Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 2:48 PM AWST
23/07/2026 2:48 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Drive AWD/4WD vehicles on unsealed roads
Drive AWD/4WD vehicles on unsealed roads
Unit of competency
National Code
SISODRV201A
SISODRV201A
State Code
D6357
D6357
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/02/2014
Field of Education
030515 - Automotive Vehicle Operations
Original Release Date
14/02/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use appropriate range, gear and techniques to drive a four wheel drive or all wheel drive on unsealed roads to deliver personnel or equipment to activity sites. It covers driving on graded formed dirt roads with slight to moderate inclines and small forded water crossings.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine vehicle characteristics.
- 1.1. Determine the structural, handling and operational features and characteristics of the vehicle.
- 1.2. Determine the purpose and use of front wheel hubs.
- 1.3. Identify factors affecting tyre size, fitment, rating, and pressure.
- 1.4. Identify recovery points, tie down points and mounting features of the vehicle.
- 1.5. Identify hazards associated with incorrect use of vehicle features or equipment.
2. Perform pre operational checks.
- 2.1. Perform pre start checks according to organisational policies and procedures, relevant legislation and manufacturer's specifications.
- 2.2. Check and adjust tyre pressure according to expected terrain and manufacturer's recommendations.
- 2.3. Make required adjustments to establish appropriate driving position.
- 2.4. Secure loads as required according to organisational policies and procedures relevant legislation.
3. Operate vehicle.
- 3.1. Select and engage gear and devices appropriate to the terrain and any identified hazards.
- 3.2. Maintain traction according to the features of the vehicle and requirements of the terrain.
- 3.3. Apply appropriate braking techniques to maintain traction according to the features of the vehicle and requirements of the terrain.
- 3.4. Inspect water crossings for depth, flow rate and solidity of base prior to making crossings.
- 3.5. Negotiate water crossings using appropriate speed, gear selection and device engagement while maintaining safety of vehicle, personnel and environment.
4. Change wheels.
- 4.1. Locate jack and position according to manufacturer's specifications, organisational policies and procedures and relevant legislation.
- 4.2. Remove and replace wheel according to manufacturer's specifications, organisational policies and procedures and relevant legislation
- 4.3. Report or repair flat tyre according to manufacturer's specifications, organisational policies and procedures and relevant legislation
5. Complete operations.
- 5.1. Park and shut down vehicle according to manufacturer's specifications, organisational policies and procedures and relevant legislation
- 5.2. Report faults and malfunctions according to organisational policies and procedures.
- 5.3. Clean and store vehicle and equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
- 5.4. Complete and submit documentation according to organisational policies and procedures.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Features and characteristics may include:
controls
indicators
instruments
traction devices.
Vehicle may include:
AWD or 4WD
4WD
light AWD or 4WD trucks.
Pre-start checks may include:
fluid levels
battery condition
hydraulic lines and connections
brakes and drive lines
air conditioning
fuel
body damage
accessories.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
land management and minimal impact codes
vehicle reporting and notification procedures
procedures for travelling in convoy with other vehicles
code of ethics.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Manufacturer's specifications may include:
engine characteristics
systems arning function
vehicle operation
radius of turning circle
safety procedures.
Terrain may include:
bitumen
formed dirt roads
small water crossings
small inclines to 15 degrees.
Required adjustments may include:
seats
mirrors
seatbelts
steering wheel.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Documentation may include:
faults
maintenance requirements
fuel usage
odometer readings.
Features and characteristics may include:
controls
indicators
instruments
traction devices.
Vehicle may include:
AWD or 4WD
4WD
light AWD or 4WD trucks.
Pre-start checks may include:
fluid levels
battery condition
hydraulic lines and connections
brakes and drive lines
air conditioning
fuel
body damage
accessories.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
land management and minimal impact codes
vehicle reporting and notification procedures
procedures for travelling in convoy with other vehicles
code of ethics.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Manufacturer's specifications may include:
engine characteristics
systems arning function
vehicle operation
radius of turning circle
safety procedures.
Terrain may include:
bitumen
formed dirt roads
small water crossings
small inclines to 15 degrees.
Required adjustments may include:
seats
mirrors
seatbelts
steering wheel.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Documentation may include:
faults
maintenance requirements
fuel usage
odometer readings.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
safe and efficient AWD or 4WD vehicle operation over formed roads
determines the different characteristics and features of a range of AWD and 4WD vehicles and performs pre start checks
changes wheels, performs shut down procedures and completes all required documentation including reporting faults and any required maintenance.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure application of driving techniques to negotiate formed dirt roads and small inclines to 15 degrees on sufficient occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a suitable environment with formed dirt roads and inclines
a suitable AWD or 4WD vehicle
legislation and organisational policies and procedures that impact on the conduct of driving activities.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of safe and efficient AWD or 4WD vehicle operation over formed dirt roads
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of vehicle operating systems and associated risks and procedures for reporting maintenance requirements
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
safe and efficient AWD or 4WD vehicle operation over formed roads
determines the different characteristics and features of a range of AWD and 4WD vehicles and performs pre start checks
changes wheels, performs shut down procedures and completes all required documentation including reporting faults and any required maintenance.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure application of driving techniques to negotiate formed dirt roads and small inclines to 15 degrees on sufficient occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a suitable environment with formed dirt roads and inclines
a suitable AWD or 4WD vehicle
legislation and organisational policies and procedures that impact on the conduct of driving activities.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of safe and efficient AWD or 4WD vehicle operation over formed dirt roads
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of vehicle operating systems and associated risks and procedures for reporting maintenance requirements
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBF44 | SISODRV001 | Drive AWD/4WD vehicles on unsealed roads | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J755 | SIS20213 | Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |