Unit of competency Outline
Information current as of
21/10/2026 5:39 AM AWST
21/10/2026 5:39 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.
Inspect vehicles
Inspect vehicles
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPTRAN401A
PSPTRAN401A
State Code
C8331
C8331
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Original Release Date
05/05/2009
Nominal Hours
35
Field of Education
030515 - Automotive Vehicle Operations
Description
This unit covers inspection of vehicles to determine the significance of any vehicle defects relative to the safety risk they present on the road. It includes intercepting a vehicle in a safe manner, verifying the identity of the driver and/or responsible operator, visually inspecting the vehicle for compliance, and acting on non-compliance including recording the inspection results of the vehicle.In practice, visual inspection of vehicles may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, exercising regulatory powers, assessing compliance with legislation, gathering and analysing information.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
General notes
N/A
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Intercept vehicle in a safe manner
- 1.1 All interceptions and procedures are planned with co-workers to ensure compliance with legislation, codes of practice, organisational procedures and standards.
- 1.2 A safe location is selected in accordance with organisational policy and workplace health and safety requirements.
- 1.3 Clear and appropriate signals are given to the driver of the target vehicle to stop the vehicle.
- 1.4 Agency policy requirements for intercepting a vehicle are complied with.
- 1.5 Occupational health and safety requirements are followed to prevent injury or damage.
2. Verify identity of driver and/or responsible operator
- 2.1 Driver is requested to produce identification.
- 2.2 Details of identification are recorded in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.
- 2.3 Details of driver and/or responsible operator are verified with relevant authorities.
3. Inspect vehicle for safety compliance
- 3.1 Inspection is undertaken in accordance with organisational requirements.
- 3.2 Communication is maintained with relevant personnel to ensure safe, efficient and complete inspection.
- 3.3 Inspection is conducted in accordance with occupational health and safety and other organisational policies and procedures.
4. Act on non-compliance
- 4.1 Vehicle defects are identified and recorded in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
- 4.2 Minor problems are reported as part of the inspection and, where appropriate, the vehicle operator is requested to rectify without a penalty being issued.
- 4.3 Detected faults dangerous to other road users are recorded on defect notice and the vehicle is ordered off the road immediately by an officer with the appropriate authority.
- 4.4 Necessary records/paperwork are completed in accordance with legal and organisational requirements.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Locations may include:
roadside locations - urban and regional, including high volume city locations
operator's premises
interception sites
vehicle inspection centres
Inspections may be:
undertaken on all types of vehicles
carried out alone or in conjunction with other personnel
undertaken in full range of diverse conditions
conducted with reference to Administrative Guide for Assessment of Defective Vehicles
cover items such as:
air and/or electrical components
body and ancillary components
brakes
chassis and trailing items (hoses etc)
draw gear
exhaust and noise level
ground clearance
load securing devices (chains, ropes, pins etc)
locking and securing devices
oil leaks
out-of-gauge fifth wheel conditions
steering and suspensions
vehicle modifications
wheels and tyres
Communication methods may include:
verbal
line-of-sight signals
radio
mobile telephone
Relevant personnel may include:
senior transport inspector
authorised/other accredited officers/inspectors
relevant compliance managers
other operational personnel
vehicle driver
Vehicles may be:
loaded or unloaded during inspection
Records and documentation may include:
defect notice books
inspection reports
departmental requirements
repair order books
transport instructions
incident reports
safeworking forms or instructions
mechanical condition advice forms
National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) interception books
Penalty Infringement & Notices
Traffic Infringement Notices
formal cautions
Locations may include:
roadside locations - urban and regional, including high volume city locations
operator's premises
interception sites
vehicle inspection centres
Inspections may be:
undertaken on all types of vehicles
carried out alone or in conjunction with other personnel
undertaken in full range of diverse conditions
conducted with reference to Administrative Guide for Assessment of Defective Vehicles
cover items such as:
air and/or electrical components
body and ancillary components
brakes
chassis and trailing items (hoses etc)
draw gear
exhaust and noise level
ground clearance
load securing devices (chains, ropes, pins etc)
locking and securing devices
oil leaks
out-of-gauge fifth wheel conditions
steering and suspensions
vehicle modifications
wheels and tyres
Communication methods may include:
verbal
line-of-sight signals
radio
mobile telephone
Relevant personnel may include:
senior transport inspector
authorised/other accredited officers/inspectors
relevant compliance managers
other operational personnel
vehicle driver
Vehicles may be:
loaded or unloaded during inspection
Records and documentation may include:
defect notice books
inspection reports
departmental requirements
repair order books
transport instructions
incident reports
safeworking forms or instructions
mechanical condition advice forms
National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) interception books
Penalty Infringement & Notices
Traffic Infringement Notices
formal cautions
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPREG401C Exercise regulatory powers
PSPREG402C Promote client compliance
PSPREG403B Assess compliance
PSPREG405B Act on non-compliance
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
vehicle inspections in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to vehicle inspection
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when inspecting vehicles
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when inspecting vehicles, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
vehicle inspections in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPREG401C Exercise regulatory powers
PSPREG402C Promote client compliance
PSPREG403B Assess compliance
PSPREG405B Act on non-compliance
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
vehicle inspections in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to vehicle inspection
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when inspecting vehicles
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when inspecting vehicles, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
vehicle inspections in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
No information