Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:59 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:59 AM 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.
Operate four wheel drive vehicle
Operate four wheel drive vehicle
Unit of competency
National Code
TLIC2507B
TLIC2507B
State Code
S5656
S5656
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
24/08/2011
Field of Education
030515 - Automotive Vehicle Operations
Original Release Date
24/08/2011
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a four wheel drive vehicle safely in a range of conditions. These include driving a four wheel drive vehicle on normal roads, traversing slopes, ascending and descending steep slopes and stall recovery. It also includes operation of the vehicle in rugged terrain, the use of a jack and the completion of all pre- and post-operational checks. Assessment of this unit may be undertaken within a licensing examination conducted by, or under the authority of, the relevant state/territory road traffic authority.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Operate four wheel drive vehicles on normal roads
- 1.1 Pre-start checks of vehicle and equipment are carried out to manufacturers specifications and roadworthy requirements
- 1.2 Tyres are checked for pressure suitable for terrain and/or changed in accordance with workplace procedures
- 1.3 Loads are secured in accordance with workplace and legislative requirements
- 1.4 Vehicle is driven on and off road to legislative and workplace requirements, at appropriate speeds for conditions and hazards
- 1.5 Vehicle is parked and shut down in accordance with workplace and manufacturers requirements
2 Operate vehicle on, or across, a slope
- 2.1 Pre-start checks of vehicle and equipment are carried out to manufacturers specifications and roadworthy requirements
- 2.2 Tyres are checked for pressure suitable for terrain and/or changed to operational guidelines
- 2.3 Loads are secured in accordance with workplace and legislative requirements
- 2.4 Vehicle is driven on and off road to regulatory and workplace requirements at appropriate speeds for conditions and hazards
3 Operate vehicle ascending a steep slope including stall recovery
- 3.1 Intended vehicle path is inspected prior to negotiation of slope
- 3.2 Appropriate gear is selected to ascend grade, and engine revolutions maintained to ensure constant traction
- 3.3 Air-conditioning unit is turned off to avoid engine acceleration
- 3.4 Foot brake is applied as vehicle stalls, handbrake applied and ignition turned off
- 3.5 Clutch is depressed and reverse gear selected
- 3.6 Clutch is released and handbrake is slowly released
- 3.7 Ignition is turned on and brakes are released
- 3.8 Vehicle is started and allowed to reverse down the slope
- 3.9 Brakes are applied as necessary to control descent
4 Operate vehicle descending a steep slope including stall recovery
- 4.1 Intended vehicle path is inspected prior to negotiation of the slope
- 4.2 Appropriate gear is selected to ascend grade, and engine revolutions maintained to ensure constant traction
- 4.3 Air-conditioning unit is turned off to avoid engine acceleration
- 4.4 Braking is used to control decent and skidding is avoided by the application of brakes to emulate ABS
- 4.5 Ignition is turned off, foot brake is applied, and handbrake engaged
- 4.6 Clutch is depressed and low gear is selected
- 4.7 Clutch is released and handbrake is slowly released
- 4.8 Ignition is turned on and brakes are released
- 4.9 Vehicle is started and allowed to continue down the slope
- 4.10 Brakes are applied as necessary to control descent and skids are steered into
5 Operate vehicle in rugged terrain
- 5.1 Intended vehicle path is inspected prior to negotiation of rugged terrain
- 5.2 Correct gear/range is selected to negotiate terrain
- 5.3 Freewheel hubs are engaged and disengaged in accordance with driving conditions
- 5.4 Vehicle controls are set in accordance with manufacturers instructions for operation in the surrounding terrain
- 5.5 Traction is maintained in accordance with requirements of the vehicle and the surrounding terrain
- 5.6 Selection of appropriate gear/range before negotiating terrain is demonstrated
- 5.7 Where necessary, chains are fitted to vehicle in accordance with manufacturers instructions
- 5.8 Vehicle load is inspected, positioned and secured to maximise traction for four wheel driving.
- 5.9 Terrain is negotiated in accordance with requirements for specific driving conditions
6 Operate jack
- 6.1 Jack is located under vehicle in accordance with vehicle manufacturers specifications and workplace procedures
- 6.2 Jack is used and operated in accordance with manufacturers specifications and workplace procedures
7 Complete operations
- 7.1 Vehicle is parked and shut down to workplace and manufacturers requirements
- 7.2 Faults or malfunctions are corrected and/or reported in accordance with workplace requirements
- 7.3 Vehicle and equipment are cleaned and stored after use in accordance with workplace requirements
- 7.4 Any log books or reports required by the workplace are completed in accordance with workplace procedures
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Vehicles include:
all terrain vehicles
cars and utilities
a range of trailers
light trucks
Operations may be carried out in typical four wheel drive situations, including:
operations may be conducted day or night
typical weather conditions
on the open road
in rugged terrain off-road conditions that can be smooth, rough, uneven, slippery, boggy, sandy, steep or hilly
on a steep slope
during emergency response
while at a client's workplace or worksite
Vehicle handling procedures may include:
starting a vehicle
steering and manoeuvring a vehicle
accelerating and braking
positioning and stopping a vehicle
reversing a vehicle
operating vehicle controls, instruments and indicators
using defensive driving techniques
managing engine performance
Considerations when driving may include:
operational characteristics of the type of four wheel drive vehicle
workplace procedures
traffic conditions
levels of emergency response
adverse weather
traffic regulations
warning devices
adverse terrain
Traffic conditions to be taken into account when driving may include:
speed limits for operation
legal parking
traffic pattern and density
known peak periods and special community functions
effects of weather on roads
road surface/off-road terrain
visibility
Operational hazards may include (examples only):
steep slopes and rugged terrain
wet and iced road/terrain
flooded road/terrain
oil on road
fire in vehicle
leaking fuel
faulty brakes
parked vehicles on the road
faulty steering mechanism on vehicle
pedestrians crossing the road
animals and objects on road
windy or foggy sections of road/terrain
Workplace guidelines/procedures may include:
pre- and post-operation checks
standards of operation
storage and usage of fuels and lubricants
policies and routines relating to wear and damage
precautions and safeguards
emergency response driving
driving in adverse terrain
driving in special environments
reporting routines
Pre-start checks may include:
fuel, water, oil
brake and transmission fluid levels
battery water levels and electrolyte checks
tyres
belts
leads
hydraulic lines and connections
air cleaners
air-conditioners
brakes
off-road safety equipment in line with manufacturers recommendations
Manufacturers specifications may include:
engine characteristics
systems warning function
four wheel drive operation
radius of turning circle
safety procedures
Installed devices may include:
warning lights
tachometer
temperature gauge
electrical charging
ancillary systems indicator
speedometer
oil pressure
brake warning lights
audible warning devices
hose
Minor routine servicing may include:
the replacement of blown globes in vehicle lights
replacement of broken fan belt
replacement of blown fuse
door mirrors
repairs to rear tail-light lens
changing of tyres
repair of tyre punctures
replacement of broken coolant
Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
Documentation/records may include:
state/territory driving license requirements
state/territory road rules
workplace driving instructions and procedures
vehicle manufacturers instructions, specifications and recommended driving procedures including preoperational checks of vehicle
emergency procedures
vehicle log book or record book (where required)
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority driving regulations and license requirements pertaining to the class of four wheel drive vehicle
relevant state/territory road rules
relevant state/territory permit regulations and requirements
relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
relevant state/territory fatigue management regulations
relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Vehicles include:
all terrain vehicles
cars and utilities
a range of trailers
light trucks
Operations may be carried out in typical four wheel drive situations, including:
operations may be conducted day or night
typical weather conditions
on the open road
in rugged terrain off-road conditions that can be smooth, rough, uneven, slippery, boggy, sandy, steep or hilly
on a steep slope
during emergency response
while at a client's workplace or worksite
Vehicle handling procedures may include:
starting a vehicle
steering and manoeuvring a vehicle
accelerating and braking
positioning and stopping a vehicle
reversing a vehicle
operating vehicle controls, instruments and indicators
using defensive driving techniques
managing engine performance
Considerations when driving may include:
operational characteristics of the type of four wheel drive vehicle
workplace procedures
traffic conditions
levels of emergency response
adverse weather
traffic regulations
warning devices
adverse terrain
Traffic conditions to be taken into account when driving may include:
speed limits for operation
legal parking
traffic pattern and density
known peak periods and special community functions
effects of weather on roads
road surface/off-road terrain
visibility
Operational hazards may include (examples only):
steep slopes and rugged terrain
wet and iced road/terrain
flooded road/terrain
oil on road
fire in vehicle
leaking fuel
faulty brakes
parked vehicles on the road
faulty steering mechanism on vehicle
pedestrians crossing the road
animals and objects on road
windy or foggy sections of road/terrain
Workplace guidelines/procedures may include:
pre- and post-operation checks
standards of operation
storage and usage of fuels and lubricants
policies and routines relating to wear and damage
precautions and safeguards
emergency response driving
driving in adverse terrain
driving in special environments
reporting routines
Pre-start checks may include:
fuel, water, oil
brake and transmission fluid levels
battery water levels and electrolyte checks
tyres
belts
leads
hydraulic lines and connections
air cleaners
air-conditioners
brakes
off-road safety equipment in line with manufacturers recommendations
Manufacturers specifications may include:
engine characteristics
systems warning function
four wheel drive operation
radius of turning circle
safety procedures
Installed devices may include:
warning lights
tachometer
temperature gauge
electrical charging
ancillary systems indicator
speedometer
oil pressure
brake warning lights
audible warning devices
hose
Minor routine servicing may include:
the replacement of blown globes in vehicle lights
replacement of broken fan belt
replacement of blown fuse
door mirrors
repairs to rear tail-light lens
changing of tyres
repair of tyre punctures
replacement of broken coolant
Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
Documentation/records may include:
state/territory driving license requirements
state/territory road rules
workplace driving instructions and procedures
vehicle manufacturers instructions, specifications and recommended driving procedures including preoperational checks of vehicle
emergency procedures
vehicle log book or record book (where required)
Applicable procedures and codes may include:
relevant state/territory roads and traffic authority driving regulations and license requirements pertaining to the class of four wheel drive vehicle
relevant state/territory road rules
relevant state/territory permit regulations and requirements
relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
relevant state/territory fatigue management regulations
relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:
the underpinning knowledge and skills
relevant legislation and workplace procedures
other relevant aspects of the range statement
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Resources for assessment include:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and/or equipment, and/or
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
Practical assessment must occur:
through appropriately simulated activities at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:
the underpinning knowledge and skills
relevant legislation and workplace procedures
other relevant aspects of the range statement
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Resources for assessment include:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and/or equipment, and/or
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
Practical assessment must occur:
through appropriately simulated activities at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2285 | TDTC2501A | Operate four wheel drive vehicle | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5018 | TLIC2025A | Operate four wheel drive vehicle | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6111 | 52148 | Certificate IV in Australian Language and Cultural Heritage | Accredited course |
| W620 | CPP30109 | Certificate III in Spatial Information Services | Qualification |
| W970 | CPP30111 | Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services | Qualification |