledgeandskills.Itmustbedemonstratedinanactualorsimulatedworksituationundersupervision.

Youwillberequiredto:

adjusttyrepressure/inflatetyre

changewheel

tiltandlowerthevehicle

cleanvehicle

completePre-Departurecheck

loadandunloadvehicle

drivevehicleprofessionally.


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Section 1

Licensing requirements andtraffic laws


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Section outline

Areascoveredinthissection

Licensing

Thedrivingtest

Roadtestinformation

Defensivedriving

Observationskills

Safedriving

Driverstress

Alcoholandotherdrugs

Loadingandlashing

Dangerousgoods

Emergencyoraccidentsituation


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Licensing

AnAustralian-wideinitiativetoimplementcommonandsimplified

categoriesforvehiclesabove4.5tonnesGrossVehicleMass(GVM)inallstate/territorywasintroducedinSeptember1995.

ThisregulationchangemakesiteasierfortheTransportIndustrytooperateacrossstate/territoryborders.Italsoassistsprofessionaldriverstotransferlicenceswhenmovingtoanotherstate/territory.

Whenyoureceiveaheavyvehiclelicence,youbecomeeligibletodrivetrucksandbusesinthatcategory,andalllessercategories.

WhatisGrossVehicleMass(GVM)?

GVMmeansthemaximumpermissiblecombinedweightandsizeofthemotorvehicleanditsloadasstatedontheregistrationcertificate.

Yourdriverslicence

Driversareentitledtousetheroadsystemaslongas:

theyunderstandtherulesrelatingtodriving,includingboththeTrafficActandMotorTrafficRegulations

holdacurrentlicenceforanyvehicletheydrive

obeytheroadrulesanddrivesafelyandresponsibly

dotheirbesttolessentheimpactoftheirvehicleontheenvironment,andusetheroadsystemefficiently.

Ifadrivercommitsatrafficoffencetherearepenalties,suchas:

fines

licencecancellation

disqualification suspension

inextremecases,imprisonment.


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Heavy vehicle licence

Recentreformstothelicensinglawsmakegoodsenseforthe

followingreasons:

theheavyvehiclelicencegraduationsystemallowsdriverstogainexperiencewithsimplevehiclesbeforeattemptingtooperatemorecomplexarticulatedvehicles

inVictoria(checkyourownstaterequirements),aLightRigid(LR)licencecanbeobtained12monthsaftergainingacarlicence

ifyoualreadyholdaheavyvehiclelicence,youwillnowbeabletotransfertotheequivalentlicencecategoryunder

thenewreformswithoutrequiringanyadditionaltesting.


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Activity 1: What is your licence category?

What is your current licence category?

____________________________________________________

How long before you can receive a Multi-Combination or ArticulatedLicence?

____________________________________________________

There is feedback on this activity at the back of this LearnersGuide.


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The bus industry

Thebusindustryhasitsownsystemtotrainbusdriversinspecific

skills.Ifyoucurrentlyoperatetrucksandwishtogainemploymentasabusdriver,yournewemployerwillbeabletoprovidedetailsofanyadditionaltrainingyoumayrequire.


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Activity 2: How do you get a driver training?

If you want to get into the heavy transport industry, how do you go

about training for a Heavy Vehicle Licence?

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Can you drive a semi trailer straight away?

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Thedrivingtest

Toobtainadrivinglicencethefollowingcriteriamustbemet:

youwillhavetoprovideproofofidentity.Yourlicensingpeoplewillexplainwhatisneeded

youwillberequiredto:

passadrivingtestinthecorrectvehicleforthelicenceyouareseeking

completeawritten/verbalknowledgetest

demonstratebothon-roaddrivingandskillsevaluation.

Roadtestinformation

Thistestisdesignedtoassessyourperformanceinthefollowingsituations:

gearchanging(correctchanginginsequence)

acceleration

steering

reversing

enteringandleavingyourvehiclesafely

lanekeeping:

onturns

curves

straightlines

positioningthevehiclefora90degreeturn

brakeapplicationandsmoothnesswhenapplying

judgementofbrakingdistancesatnormalstopssuchasstopsigns

indicatorsignallingbeforemovement(minimumof3seconds)andcancellingsignalaftercompletionofthemovement

generalobservationwhile:

adjustingyourmirrors,seatbeltandseat

turning

lanechanging

approachingintersections.


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Theroadtestwilltakeabout30minutestocompleteandyoumustachieveaminimumof80%topass.


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Activity 3: Obtain guide to heavy vehicle test

Obtain from your vehicle licensing department a Guide to Heavy

Vehicle Test (it may be called something else in yourstate/territory).

This will give you a description of the performance checks requiredin your on-road test.

Termination of your road test will occur for any of the followingreasons:

disobeying a stop sign or red traffic signal

failing to give way

colliding with a vehicle, pedestrian or fixed object

performing an illegal manoeuvre

exceeding the speed limit

refusing to attempt any manoeuvre

repeated failure to follow instructions

action that required outside help to avoid a collision

lack of control over vehicle (or self)

causing a dangerous situation

mounting a kerb with any one wheel.


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Activity 4: Consequences of driving unroad-worthy vehicle

Tick the correct answer.

If you drive an unroad-worthy vehicle:

Yes No

you may be liable for a fine

you and the owner may be liable for a fine

you may have your registration plates removed.

You should adjust your vehicles mirrors:

before entering your vehicle

as you move off

after adjusting the seat.

You should do regular mechanical inspections:

once a week

once a month

once every three months.



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Defensivedriving

Beingtechnicallyorlegallyintherightisnocompensationforthedeath,injuryorpropertydamagethatroadaccidentscancause.

Agooddefensivedriverwill:

avoidcausingaccidents

avoidsbecominginvolvedinaccidentscausedbyotherroadusers

knowandobeyroadlawsandregulations

minimisesdangerbybeingalertandconsiderate.

Observationskills

Gooddefensivedrivingrequiressuperiorobservationskills.Youneedtoknowwhatishappeningallaroundyourvehicle.

Failuretoobservecarefullyisamajorcauseofaccidents.Althoughdriverslookahead,mostdontlookfarenough,nordotheyanalysewhattheysee.Youmustseewhatishappeningaheadofyourvehicleoryouwillnothavesufficienttimetotakenecessaryaction.

Yoursuperiorobservationskillswillinvolve:

scanningtheroadaheadasfaraspossible

frequentcheckingofallmirrorsfortraffictotherearandbothsidesofyourvehicle

payingcloseattentiontoyourownvehiclesperformance.


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Activity 5: What evasive action would you take in thefollowing example?

What action would you take if you sighted a vehicle approachingfrom the rear, which was weaving from one side of the road to theother?

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Space cushion

Defensivedriversmaintainasafespacecushionallaroundtheirvehicle.Thespacecushionisthedistancebetweenyourvehicleandothervehiclesaroundyou.Thisgivesyouroomtostop,changelanes

ortakeanynecessaryactionwithoutdangertoyou,yourvehicleorotherroadusers.

Spaceahead

Thespaceaheadismostimportant.Followinganothervehicletoocloselyisoneofthemostcommon,avoidablecausesofcollision.Someauthoritiesrecommendthatyouhaveonesecondoffollowingintervalforevery3metresofvehiclelength.Thus,ifyourvehicleis17metreslong,yourfollowingintervalshouldbeabout6seconds.

MostStateandTerritorieshavelegislationspecifyingaminimumfollowingdistance(usually60metres)betweenheavyvehiclesoutsidebuiltupareas.Ingooddrivingconditionsyourvehicleshouldbeatleast4secondsbehindthevehicledirectlyinfrontofyou.

Ifconditionsarepoorduetorain,lowvisibilityorbadroadsurfaces,thisspaceshouldbeincreasedto8seconds.Iftheconditionsareverypooritshouldbeincreasedevenfurther.Followinganothervehicletoocloselyisoneofthemostcommon,avoidablecausesofcollision.

Spacetothesides

Thespacecushiononyoursidescanalsobemaximisedbykeepingtothecentreofyourlane.Dontpasstooclosetoparkedcars.Allowatleast1metreandpreferably2metresifspacepermits.Itsbesttoleaveenoughroomforacarelesslyopenedcardoororapersonstandingnexttoaparkedcar.

Keeptotheleftwhenapproachingoncomingtrafficandonmulti-laneroads.

Dontdrivebesideanothervehicleforlongerthannecessary.Keepingclearofothervehiclesoneithersideallowsyouanotherwayoutincaseofemergency.


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Spacebehind

Obviously,thespacecushionbehindyourvehicleismainlyunderthecontrolofthedriverfollowingyou.However,youcanhelptheother

driverkeepthecorrectdistanceby: maintainingaconstantspeed

slowingdowngradually

avoidingsuddenstops

signallinganymanoeuvreswellahead.

Ifyouarebeingtailgated,(followedtooclosely),slowdowngraduallyandlettheotherdriverpassassoonaspossible.

Spaceabove

Withmosttrucksthespaceoverheadisalsoimportant.Youmustknowtheheightof:

yourvehicle(includingtheload)

powerlinesalongyourroute

bridge(s)alongyourroute

awningsonbuildingsyoudrivenear.


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Activity 6: What space cushion would you leave in thefollowing example?

If you are driving a Light Rigid Vehicle when visibility and roadconditions are poor due to bad weather or road surface, what spacecushion should you leave?

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Drivervision

Truckdriverscanseeovertraffic,crestsandaroundbendsbetterthancardriversduetotheirheightabovetheroad,butall-aroundvisionis

restrictedby: cornerpillars

bonnets

rearvisionmirrors

load

trailerbodies

airfilters.

Agooddefensivedriverisalwaysconsciousoftheseblindspotsandwatchesforvehiclesorpedestriansmovingintothem.


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Activity 7: What are the blind spots on your vehicle?

Demonstrate to your trainer that you understand the blind spots on

your vehicle. List them below.

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Road rules

Signsandroadmarkingstellyouaboutlawsyoumustobey.

Forexample,keepleftunlessovertakingmeansyoumustkeeptotheleftlaneunlessyouarepassinganothervehicletravellinginthesamedirection.


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Activity 8: Identify road traffic signs?

On the next page, draw (or paste pictures of) the following signs:

Keep Left

No Right Turn

No Entry

Stop

Give way

60 kph

100 kph.


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Keep left No Right Turn

No Entry Stop

Give way 60 kph

100 kph



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Toassistyouinrecognisingtheseandotherroadregulationsigns,obtainacopyofyourstate/territory:

RoadRegulations,or

RoadTrafficCode,or TrafficHandbook(VictorianBusandTruckDrivers

Handbook).


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Activity 9: What are your state/territory regulations regardingrailway crossings?

What is your state/territory legal requirement on railway crossingsfor vehicles carrying bulk inflammable, explosive or dangerousgoods?

____________________________________________________

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Ask your trainer to give you a test of ten questions from yourstate/territory road and transport authority regulations.

These questions have been taken from the Victorian TrafficHandbook. Your state/territory regulations may differ so use yourstate/territory regulations.

Do vehicle seats have to be secured to the vehicle?

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What are the laws regarding seatbelts?

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Can you ride on the outside of a motor vehicle?

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What are the regulations regarding opening a door and leaving avehicle?

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What is the law regarding control and vision of your vehicle?

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What is the law regarding interference with the drivers control of avehicle?

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What is the law regarding trailer weight and control of a vehicle?

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What is the law regarding the use of telephones while driving avehicle?

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What is the law regarding the safe condition of your vehicle?

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What is the law regarding noise and emissions from your vehicle?

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What is the law regarding driving a vehicle in reverse?

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Ask your trainer how you did in the test:



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Activity 10: What would you do in the following examples?

Where would someone stand to guide you when you are reversing?

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Must you give-way to pedestrians when turning?

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Givewayrules

Youwillberequiredtogive-wayinvarioussituations.Forexample:

atintersectionswheretherearenolightsorsigns

whenjoiningastreamoftrafficfromaparkedposition

whenmakingaUturn

whenchanginglanes

whenenteringorleavingtheroadfromprivatepremises.


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Activity 11: Demonstrate for your trainer examples of the give-way rule

Demonstrate for your trainer, while driving, three of the fiveexamples of the give-way rule.

Ask your trainer for feedback on how you performed.


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Night driving

Tobeabletoseeclearlyandobservecarefullywhiledrivingatnight,

yourequireacleanwindscreen.Thedazzlefromoncomingvehiclesthroughadirtywindscreenmakesitdifficulttosee.Havingadirtywindscreenalsostrainsyoureyesandbringsonfatigue.Youshouldcleanyourwindscreeninsideandout,andmakesurethatwashersandwipersareingoodcondition.Dontforgettocleanyourmirrors.

Yourlightsmustbe:

ingoodcondition

clean

adjustedcorrectly.

Dazzleisaconstantproblemwithnightdriving.Dontlookdirectlyatthelightsofoncomingvehicles.Ifdriversfailtodiptheirlights,resistthetemptationtogeteven.Switchingyourlightstohighbeamonlyincreasesthechanceofacollision.

Dotherightthingbydippingyourlightsforoncomingdriversandfordriversyouarefollowing.


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Activity 12: How would you avoid being dazzled by oncomingvehicle?

What should you do to avoid being dazzled by an oncoming vehiclelights?

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Driver fatigue

Whendrivingatnightthereisahighriskoffatigue.Thisisduetothe

naturalinclinationofthebodytoshutdowninresponsetobiologicalrhythms.Theriskisgreatestintheearlyhoursofthemorning.Bewareofhighwayhypnosisinwhichtheconstantrepetitionofthewhiteoryellowlinesinducesatrance-likestate,leavingthedrivereffectivelyasleepatthewheelwiththeireyesopen.

DriverFatigueisamajorcauseofaccidentsinAustralia.Itaccountsformorethan30%ofallfataltruckcrashesonhighways.

Mostaccidentscausedbyfatigueoccurbetween11pmand8am,the

bodysnormalsleepingtime.


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Activity 13: What other factors can cause driver fatigue?

What other factors can cause driver fatigue?

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When is the best time to drive?

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What are the signs of driver fatigue?

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Stress

Stresscanalsoaffectyourdriving.Statisticsshowthatifyouhave

problemsatworkorhome,youare5timesmorelikelytobeinvolvedinanaccident.Personalproblems,forexamplecanaffectyourdriving.Youraccidentratecanmorethandoubleduringthe6monthsbeforeandafterdivorce.


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Activity 14: What would you do in the followingcircumstances?

Tick the box with the correct answer.

If you are tired when driving, the best thing to do is:

turn on the radio and open the windows

drink coffee to stay awake

continue to drive at a slower speed

pull off the road and rest.

As a professional driver alcohol can be drunk:

if youre also drinking coffee to keep alert

during driving hours if it is in moderation

if you need to reduce tension while driving

after you have completed your driving for the day.



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System driving

Systemdrivingmakessurethedriverapproacheshighwork-load

situations:

atthecorrectspeed

intherightgear

inthecorrectpositionontheroad.

Thisallowsthedrivertosafelyavoidornegotiateahazardanddrivethevehicleclearofit.Thesystemofvehiclecontrolwhichisdescribedbelowiswidelyconsideredtobethemostefficientmethod.

Thesixfeaturesofsystemdrivingareasfollows: plantheapproach:

observethehazardanddecideonthecorrectlinetosafelyandefficientlyapproachandnegotiateit

mirrorsandsignals:

mirrorsareusedtochecksurroundingtrafficwhenchangingcourseoralteringspeed;alwayssignalyourintentionsbyusingyourindicators

adjustspeed:

slowdowntonegotiatethehazardsafely

gearsandmirrors:

selectthebestgeartosafelynegotiatethehazard,withenoughpowertopullaway;again,checksurroundingtrafficbyusingyourmirrors;alsouseyourmirrorstoobservethepositionoftherearwheelswhenturningthevehicle

evasiveaction:

avoidornegotiatethehazardbystopping,turning,accelerating,soundingthehorn,orwhateveractiondoesnotendangerthesafetyofotherroadusers

acceleration:

thecorrectamountofaccelerationisusedtoleavethehazardsafely,takingintoaccountthevehicle,roadsurface,trafficconditionsandload.

Youmustpractisethissystemsothatitbecomesautomatic.

Seethediagramonthenextpageshowingtheprocessesrequiredtocompletealeftturn.


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Activity 15: What rules apply in a give way situation?

Tick the box with the correct answer.

When other vehicles are required to give way to you at anintersection, you should:

always offer to give way to other trucks

signal all other drivers to see if they want to go first.

give-way to any drivers who look like they will not

give way to you

always take right of way so as not to confuse

other drivers.



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Concentration

Averyimportantpartoftruckdrivingisconcentration.

Often,adriverisconfrontedwithseveraltasksatonetime.

Thismanyoccurwhennegotiatingahazardorevenduringroutinedriving.

Thesehighworkloadsituationscausestress,skillfailureandaccidents.

Drivingtoasystemhelpsyoutohandlemostdrivercriticalsituations.

Thesystematicsequenceguarantees:

allvitalactionsgettherequiredattention

vitalactionsarecarriedoutatthebesttime

allvitalactionsreceivethedriversfullskillandability

peakworkloadanddriverstressaregreatlyreduced

thedriverisbetterabletodealwithemergencies.


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Dimensions

Bothowneranddriverareguiltyofanoffenceifdimensionlimitsare

exceeded.

Maximumoveralldimensions(withoutpermit)

Vehicle Height(m)

Width(m)

Length(m)

Rigidtruckorbus 4.3 2.5 12.5

Controlledaccessbus 4.3 2.5 14.5

Articulatedbus 4.3 2.5 18.0

Semi-trailer 4.3 2.5 13.7

Apigtrailerordogtrailer 4.3 2.5 11.0

Aprimemoverandsemi-trailercombination,pigtrailerandtrailercombinationandabusandtrailercombination

4.3 2.5 19.0

B-double(onapprovedroutes) 4.3 2.5 25.0

Massweight

Themassweightofavehiclewhichcanbedrivenwithoutpermit,dependson:

vehicletype

vehiclesort

thenumberoftyresat165kpaandnotedloadcapacityofaxle.

Refertoyourvehiclemanufacturershandbookforinformationonthemassweightlimitofyourvehicle.

Thetotalweightandsizeoftheloadedvehicleortrailermustnotexceedthegrossvehiclemass(GVM)ontheregistrationrecord.


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Overdimensionpermits

Whenyouwishtotransportaloadthatisabovethelegallimitformass,height,widthorlength,youwillrequireapermit.

Youmustcontactyourstate/territorylicensingdepartmentbeforeyoudrivethevehicle.

Rememberbothowneranddriverareguiltyifavehicledoesnotcomplywiththeregulations.

Loading

Yourvehicleshouldbeloadedanddriveninsuchawayastopreventdangertoanyperson,ordamagetoanyproperty.

Whyloadsshift

Undernormaldrivingconditions,yourvehicleanditsloadwillbeaffectedby:

forwardbraking

reversebraking

acceleration

cornering

hills

roadcamber

airflowandwind

roadconditions.

Itispartofyourjobasdrivertoseethatanyloadsonyourvehicleareproperlysecured.

Howtocarryaloadsafely

Ifyouwishtocarryasafeloadonyourvehicle,youmust:

chooseasuitablevehicleforthetypeandsizeofload

positiontheloadcorrectlyandaccordingtoacceptedpractice.

usesuitablerestrainingequipmentwhichisserviceableandfunctional

provideadequateloadrestraintsuitablefortheexpected

conditionsofeachtrip,topreventmovement;theload


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restraintmustbecapableofresistingeachoftheforcescoveredunderloading.

Loadrestraintmethods

Loadrestraintcanbeindirect,direct,oracombinationofboth.

Indirectrestraintiswhenaloadispreventedfrommovingbythefrictionforcesbetweentheloadandthevehicle.Thisfriction(orpressure)isincreasedbyusingtie-downlashings.

Directrestraintiswhentheloadispreventedfrommovingby:

containers,suchas:

tankers

tippers bodies

cages

blockingwithheadboards,sidegatesandtailgates:

attachingittothevehicle,withtwistlocksanddirectlashings.


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Activity 16: Arrange cargo on your vehicle

Tick the incorrect answer.

In arranging cargo on your truck, you should:

place heavy items at the rear of the load

place heavy items close to the centre-line of the vehicle

distribute the mass as evenly as possible

stack heavy items at the bottom.

Which of the following is incorrect?

You should check the balance of the load and redistribute it if necessary wheneveryou remove or add cargo.

Friction cannot be relied upon to prevent movement of cargo.

Keeping the overall load height low reduces stability.

Braking places higher forces on load

restraints than does acceleration.

The person responsible for making sure the load is appropriate forany vehicle is:

the owner

the manufacturer of the goods

the driver.



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Dangerous goods

Dangerous goods are any chemical substances, products or articles which

aredangeroustopeopleortheenvironment.Thisisbecausetheyare:

poisonous

corrosive

explosiveortheypresentariskoffire.

Emptyuncleanedcontainerswhichhavecontaineddangerousgoodsarealsoclassifiedasdangerous.

Explosivesandradioactivesubstancesarecoveredunderspecific

codes: TheAustralianCodefortheTransportationofExplosives

byRailorRoad

CodeofPracticefortheSafeTransportationofRadioactiveSubstances.

Responsibilities

Thepeopleresponsibleforcarryingdangerousgoodsare:

consignors primecontractors

theownerofthevehicle

drivers

peopleinchargeofloadingandunloading

peopleinchangeoftransportingdangerousgoods.

Yourresponsibilityasadriver

Thedriverofadangerousgoodsvehiclemusthavethecorrectdocuments,suppliedbytheconsignor.ThesedocumentsmustshowinEnglish:

thenameoftheproduct

theclassnumberoftheproduct

subsidiaryriskclassnumber(ifany)

packinggroup

totalnetquantityofeachproduct

numberofpackagesofeachtype


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consignorsname

thetypeofouterpackaging,drum,carton,bags

emergencyproceduresguides(EPGs).

Emergencies

Ifthereisafireorspill,youmust:

firstreporttheaccidenttoapoliceofficerorafireservice

warnpeoplewhomaybeatrisk

followinstructionsgivenbyEmergencyProceduresGuides(EPGs)

displayreflectivewarningsigns

provideassistanceandinformationtothepoliceandfireservice.

Policeandemergencyvehicles

Emergencyvehiclescaninclude:

ambulances

fireunits

policecars

emergencyservicesunits.

Youmustgetoutofthewayofapoliceoremergencyvehiclewhenitssirenorlightsareon.Stop,ifnecessary,evenifyouhaveagreenlight.

Youmustalsostopifthetwinredlightsoutsideafirestationorambulancestationareflashing.

After an accident

Therearecertainthingsyoumustdoifyouareinvolvedinanaccident.Theseare:

stopimmediately

protecttheareatomakesureanothercrashdoesntoccur

giveassistancetoanyinjuredperson

sendforpoliceandambulanceifanyoneisinjured

exchangethefollowinginformationwiththeotherdriver:

names

addresses


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registrationnumbers

vehicleownersnames

insurancecompanies

removealldebrisfromtheroad

ifthereisonlypropertydamageandtheowner(orrepresentative)isnotpresent,reportthecrashtothenearestpolicestation

reporttothenearestpolicestationifanyoneisinjuredandPolicedidnotattendthecrashscene.

Penalty

Ifyoudonotstopandgiveassistanceafterbeinginvolvedinacrashor

accidentcausingdeathorinjuryyoucanbefinedupto$8,000.00and/orbeimprisonedforuptotwoyears.Youwillalsoloseyourlicencefortwoyears(thisisVictorianlegislation,thelawsinyourstate/territorymaydiffer).

CrashmanagementandFirstAid

Thekeythingsyouneedtodoare:

makethecrashscenesafe

checkthevictims-seetheyarebreathing

stopheavybleeding

keepvictimstill.


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Activity 17: If you are involved in an accident

Tick the correct answers.

If your vehicle is involved in a crash you must first stop and then,before doing anything else:

care for the injured

protect the area so another crash wont happen

exchange names, addresses and registration numbers.

If you stop your vehicle at a crash site, you should:

park very close to the crash

put on your hazard lights

first notify the authorities.



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Consumption of alcohol and other drugs

Accidentstatisticsshowthatalcoholisafactorin40-50%ofallfatal

roadaccidentsandthat75%ofdriverskilledinsinglevehicleroadaccidentshavebeendrinkingalcohol.

Alcoholaffectsalldrivers.

Someoftheeffectsarethatit:

reducesyourjudgement

givesafalsesenseofconfidence

ishardertodomorethanonethingatatime

addstoyoursleepinessifyouarealreadytied

impairsyourbalance.

Otherdrugs

Bewareofdrugsthathavenotbeenprescribedbyyourdoctor.Askyourdoctororchemistwhataretheeffectsofanyprescribeddrugsthatyoumightbetaking.


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Section 2

Vehicle preparation


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Section outline


Vehiclesuspension

Vehiclesteering

Airbrakes

VehiclePre-DepartureChecklist


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Pre-departure vehicle check

Forpartofthisinspectionyoushouldaskyourtrainerforassistance.

Lights,reflectorsandsigns

Lights,reflectorsandsignsonyourvehicleshouldbe:

clean

securelyattached

clearlyvisible.

Also,checkthefollowing:

redandyellowmarkerplates(ifrequired)

dangerousgoodslabelscorrectlydisplayedandreadable

headlights

parkinglights

taillights

numberplatelight

brakelightsandwarningbuzzer

turninglightsandwarningbuzzer

hazardwarninglights

runninglights.

RemembertoturntheignitionkeyandallswitchesOFFafterwards.


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Activity 18: Check your headlights and other globes

Does your company have a headlight tester and aligning board?

Yes No

If yes, ask your mechanic how it works. Ask him to show you onyour vehicle.

Can you change the indicator globes on your vehicle?

Yes No

If not ask the mechanic to show you how.


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Airsuspension

Aftertheairpressurehasbuiltupyoumust:

checkthatthebellowsaresupportingthevehicleandyourvehicleislevel

makesurethebellowsarenotincontactwithotherparts,andnotdamaged

listenforairleaksinthesystem.

Steering

Askyourtrainertohelpyoucheckyourvehiclesteeringsystem.

Withthefrontwheelsinastraightaheadposition,testthesteeringbyturningthesteeringwheelonewaythentheother,checkingforlooseplay.

Ifthevehiclehaspowersteering,thesecheckswillbecarriedoutwiththeenginerunning.Youmustbesuretheparkingbrakeisappliedandtherearwheelsarechocked.

Alsolistenforanyunusualsoundfromthepowersteeringpump.


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Activity 19: Check your vehicle steering

Check the following with the assistance of your trainer:

Yes No

Is there free play in your steering?

Is there looseness in steering joints?

Are there unusual noises in the steering pump?

Are there air leaks in the air system?

If you answered No to all of the above then your steering systemrequires no further action. If you answered Yes to any of theabove then you must have the vehicle checked by your mechanic.


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Clutch

Checkthefreeplayofyourclutchbypushinginthepedaluntilaslightresistanceisfelt.Normalfreeplayisbetween5cmand25cm.

Transmission

Withtheenginerunningandtheclutchpedalhelddown,checkthatthegearleverandothertransmissioncontrolsoperateproperly.

Pedals

Checkthattherubberpadsareproperlyfittedandingoodorder.Inparticular,makesuretopresstheacceleratorfirmlytothefloor(withtheengineswitchedOFF)checkingthatitshowsnosignofstickingorjamming.


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Activity 20: Check vehicle clutch pedal play

Demonstrate to your trainer the checks necessary to show that the

clutch has no free play and the transmission controls are operatingcorrectly.

Are all the pedal pad rubbers properly fitted and in good order?

Yes No

If no, ask your trainer what should you do to correct the problem?List his answer below for future reference.

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________


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Air brakes

Pressuresandtimesquotedinthissectionareintendedastypicalexamplesonly.Checkyourvehicleoperatingmanual,oraskyourtrainerwhatthefiguresshouldbeforyourvehicle.

Thefollowingisastepbystepprocedurewhichwillenableyoutocarryoutacompleteweeklyorpre-tripinspectionofyourairbrakesystem.

1. Immobilisethevehicle

Parkvehicleonfirmlevelgroundandapplyparkingbrakes.Allwheelsonatleastonedriveaxleshouldbesecurelychocked,frontandrear.Duringthisinspectionallbrakeswillbereleased.

NOTE:Donotperformthisairbrakeinspectioniftheseconditionscannotbemet.

2. Drainallair(wet)tanks

Emptyallairfromthetanksbyopeningthedrainvalves.Thisisdoneinordertoremovecondensedmoisture(water)fromthetanksandtoallowcheckingofotherpartsinthesystem.

Waterinthesystemcausescorrosionanddecreasesbrakelife.Watchforsignsofoilinthedrainedwater.Ifanyoilispresent,the

compressormayneedservicing.Closealldraincocksafterthesystemhasbeendrained.

NOTE:Brakesystemmanufacturersrecommendthatairtanksbedraineddaily.

3. Startengine

Turntheignitionkeyon.Thelowpressurewarningbuzzerand/orlightshouldbeginoperatingcontinuously.Starttheengineandrunatfastidle(approximately1000rpm)to

builduppressureinthereservoirs.Whilepressureisbuilding,takecarefulnoteoftheitemsmentionedinsteps4,5and6.

4. Lowpressurewarningcut-off

Thelowpressurewarningdeviceshouldcontinueoperatinguntiltheairpressurereachesatleast410kPa.

5. Rateofpressurebuild-up

Checkthetimetakenforthepressuretoincreasefrom350kPato600kPa.Thistimewillvaryfromonevehicleto

anotherdependingonthetankcapacities,typeofcompressor,andenginespeedused.Youshouldrecord


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theactualtimetakenandwatchforanychangeeachtimeyourepeatthetest(alwaysusingthesamespeed).Havethesystemcheckedif:

thetimevariesbymorethanoneminute

onthefirsttimeyoudothistest,thetimesexceedfiveminute.(fiveminutesmaybeasatisfactorytimeiftankcapacityislargeortheenginespeedissetlow,buthaveitcheckedtobesure).

Ifserviceandreservetanksarefedthroughindividualcheckvalves,pressurebuild-upshouldbesteadyandequalonbothgauges.

Inothersystemswherethereservetankisfedfromtheservicetankthroughachargingvalve,theservicegaugewillreachapredeterminedpressurebeforethereserve

tankbeginstobuildup.6. Maximumcut-offpressure

Checkthepressureatwhichtheunloadervalveoperates.Thisshouldbeatleast690kPa.Ifoutsidethisrange,haveitchecked.

7. Releaseparkingorspringbrakes

Checkthatthevehicleisonfirmlevelgroundandthewheelsarechocked(asinstep1).Releasetheparkingbrake,makesurethetractorprotectionvalveisinthe

normalposition.Thismakessurethatallbrakesarereleased,includingthespringbrakeiffitted.

8. Pressurelosswithsystemstanding

Runtheengineuntilmaximumpressurehasbeenreachedandthenshutitdown.Whilethevehiclestandsforfiveminutesnoteanydropinpressure(itmayhelptolightlytapthepressuregaugeifitappearstobesticking).Ifthepressuredropinfiveminutesexceeds35kPathesystemshouldbechecked.

Wheretimepermits,thischeckcanbeperformedmoreaccuratelybyallowingthevehicletostandfortenminutesandwatchingforapressuredropofnomorethan70kPa.

9. Applythebrakes

Applythebrakesfullyandholdthebrakepedaltothefloorandholdingitthere,thepressuredropshouldnotbemorethan85kPa.Excessivepressuredropasthebrakesareappliedcanbeduetoafaultinthesystemormayindicatethatthebrakesneedadjusting.


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Continuetoholdthebrakesonforone,twominutes.Anyfurtherpressuredropshouldnotbefasterthan15kPaperminuteforrigidvehicles,or20kPaperminuteforarticulatedorcombinationvehicles.Iftheabovelimitsareexceeded,havethesystemchecked.

10. Lossofpressureprotection

WiththeengineswitchedOFF,reduceairpressureinthetanksbyrepeatedlypumpingthebrakepedal.ThelowAirPressurewarningdeviceshouldbeginoperatingwithintherangeof280kPato410kPa,andthetractorprotectorvalveshouldswitchfromnormaltoemergencypositionwithintherange140kPato310kPa.

11. Applytheparkingbrakes

Re-applytheparkingbrakesandstarttheenginetobuildupfullpressure.


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Activity 21: Drain your vehicles air tanks

Demonstrate to your trainer how to park the vehicle, check the

brakes and drain the air tanks. Explain to your trainer why it isimportant to drain the air tanks daily.



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Activity 22: Check your vehicles low pressure cut-off

Check your vehicle manufacturers manual, and compare the low

pressure warning cut-off. Does the pressure match the examplegiven above? If not, at what pressure does your vehicle warningdevice cut off?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

How long does it take for your air pressure to build up to the correct

operating pressure?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Have you checked to see if the pressure build-up time varies?

Yes No

If no, you should do it now and remember to check it on a regularbasis.


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Activity 23: Demonstrate for your trainer brake checks

Demonstrate to your trainer the recommended checks as listed in

items 7 to 10. These checks are necessary for your safety and forthat of other road users.


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Airbrakesadjustment

Ifairbrakeadjustmentisrequired,itmustonlybedonebyaqualifiedperson.Youwillalsoneedtoaskyourtrainerforhelp.Theprocedure

whichfollowsisdesignedtohelpyoucheckbrakeadjustment.

Pushrodmovement

Withtheairtanksfullychargedandtheparkingbrakesreleased,notethemovementofthebrakechamberpush-rodforoneofthewheelsasyourassistantappliesandreleasesthefootbrake.Totalmovementshouldnotbemorethanthedistancespecifiedinthemanual.

Safetytip

Keepyoufingersoutofthelinkagewhencarryingoutthischeck.

Repeatthecheckforeachoftheotherwheels.Ifpush-rodmovementvariesgreatlyfromonewheeltoanotherorexceedsspecifications,havethebrakeschecked.


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Activity 24: Carry out the following brake checks

With the assistance of your trainer, check the tractor protection

valve and return the system to normal.

From the manufacturers manual, find out what your vehicle brakecylinder push-rod movement should be on each wheel. List thefigures below for future reference.

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

With the assistance of your trainer, check the brake cylinder push-rod movement on your vehicle, compare these with themanufacturers recommendations.

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________


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Hydraulic brakes

Iftheparkingbrakeisnotmountedonthetransmissionitwillneedto

bereleasedforthischeck,soyoumustchockthewheels.

Withtheenginerunning:

releasetheparkingbrake

applythefootbrakenormally.Ifthepedalmovesmorethanhalf-waydown,adjustmentorbleedingofthesystemisrequired.Bleedingtheairfromthesystemmayalsobenecessaryifthepedalfeelssoftorspongyratherthanfirm.

NOTE:Reapplytheparkingbrakeafterthischeck.

Pedaltravelfirmness

Slowapplicationcheck

Applythefootbrakeveryslowlytakingabout15secondstoachievefullpedaltravel.Ifthepedalgoesallthewaytothefloorornoticeablyfurtherthanusual,hydraulicsealsinthesystemmaybeleaking.Havethesystemchecked.

Maximisingpressurecheck

Withtheenginerunning,rapidlypumpthepedalthreetimes,thenapplybrakeswiththemaximumforcepossible.Holdtheapplicationforaboutfiveseconds.Ifthepedalmovesfurtherdownduringthistime,serviceisrequired.

Theprevioustwochecksdonotapplytoalloverhydraulicsystems.

Vacuumassistedsystem

Forvacuumassistedbrakes,firstinspectthebrakesasexplainedintheprevioussection,Hydraulicbrakes,thencarryoutthefollowingadditionalchecksofthevacuumsystem:

runtheengineuntilmaximumvacuumisreachedinthevacuumreservoir

vacuumlossbrakesareappliedwiththeengineswitchedoff;fullyapplythebrakesandnotetherateofvacuumloss(tapthegaugeiftheneedleissticking).Ifthevacuumis

lostatarateofmorethan12mmperminute,thesystemshouldbechecked


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withtheengineswitchedoff,pumpthebrakesuntilthelowvacuumwarningsignaloperates;ifthesignaldoesnotoperatebeforethepressuredropsbelow200mm,thesystemshouldbechecked

checkthatallhosesareproperlysecuredandingoodcondition

checkthattheairfilteronthevacuumassistanceunitisnotblockedandcorrectlyfitted.


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Activity 25: Demonstrate to your trainer the operation of yourvehicles vacuum assisted brake system

Demonstrate to your trainer all the checks necessary to prove thecorrect operation of your vacuum assisted brake system. Carry outthe checks on your vehicle.

Continue the demonstration by checking:

system operation with the vehicle moving

parking brakes

steering.

NOTE: The on road check is completed after driving forapproximately 50 kilometres.


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System operation-check vehicle moving

Inthisfinalpartofyourvehicleinspection,thevehiclewillneedtobe

driven.Seektheassistanceofyourtrainertocarryoutthesechecks.

Beforestartingyoushould:

applytheparkingbrake

removethewheelchocks

checkthatthesurroundingareaisclearoftrafficandotherobstructions.

Brakes

Parkingbrakes

Stopthevehicle,firmlyapplytheparkingbrakesandgentlytrytomoveoffagain.Thevehicleshouldnotmove.Ifitdoes,theparkingbrakeshouldbecheckedbeforethevehicleisdriven.

Checkbrakeoperation

Drivethevehicleforwardinfirstgearatabout5km/h(walkingpace)andthenapplythefootbrakesashardasyouwouldinanemergency.Ifthebrakespulltooneside,respondsluggishlyorfeelunusualinanyway,theyshouldbecheckedandadjustedbeforedrivingthevehicle.

Toadjustbrakes,locatevehicleinasafesecurelocation.Chockwheelsandraisevehicleoffthegroundandsupportonsuitablestands.

Removeadjustmentslotcoversfromrearofsupportplate.Insertthe

correctadjustingtoolandrotatestarwheeluntilliningdragsonthedrum.Totighten,movetoolhandletowardaxlewhileusinginnersideofadjusterslotasafulcrumfortool,rotatingstarwheelteethawayfromaxle.Backoffstarwheelwhilerotatingdrumforward,untildragisjustrelieved,fromthispointbackoffadjusteranadditional8to10notchestoproviderunningclearance,replaceslotcovers.

Lowervehicleoffsupportstandsanddriveandcheckbrakes.


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Steering

Drivevehicleslowlyforward(5km/h,)andturnthesteeringwheeltorightfulllockthenleftfulllock.Checkforanythingunusual,particularlystrangenoises,scrapesorknocks.

Onroadcheck

Afterdrivingthefirst50kilometresofatrip,stopinasafeplaceawayfromtrafficflowandbrieflycheckaroundthevehicle.Forexample,youshouldcheck:

temperatureofthetyres

hubs

brakedrums.

NOTE:Hightemperaturescouldindicateanunderinflatedtyre,abindingbrakeorfaultywheelbearing.

Checkfor

oilleaks

waterleaks

otherleaks

makesuretheloadisstillsecure.


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Activity 26: Carry out vehicle safety pre-departure check

Carry out a vehicle safety pre-departure check.

Vehicle pre-departure check

Date:__________________ Vehicle registration number:_______________

Inspected by: ___________________________

Under bonnet OK Product added Details

Engine oil

Coolant

Fuel

Clutch fluid

Brake fluid

Screen wash fluid

Ancillary drive belts

Inside vehicle before startingengine

Immediate response Faulty response

Oil pressure gauge

Alternator gauge

Air pressure gauge

Fuel quantity gauge

other gauge(s)

Parking brake on

Inside vehicle start engine OK Unfit/stop engine

Oil pressure engine

Alternator

Air pressure

Windscreen wipers

Windscreen washers


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In side vehicle turn on lights Fit Details

Headlights - low beam

Headlights - high beam

Hazard lights

Visual rear brake

Right front Fit Details

Right front tyre

Appearance/reboundWall damage

Abnormal tread wear

Right front wheel

nuts/wedges tight

Right front indicators

Regular blinking

Clearly visible

Centre front Fit Details

Headlight high/low both on even

Park lights - Clearly visible

Clearance lights - Clearly visible

Plates/signs - Present/legible

Windscreen - Clear vision

Oil leaks

Weeps

Drips

Pools

Exhaust leaks

Visible emissions

Noise leaks

Vehicle posture - Chassis even onwheels


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Left front Fit Details

Left front tyre

Appearance/rebound

Wall damage

Abnormal tread wear

Left front wheel

Nuts/wedges tight

Left front indicator

Regular blinking

Clearly visible

Left lockers/door(s) - latches

functional

Left side window(s) - clear visibility

Cab tit lock - Functional and locked

Spare wheel

Tread

Pressure

Security

Wheel change tools

Jack

Stand

Socket

Wrench

Bar

Warning triangles

Warning signs

Accessory tools

As per company requirements

Left rear Fit Details

Left rear tyres(s)

Appearance/rebound

Wall damage

Abnormal tread wear

Left rear wheel(s)

Nuts/wedges tight

Wheel guard/mud flaps


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Return to inside vehicle Fit Details

Right side door(s)

Latches functional

Right side window(s)

Opening functional

Clearly visible

Service brakes functional

Warning horn functional

Seat adjustment

Personal requirement

Check adjustment

Lock secure

Rear view mirrors

Adequate rear vision

Registration certificate

Current registration andlicence

Inside vehicle equipment

First Aid kit

Log book

Invoices

Carte notes

Maps etc

Passenger comforts

Magazines

Pillows

Videos, CDs

Rest room supplies

Dangerous goods safety equipmentto meet legislative requirements


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Section 3

Drive vehicle in a safe efficientmanner


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Section outline


Commonsteeringfaults

Frontwheelskid

Gearselection

Safebraking


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Common steering faults

Keepinggoodcontrolofyourvehiclerequiresthatyouavoidanyof

thecommondrivingfaults:

removingbothhandsfromthesteeringwheel

removingeitherhandfromthesteeringwheelforalongtime

allowingyourhandstodroptothelowerhalfofthesteeringwheel

turningthesteeringwheeltoomuchortoolittle

maintainingaturntoolongresultinginthevehicle

followinganerraticcourse

makingsuddenorsharpdeviationlikecuttinginorouttoosharplywhenovertakingcancauseresonanceroll

enteringbendsorcornerstoofast

brakingwhiledrivingthroughbendsandcorners.

Frontwheelskid

Frontwheelskidoccurswhenthetyreslosetheirgripontheroad

surface.

Ifthisoccursduringacceleration:

easeofftheaccelerator

straightenyourfrontwheels

applybrakestosloworstopthevehicle

accelerategentlyanddrivemorecarefully.

Ifthisoccursduringbraking:

easeoffbrakes

straightenthefrontwheels

whenskiddinghasstopped,recommencebrakingandsteeringmoregently.

Adrivewheelskid

Drivewheelspinorlockupisusuallyduetoexcessiveaccelerationorbraking(sometimesmadeworsebyoversteering).Thisiscontrolledin

thefollowingways:


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ifduetoexcessiveaccelerationeaseofftheacceleratoruntiltractionisregainedandthengentlyre-applytheaccelerator

ifduetoexcessivebrakingeaseoffthebrakesuntil

tractionisregainedandthenbrakemoregraduallyandgently

Iftheskidhascausedthedrivewheelstobegintomovesidewaysyouwillalsoneedtomakesteeringcorrections:

steerintotheskid,thatis,steertowardsthedirectioninwhichthedrivewheelsareskidding.

Gear selection

Whentochangegears

EnginemanufacturersspecifytheengineRevsPerMinute(RPM)rangeformaximumtorque.

Asabasicrule,whenacceleratingorclimbingahillwithaload,youshould:

up-shiftwhentheenginespeedisapproachingthemaximumlimit.

Onaflatroadwherepowerisnotcritical,youshouldselectthegearwhichenablestheenginetorunatitsmosteconomicalspeed.This


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enginespeedmaybespecifiedbythemanufacturerandmaybeslightlyabovetherangespecifiedformaximumtorque.

Othergearchangingindicators

Ifyourvehicleisnotfittedwithatachometer(revcounter),themanufacturermaysometimesrecommendroadspeedrangesforeachgear.Thebasicruleinthiscaseistochangeuptothenextgearatthehighendofthespeedrangeanddownatthelowend.

Experiencedtruckdriversalsobecomeusedtothesoundandfeel(i.e.vibrations)oftheengineandmayusetheseasguidesingearshifting.Thismethodshouldbeusedcautiouslyinmodernvehiclesbecausetheimprovedsound-proofingandtheintroductionofturbo-chargedengines(withmaximumtorqueverylowintherevrange)canmislead

driversintoshiftinggearsatthewrongspeed.

Thehightorquerangeofapetrolengineisathigherspeedandisnotasbroadasthatofadieselengine.Thismeansthepetrolenginedoesnothavethesameabilitytohangoninagearasadiesel.Gearchangeswillthereforeneedtobemorefrequentandathigherenginespeed.


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Activity 27: What is your truck RPM engine speed?

What is the manufacturers (engine speed RPM) recommendation

for each gear change in the truck?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

If your vehicle is not fitted with a tachometer, what is themanufacturers road speed range for each gear?

e.g. 1st gear 0-10 k.p.h.

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________


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General gear shifting rules

Goinguphills

Youmayhaveenoughspeedtoclimbahillwithoutchanginggears.However,ifyoubegintolosespeed,youmustdown-shifttopreventtheenginefromlabouring.Rememberclimbingabilityisgreaterifenginespeedisclosetotherecommendedmaximum.

Beforegoingdownahill

Enginecompressioncanhelptoholdthevehicletoasafedownhillspeed.Brakesalonecanoverheatandfade(losebrakingpower).Also

attemptingtochangegearsonasteephillcanresultingettingstuckinneutralandlosingcontrolofthevehicle.Alwaysreducespeedanddown

tlic207c - drive light rigid vehicle - learner guide

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