Drive vehicle
Learner Guide
Contents
What this Learner’s Guide is about ........................................ 1
Planning your learning ........................................................... 2
Section 1............................................................................................. 7
Licensing requirements and traffic laws ................................. 7
Section 2........................................................................................... 23
Principles relating to car driving ........................................... 23
Section 3........................................................................................... 62
Drive a car in a systematic and controlled manner .............. 62
Section 4........................................................................................... 78
Describe and demonstrate techniques required to improve the
efficient operation of a car.................................................... 78
This
Learner’s
Guide
is
about
the
skills
and
knowledge
required
to
drive
commercial
light
vehicles
and
cars
safely,
including
the
systematic,
safe
and
efficient
control
of
all
vehicle
functions,
monitoring
of
traffic
and
road
conditions,
management
of
vehicle
condition,
and
performance
and
effective
management
of
hazardous
situations.
Assessment
of
this
unit
will
usually
be
undertaken
within
a
licensing
examination
conducted
by,
or
under
the
authority
of,
the
relevant
state/territory
road
traffic
authority.
Persons
achieving
competence
in
this
unit
will
need
to
fulfil
all
of
the
relevant
State/Territory
learner
permit
or
driver
licence
requirements
before
driving
a
vehicle
on
a
public
road.
The
Elements
of
Competency
from
the
unit
TLIC107C
Drive
vehicle
covered
in
this
Learner’s
Guide
are
listed
below.
Drive
the
vehicle
Monitor
traffic
and
road
conditions
Monitor
and
maintain
vehicle
performance
This
unit
of
competency
is
from
the
Transport
and
Logistics
Training
Package
(TLI07).
It
is
important
to
plan
your
learning
before
you
start
because
you
may
already
have
some
of
the
knowledge
and
skills
that
are
covered
in
this
Learner’s
Guide.
This
might
be
because:
• you
have
been
working
in
the
industry
for
some
time,
and/or
• you
have
already
completed
training
in
this
area.
Together
with
your
supervisor
or
trainer
use
the
checklists
on
the
following
pages
to
help
you
plan
your
study
program.
Your
answers
to
the
questions
in
the
checklist
will
help
you
work
out
which
sections
of
this
Learner’s
Guide
you
need
to
complete.
This
Learner’s
Guide
is
written
with
the
idea
that
learning
is
made
more
relevant
when
you,
the
learner,
are
actually
working
in
the
industry.
This
means
that
you
will
have
people
within
the
enterprise
who
can
show
you
things,
discuss
how
things
are
done
and
answer
any
questions
you
have.
Also
you
can
practise
what
you
learn
and
see
how
what
you
learn
is
applied
in
the
enterprise.
If
you
are
working
through
this
Learner’s
Guide
and
have
not
yet
found
a
job
in
the
industry,
you
will
need
to
talk
to
your
trainer
about
doing
work
experience
or
working
and
learning
in
some
sort
of
simulated
workplace.
Assessment
of
this
Unit
of
Competency
will
include
observation
of
real
or
simulated
work
processes
using
workplace
procedures
and
questioning
on
underpinning
knowledge
and
skills.
It
must
be
demonstrated
in
an
actual
or
simulated
work
situation
under
supervision.
Section 1
Section outline
Licensing requirements
Hazard avoidance
Seat belts
There
are
about
3,500
people
killed
in
road
accidents
each
year
in
Australia,
another
30,000
to
32,000
are
seriously
injured.
Traffic
accidents
ranks
third
as
the
cause
of
loss
of
life
in
Australia.
Heart
disease
causes
almost
three
times
more
deaths.
However,
the
lives
lost
in
traffic
accidents
are
younger
lives
than
those
who
die
from
heart
disease.
They
are
therefore
far
more
costly,
in
terms
of
economic
loss
to
the
nation.
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Stress
Stress
can
also
affect
your
driving.
If
you
are
having
problems
at
work
or
at
home
you
are
up
to
5
times
more
likely
to
be
involved
in
an
accident.
Divorce,
for
example
can
affect
your
driving.
Your
accident
rate
can
be
twice
as
high
as
the
average
driver
and
even
higher
during
the
6
months
before
and
after
a
divorce.
Seat belts
Seat
belt
wearing
was
made
compulsory
in
Victoria
in
1970
and
is
now
required
in
all
states/territories.
Since
then
the
number
of
deaths
on
the
road
has
dropped
dramatically.
Every
driver,
or
passenger,
must
wear
a
seat
belt
or
appropriate
restraint.
It
is
just
as
important
to
wear
a
seat
belt
in
the
back
seat
as
the
front.
Seat
belts
must
be
properly
adjusted
and
securely
fastened.
Drivers
must
ensure
that
passengers
under
18
years
are
properly
restrained
by
a
seat
belt,
or
a
(child)
restraint
suitable
for
the
height
and
weight
of
the
child
and
that
it
is
properly
fitted
and
adjusted.
Children
quickly
get
used
to
wearing
restraints
and
seat
belts
if
they
are
used
every
time
they
are
in
the
car.
Make
sure
that
the
child
restraint
you
use
is
marked
to
show
it
meets
the
Australian
Standard
AS
1754.
Follow
the
fitting
instructions
carefully.
Babies aged under 6 months should ride in a special infant restraint.
Drivers
must
make
sure
that
babies
under
one
year
of
age
are
carried
in
a
approved
child
restraint,
that
is,
one
that’s
correctly
installed
and
adjusted
to
fit
the
baby.
In
a
crash
there
are
really
two
separate
collisions.
The
first
is
the
car’s
collision,
when
the
car
hits
something
and
comes
to
a
stop.
The
second
collision
is
the
one
that
hurts.
It’s
the
human
collision.
It
happens
when
people
in
the
car
hit
something
-‐
usually
part
of
the
car.
Without
a
seat
belt,
people
keep
moving
at
the
car’s
original
speed.
They
slam
into
such
things
as
the
steering
wheel,
windscreen,
back
of
the
front
seat,
or
some
other
part
of
the
car.
Seat
belts
help
prevent
this.
The
person
wearing
a
seat
belt
is
much
less
likely
to
hit
hard
or
sharp
surfaces
inside
and
outside
the
car.
You
should
wear
your
set
belt
in
the
following
manner:
• both
lap
and
sash
sections
fairly
tight,
but
comfortable
• buckle
by
your
side
• no
twists
in
the
webbing
• as
low
as
possible
on
your
hips.
Are there any regulations that exempt you from wearing a seat belt
in your state/territory? Write your answer below.
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The
problem
of
wheels
locking
during
braking
and
the
subsequent
effects
of
increased
stopping
distance
and
lack
of
steering
control,
have
been
appreciated
for
many
years.
Prior
to
the
availability
of
anti-‐
lock
braking
systems,
`cadence’
braking
was
widely
taught
as
a
means
of
avoiding
wheel
lock.
The
principle
of
this
was
to
brake
until
the
wheels
just
locked
and
then
release,
to
regain
grip,
before
applying
the
brakes
again.
This
also
had
the
beneficial
effect
that
weight
-‐
transfer
onto
the
front
wheels
accompanied
each
application
of
the
brakes.
Carried
out
by
an
experienced
driver,
this
method
was
effective
and
the
basic
principle
of
rapidly
applying
and
releasing
the
brakes
is
employed
in
all
anti-‐lock
braking
systems.
Most
anti-‐lock
systems
have
solenoid
valves
to
control
(modulate)
the
pressure
applied
to
each
brake.
These
valves
are
controlled
by
signals
from
the
electronic
control
unit
(ECU)
and
can
respond
very
quickly
(several
times
per
second)
to
changing
road
wheel
rotational
speeds,
either
maintaining,
reducing
or
increasing
the
applied
pressure
to
individual
wheels.
These
valves
are
built
into
a
modular
assembly.
Ask your trainer to allow you to test drive a vehicle equipped with
anti-lock system braking.
The
SRS
is
intended
as
a
supplement
to
the
protection
offered
by
the
driver’s
seat
belt
by
deploying
an
air
bag
from
the
centre
of
the
steering
wheel
during
certain
frontal
crashes.
Deployment
of
the
air
bag
is
automatic,
making
the
SRS
a
passive
restraint.
The
driver
does
not
control
the
operation
or
activation
of
the
system.
The
air
bag
deploys
for
the
driver
(and
passenger
in
some
cases)
when
the
vehicle
is
involved
in
certain
frontal
(or
near
frontal)
impacts.
The
frontal
impact
must
be
within
a
60
degree
window,
occurring
no
more
than
30
degrees
off
the
centreline
of
the
vehicle.
Deployment
is
not
designed
to
occur
in
rollovers,
side
impacts,
or
rear
impacts
where
air
bag
inflation
would
not
provide
any
driver
protection
benefit.
The
frontal
impact
must
have
enough
force
for
the
SRS
to
cause
air
bag
deployment.
The
minimum
force
required
is
the
equivalent
of
a
head-‐on
contact
between
the
vehicle
and
a
barrier
or
other
stationary
object
at
a
speed
higher
than
approximately
20
km/h.
This
is
also
equivalent
to
a
moving
vehicle
hitting
a
stationary
vehicle
at
45
km/h.
For
deployment
to
occur
numerous
factors
must
be
taken
into
account.
For
instance,
the
crush
area
of
the
other
vehicle
(if
involved
in
the
crash),
its
mass
and
speed
would
all
contribute
to
raising
or
lowering
the
force
required
for
deployment
to
occur
as
designed.
Also,
the
angle
of
impact
force
may
not
be
within
the
60
degree
window
for
SRS
for
deployment
to
occur
although
the
physical
damage
to
the
vehicle
may
appear
that
it
was.
The
sensors
that
controls
the
air
bag
deployment
are
incorporated
in
the
Sensing
Diagnostic
Module
(SDM)
located
beneath
the
driver’s
seat.
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Drivers
are
entitled
to
use
the
road
system
providing
they
meet
certain
conditions.
Drivers
must:
• show
that
they
understand
the
rules
relating
to
driving.
These
include
both
the
Traffic
Act
and
Motor
Traffic
Regulations
• understand
society’s
concerns
to
lessen
the
impact
of
traffic
on
the
environment,
and
to
use
the
road
system
efficiently
• show
the
skills
necessary
to
drive
safely
• continue
to
obey
road
rules
and
drive
responsibly
• pay
a
licence
fee
which
goes
towards
maintaining
the
system.
When
a
driver
meets
these
conditions
he
or
she
earns
the
right
to
hold
a
licence.
This
arrangement
may
be
cancelled
for
traffic
offences.
There
are
penalties,
such
as:
• fines
• licence
cancellation
• disqualification
• suspension
• in
extreme
cases,
imprisonment.
Section 2
Section outline
Practical application
The
driver’s
world
is
subjected
to
constant
change,
the
layout
and
condition
of
the
road
ahead
varies
from
point
to
point
and
there
is
always
potential
conflict
with
other
vehicles
and
pedestrians.
Traffic
controls
are
varied
and
complex
and
there
are
many
other
distractions
which
are
competing
for
the
driver’s
attention.
Not
only
is
change
an
important
characteristic
of
the
driving
situation,
but
often
the
change
is
sudden
and
unexpected.
To
operate
a
vehicle
skillfully
and
efficiently,
a
driver
must
be
able
to
select
from
this
ever-‐changing
situation
all
those
cues
that
are
vital
to
the
movement
of
the
car
and
must
then
be
able
to
interpret
the
cues
correctly,
make
the
appropriate
decisions
in
good
time,
and
actuate
the
controls
of
the
car
to
give
effect
to
these
decisions.
The
senses
employed
by
the
driver
are
sight,
hearing,
feel,
with
sight
during
the
most
important.
Body
position,
balance
and
muscle
control
also
play
a
vital
role.
The
quality
of
a
motorist’s
driving
is
directly
affected
by
the
speed
and
accuracy
with
which
the
brain
can
process
the
messages
relayed
from
various
stimuli.
The
driver’s
physical
fitness
plays
an
important
role
in
this
continuous
process
of
observing,
making
judgements
and
putting
decisions
into
effect.
Obviously
there
is
a
limit
to
the
brain’s
capacity
to
perform
this
function,
so
the
higher
the
speed,
the
fewer
the
observations
that
can
be
processed
per
kilometre.
The
defensive
driver
minimises
danger
and
aggravation
on
the
road
by
driving:
• carefully
• systematically
• considerately.
The
System
of
Vehicle
Control
(SVC)
creates
a
simple
and
repetitive
method
of
driving
which
ensures
that
you
omit
no
detail,
leave
nothing
to
chance
and,
when
perfected,
will
make
sure
that
you
will
always
be:
• in
the
right
gear
• travelling
at
the
appropriate
speed
• in
the
correct
position.
SVC
requires
you
to
consider
each
of
the
six
elements
listed
below
as
you
approach
a
traffic
hazard.
Depending
on
the
circumstances,
some
or
all
of
the
elements
are
implemented.
Before
implementing
SVC
you
have
to
first
identify
a
traffic
hazard,
this
could
be
anything
that
may
be
a
danger
to
you
such
as:
• hills
and
bends:
− When
approaching
the
crest
of
a
hill
or
a
bend,
keep
to
the
left
hand
side
of
the
road
as
your
vision
of
oncoming
vehicles
will
be
restricted.
• animals:
− Animals
are
unpredictable
so,
reduce
your
speed
and
prepare
to
take
evasive
action
to
prevent
a
collision
(accident)
• road
works:
− Reduce
your
speed,
obey
all
road
signs;
you
will
possibly
encounter
poor
road
surfaces
and/or
detours
• pedestrians:
− Pedestrians
may
emerge
from
between
parked
vehicles
and
cross
against
traffic
signals.
Children
are
unpredictable
and
may
run
out
into
the
traffic.
Watch
parked
cars
for
drivers
or
passengers
emerging
into
your
path
• intersections:
− At
intersections
slow
and
be
prepared
to
give
way
and
try
to
anticipate
other
road
users.
Do
not
totally
rely
on
traffic
signals
that
give
you
right
of
way.
3. Speed:
• What
speed
do
I
need
when
I
reach
the
hazard?
Now
is
the
time
to
start
reducing
speed.
5. Evasive
action:
• Do
I
need
to
stop,
sound
the
horn
or
slow
down
further?
6. Acceleration:
• Hazard
passed,
resume
speed.
Once
you
have
identified
a
traffic
hazard,
commence
with
the
first
element
and
proceed
to
the
last
(asking
the
question
relating
to
each
element)
to
see
if
you
should
take
some
defensive
action
with
your
vehicle
so
that
you
can
safely
negotiate
that
hazard.
Practical application
When
driving
in
moderate
to
heavy
traffic,
some
of
the
six
elements
(course,
speed,
gears,
accelerator)
can
be
pre-‐set.
For
example,
because
of
the
traffic
and
circumstances
you
would
remain
in
one
particular
road
position
and
drive
your
car
at
a
speed
that
would
be
appropriate
for
any
circumstance
that
developed.
This
would
leave
you
to
concentrate
on
scanning,
checking
mirrors
and
evasive
action.
The
law
requires
that
you
stop
when
a
red
light
is
on
and
allows
you
to
proceed
if
a
green
light
is
showing.
However,
an
amber
(or
yellow)
light
is
the
same
as
a
red
light
and
means
that
you
must
stop,
if
safe.
A
problem
usually
arises
when
you
are
approaching
a
set
of
green
traffic
lights
and
the
amber
light
come
on.
Because
you
are
getting
close
to
the
traffic
lights,
often
a
quick
decision
has
to
be
made
whether
to
stop
or
continue.
Making
quick
decisions
means
that
you
do
not
have
time
to
take
in
all
of
the
circumstances
and
often
an
incorrect
decision
is
the
result.
The
easiest
way
to
deal
with
this
problem
is
to
anticipate
the
`point
of
no
return,’
on
the
road.
You
can
do
this
in
the
following
manner:
Firstly,
always
reduce
your
speed
when
approaching
traffic
lights.
By
reducing
speed
slightly,
your
braking
distance
is
reduced
considerably.
halving
your
speed
the
braking
distance
is
reduced
four
times.
As
you
approach
the
green
traffic
light,
look
for
the
stop
line
on
the
road
that
is
associated
with
the
traffic
light
you
are
approaching.
Continue
to
glance
at
this
line
as
you
approach.
By
observing
the
stop
line
your
brain
acts
as
a
computer,
and
can
estimate
where
the
‘point
of
not
return’
is
on
the
road.
Once
this
point
has
been
identified,
then
your
decision
to
stop
or
continue
on
when
the
amber
light
appears
has
already
been
worked
out
in
your
head.
By
this
time
you
will
have
been
using
your
rear
vision
mirrors
which
will
have
provided
you
with
information
on
how
many
vehicles
there
are
behind
you
and
how
close.
This
information
is
useful
should
the
light
turn
amber
just
as
you
have
reached
the
`point
of
no
return’.
The
closeness
of
the
vehicles
behind
you
will
influence
your
decision
to
brake
normally
or
more
heavily.
If
the
amber
light
comes
on
before
the
‘point
of
no
return’,
you
know
that
you
have
enough
time
to
stop.
If
the
light
comes
on
after
you
have
gone
over
the
‘point
of
no
return’,
you
can
continue
on
-‐
with
caution.
The
application
of
this
System
will
ensure
that
drivers
omit
no
detail
and
leave
nothing
to
chance
because
they
will
have
prepared
for
all
possible
situations.
What must you be looking for when you approach a green traffic
light?
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One
of
the
chief
causes
of
accidents
is
the
failure
of
drivers
to
recognise
traffic
hazards
while
they
still
have
time
to
take
evasive
action
and
prevent
them.
This
is
why
being
on
the
lookout
for
traffic
hazards
is
important.
If
you
do
not
look
for
traffic
hazards
you
may
not
see
them
in
time
to
react
and
avoid
them.
Your
eye
only
has
a
narrow
cone
in
which
clear
identification
vision
is
possible.
This
means
that
when
you
are
looking
30
metres
ahead,
all
you
see
with
your
central
eyesight
is
an
area
1.5
metres
width.
At
91
metres,
the
width
is
five
metres.
This
is
the
reason
why
you
must
constantly
be
looking
around
you.
Never
fix
your
eyes
for
too
long
on
any
one
object.
In
addition,
never
trust
in
one
look
but
continue
to
scan
the
road
around
you
constantly
because
on
your
first
scan
you
may
not
observe
a
vehicle
due
to
its
colour
blending
in
with
the
background.
Do
not
rely
on
the
movement
of
another
vehicle
to
catch
your
eye.
Remember,
many
of
the
other
drivers
on
the
road
may
have
a
low
standard
of
driving
and
may
not
be
scanning.
You
have
to
watch
out
for
them
as
their
years
of
experience
may
only
make
them
an
experienced
bad
driver.
As
a
driver,
you
should
be
looking,
trying
to
find
any
traffic
hazard,
whether
they
are:
• behind
• to
the
left
• to
the
right
• ahead
• beside
you.
In
a
large
number
of
crashes,
drivers
often
admit
that
they
did
not
see
the
other
person.
Quite
possibly,
they
were
not
expecting
any
problems
and
so
were
unprepared
for
something
to
happen.
Exercise
your
mind
to
constantly
look
for
traffic
hazards,
this
is
a
learned
skill
that
could
save
your
life
-‐
or
someone
else’s.
As
you
drive
along
a
road,
look
well
ahead,
note
any
possible
trouble
spots
such
as:
• intersections
for:
− cars
− bicycles
− pedestrians
• pedestrian
crossings
for:
− children
− people
in
a
hurry
• stationary
buses,
passengers
that
you
cannot
see
walking
around
the
front
to
cross
the
road
• parked
cars
with
brake
lights
on
that
may
be
about
to
move
off
• children
playing
near
the
road.
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What are the five points of good driving involving traffic hazards?
1. __________________________________________________
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2. __________________________________________________
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3. __________________________________________________
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4. __________________________________________________
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5. __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
• hazard avoidance
• approaching traffic lights
• the five points of good driving
• driving through an area undergoing road works.
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Space cushion
Spaces ahead
The
space
ahead
is
most
important.
Some
authorities
recommend
that
you
have
one
second
of
following
interval
for
every
3
metres
of
vehicle
length.
So
if
your
vehicle
is
6
metres,
you
would
allow
2
seconds
between
your
vehicle
and
the
vehicle
in
front
of
you.
If
conditions
are
poor
due
to
rain,
low
visibility
or
bad
road
surfaces,
this
space
should
be
increased
to
3
or
4
seconds.
If
the
conditions
are
very
poor
it
should
be
increased
even
further.
Following
another
vehicle
too
closely
is
one
of
the
most
common,
avoidable
causes
of
collision.
A
simple
method
of
checking
your
space
cushion
can
be
to:
• locate
an
object
such
as
tree
ahead
of
the
leading
vehicle
• as
soon
as
the
leading
vehicle
reaches
the
first
tree
start
counting:
− 1,001
− 1,002
• you
should
not
reach
the
tree
until
you
have
completed
your
count,
if
you
do
ease
of
the
accelerator
slightly.
Sometimes
you
need
to
keep
more
than
two
seconds
back.
A
larger
gap
is
needed
when:
• visibility
is
poor
• it
is
dark
and
you
can’t
get
as
good
a
view
of
what
the
car
ahead
is
doing
• the
road
is
wet
or
slippery
and
you
can’t
stop
as
quickly
• you
are
tired
and
might
not
react
as
quickly
• the
road
is
unmade.
Just
as
you
need
a
space
cushion
in
front,
you
also
need
space
to
the
sides.
Its
purpose
is
also
to
protect
you
from
mistakes.
You
need
to
keep
away
from
vehicles
that
are:
• alongside
− if
you
have
a
choice,
don’t
drive
next
to
another
vehicle
for
too
long
• oncoming
− by
keeping
to
the
left
of
a
multi-‐lane
road,
you
make
sure
that
you
keep
enough
distance
from
oncoming
vehicles
• parked
− keep
a
space
between
you
and
parked
vehicles.
Someone
may
get
out
of
a
parked
car
suddenly,
a
pedestrian
may
step
from
between
cars,
or
a
driver
may
start
up
suddenly
and
pull
out.
Space behind
Obviously
the
space
cushion
behind
your
vehicle
is
mainly
under
the
control
of
the
driver
following
you.
However,
you
can
help
the
other
driver
keep
the
correct
distance
by:
• maintaining
a
constant
speed
• slowing
down
gradually
• don’t
change
speed
or
stop
suddenly
• avoiding
sudden
stops
• signalling
any
manoeuvres
well
ahead.
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If you are driving a motor car when conditions are poor due to rain,
low visibility or bad road surface what space cushion should you
leave?
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Driver vision
A
defensive
driver
is
always
conscious
of
these
blind
spots
and
watches
for
vehicles
or
pedestrians
moving
into
them.
Demonstrate for your trainer the blind spots on your vehicle. List
these below.
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Giveway rules
You
will
be
required
to
give
way
from
time-‐to-‐time.
For
example:
• intersections
where
there
are
no
lights
or
signs
• when
joining
a
stream
of
traffic
from
a
parked
position
• when
making
a
U-‐turn
• changing
lanes
• entering
or
leaving
the
road
from
private
premises.
Activity 16: What is the best thing to do when you are tired?
Concentration
An
important
factor
of
car
driving
is
the
level
of
concentration
and
attention
required
during
intervals
of
high
driving
workload.
During
these
intervals
the
driver
is
confronted
with
several
tasks
that
can
compete
for
attention
at
the
same
time.
High
workload
situations
are
among
the
main
causes
of
job
stress,
skill
failure
and
accidents.
Driving
to
a
system
permits
the
driver
to
attend
to
the
most
vital
actions,
one
at
a
time,
in
an
order
of
sequences.
Do
all
you
can
to
avoid
emergencies.
However,
if
you
find
yourself
in
one
of
the
following
situations,
you
should
know
in
advance
the
best
thing
to
do:
• skidding
• types
of
skids
• tyre
blow-‐out
or
rapid
puncture
• brake
failure
• being
forced
onto
the
gravel
(at
the
side
of
the
road)
• decreased
traction
(adhesion).
Skidding
Skids
don’t
just
happen.
They
result
from
a
vehicle
being
driven
incorrectly.
A
car
skids
because
the
driver
is
asking
more
of
the
car’s
braking
,
acceleration,
or
steering
than
is
possible
with
the
amount
of
grip
the
tyres
have
on
the
road.
If
the
brakes
are
applied
too
hard,
for
instance,
the
wheels
lock,
causing
the
car
to
slide
forward.
Turning
the
steering
wheel
has
no
effect
at
all.
When
the
brakes
are
released,
the
wheels
start
turning
again.
The
steering
responds
and
the
driver
can
change
direction.
If
the
road
conditions
are
bad,
e.g.
slippery,
rough
or
a
gravel
surface,
the
amount
of
grip
decreases.
The
early
recognition
of
a
skid
is
vital.
A
sensation
of
lightness
or
floating
you
can
feel
in
the
seat
of
your
pants
is
the
cause
of
the
more
common
rear-‐wheel
skid.
The
earlier
you
recognise
them,
the
safer
it
will
be
and
the
sooner
you
can
correct
the
skid.
Police
drivers
have
to
learn
how
to
avoid
skids
and
how
to
recover
from
them.
It
is
right
that
as
an
ordinary
driver
you
should
also
be
aware
of
how
to
correct
the
skid.
A
good
driver
doesn’t
get
into
an
uncontrolled
skid.
Remember
that
it
is
always
easier
to
get
into
a
skid
than
get
out
of
one.
If
you
get
into
a
skid,
don’t
panic.
Take
your
foot
off
the
accelerator
and
always
turn
in
the
same
direction
as
the
skid.
Most
drivers
will
do
this
instinctively.
Then
let
the
engine
gradually
bring
the
car
to
a
stop.
If
the
back
of
the
car
slides
to
the
left,
take
your
foot
of
the
accelerator
and
turn
the
steering
left
smoothly
to
control
the
skid,
but
not
too
far,
otherwise
you
could
induce
a
skid
in
the
opposite
direction.
Front
wheel
skids
don’t
happen
very
often,
but
usually
occur
when
approaching
a
hazard
too
fast,
or
as
a
result
of
a
sudden
harsh
movement
of
the
steering
wheel.
To
correct
a
front-‐wheel
skid,
take
your
foot
of
the
accelerator
but
don’t
touch
the
brake.
Straighten
the
front
wheels
momentarily
to
line
them
up
with
the
direction
in
which
the
front
of
the
car
is
heading.
Then
smoothly
apply
the
steering
to
bring
the
car
back
on
the
correct
course.
When
under
control
again,
apply
gentle,
smooth
acceleration.
What to do in the case of a blow-‐out or a rapid puncture
If
you
get
a
blow-‐out
don’t
over-‐react
on
the
steering,
or
slam
on
the
brakes.
The
car
will
pull
towards
the
burst
tyre
and
you
will
be
glad
you
were
holding
the
wheel
properly,
and
not
with
one
hand.
Don’t
brake,
take
your
foot
off
the
accelerator
and
just
try
to
correct
the
slight
drift
off
course
with
a
controlled,
gentle,
but
firm
action
on
the
steering
wheel.
It
is
over-‐reaction
that
that
ruins
things
every
time,
and
puts
you
in
danger.
Let
your
speed
run
down
quite
naturally,
then
check
your
mirrors
and,
if
it
is
safe,
pull
over
to
the
side
of
the
road-‐way
out
of
harm’s
way.
Then
apply
your
brakes
very
gently
to
bring
the
car
to
a
halt.
Describe to your trainer the actions you would take in the case of a
blow out or a rapid puncture.
If
you
are
forced
onto
the
gravel
edge
of
a
country
road
take
your
foot
off
the
accelerator
but
do
not
slam
on
the
brakes.
If
you
must
brake
remember
the
gravel
provides
much
less
grip
for
your
tyres.
Keep
a
firm
grip
on
the
steering
wheel
and
try
to
keep
a
straight
course.
Take
your
time
to
get
back
on
the
bitumen.
Pick
a
spot
and
carefully
ease
back
onto
the
road.
Brake failure
If
you
step
onto
the
brake
and
the
pedal
sinks
uselessly
to
the
floor.
Take
the
following
action:
• pump
the
brake
pedal
hard
and
fast
(this
may
help)
• apply
the
hand
brake
carefully
so
that
the
vehicle
doesn’t
skid
• if
possible,
change
to
a
lower
gear
(even
in
an
automatic)
and
use
your
horn
to
alert
other
drivers
• steer
to
avoid
the
most
severe
collision
if
one
cannot
be
avoided.
• irrespective
of
the
claims
of
some
tyre
manufacturers,
no
tyre
adheres
as
well
in
the
wet
as
in
the
dry
• adhesion
is
markedly
lowered.
The
film
of
water
acts
as
a
lubricant,
reducing
friction
and
consequently
adhesion
• wet
roads
are
at
their
most
dangerous
after
an
initial
fall
of
rain.
All
the
grease,
oil
and
rubber
dust
from
passing
vehicles
floats
to
the
surface
and
makes
it
particularly
slippery.
• decrease
speed
because
of
the
lower
adhesion
and
to
enable
you
to
see
the
whole
scene;
be
careful
at
pools
of
water
• start
the
braking
action
much
earlier;
pay
particular
attention
to
the
vehicles
behind
you
before
braking;
reduce
acceleration
• drive
with
your
headlights
on;
others
will
be
more
aware
of
your
presence.
A
point
to
remember
is
that
when
you
are
driving
along
at
80
km/h
,
during
or
after
heavy
rain,
each
tyre
has
to
disperse
around
4
litres
of
water
every
second.
Good
tyres
allow
you
to
drive
safely,
as
they
pump
the
slippery
water
away
and
continue
to
grip
the
road
surface
properly.
But
bald
tyre
won’t
do
this.
They
will
splash
a
certain
amount
of
water
out
at
the
sides,
but
not
enough.
Eventually
you
get
a
water
wedge
forming
which
builds
up
in
front
of
the
tyres
until
it
forces
its
way
under
them,
and
‘aquaplaning’
starts.
Instead
of
being
tyre-‐borne,
you
are
water
-‐
borne.
You
loose
steering,
and
your
ability
to
brake.
You
could
be
within
seconds
of
an
accident
and
possible
death.
It
is
always
important
to
cut
down
your
speed
during
or
after
heavy
rain.
Be
particularly
careful
after
a
light
shower
following
a
long
dry
spell,
when
the
roads
can
be
like
a
skating
rink.
_____________________________________________________
When
an
accident
occurs,
those
involved
may
be
distressed,
confused
or
angry.
This
turmoil
may
create
additional
danger
and
lead
to
further
accidents.
A
crash
is
something
you
will
be
doing
everything
to
avoid.
However,
should
you
be
involved
in
one,
you
must
know
what
to
do
afterwards.
Here
are
some
of
the
things
you
must
do
if
you
are
involved
in
a
crash
or
an
accident:
• stop
immediately
• protect
the
area
to
make
sure
another
crash
does
not
occur
• give
assistance
to
any
injured
person
• send
or
phone
for
police
or
ambulance
if
anyone
is
injured
• give
your
name,
address,
registration
number
and
the
vehicle
owner’s
name
to
other
parties
involved
• remove
all
debris
from
the
road
• if
there
is
only
property
damage
and
the
owner
(or
a
representative)
is
not
present,
report
the
crash
to
the
nearest
police
station
• report
the
crash
to
the
nearest
police
station
if
anyone
is
injured
and
police
do
not
attend
the
crash
scene.
Penalties
In
Victoria
if
you
do
not
stop
and
give
assistance
after
being
involved
in
a
crash
causing
death
or
injury
you
can
be
fined
up
to
$8,000
and/or
be
imprisoned
for
up
to
two
years.
You
will
also
loose
your
licence
for
two
years.
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There
will
be
a
number
of
workplace
procedures
that
you
must
be
aware
of
after
an
accident.
For
example:
• regulatory
and/or
enterprise
emergency
and
reporting
procedures
• your
enterprise
medical
plan
• identifying
and
being
aware
of
emergency
phone
numbers
• making
arrangements
for
alternative
transport
and
maintenance
• informing
next
of
kin
about
the
accident
(check
your
company
policy
on
who
should
deliver
this
information)
• responding
to
emergency
vehicles
(police,
ambulance
and
fire
engines).
If your vehicle is involved in a crash you must stop and then first of
all:
• care for the injured?
• protect the area so another crash won’t happen?
• exchange names, addresses and registration numbers?
Section 3
Section outline
Vehicle control
Acceleration
Night driving
• gear changing:
− correct changing in sequence
• acceleration
• steering
• reversing:
− reversing is a dangerous manoeuvre because of limited
vision and steering being a great deal more sensitive
• entering and leaving your vehicle safely
• lane keeping:
− on turns
− curves
− straight lines
• position:
− in preparation for a 90 degree turn
• brake application:
− smoothness when applying
• brake distance:
− judgement of when to apply the brakes at normal stops such
as stop signs
• signalling:
− ample indication (minimum of 3 seconds) before movement
and cancelling signal upon completion of movement
• observation:
− adjusting your mirrors, seat belt and seat
− turns
− lane changing
− approaching intersections.
Demonstrate and describe for your trainer the process for starting
your car and leaving the kerb. Outline the process steps.
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Acceleration
The
time
has
come
to
increase
acceleration
and
explore
the
speed
range
of
the
gears.
There
may
be
an
initial
fear
of
acceleration
but
it
is
not
dangerous,
as
long
as
the
final
speed
reached
suits
the
conditions.
Automatic vehicles
Manual vehicles
From a standing start, accelerate hard and hold each gear longer
until 3rd gear is selected.
Braking
From 40 km/h apply the brakes firmly and stop quickly without
locking the wheels (no screech).
From 60 km/h apply the brakes firmly and stop quickly without
locking the wheels.
Being ready
When
driving
place
your
left
foot
flat
against
the
fire
wall
or
the
rest
spot
provided
for
your
left
foot
(after
top
gear
selection
in
manual
vehicles).
This
is
the
bracing
foot
at
the
time
of
an
emergency.
Practise
applying
a
little
weight
to
this
foot.
When
any
influenced
decision
is
made,
feel
the
left
foot
and
at
the
same
time
concentrate
on
a
light
steering
grip
and
relaxed
arms.
With
this
stance,
vehicle
control
can
be
maintained
in
an
emergency.
Constant
practice
will
make
this
an
automatic
reaction.
Until
this
stage
centrifugal
force
has
played
little
or
no
part
in
the
cornering
process.
With
practice
and
a
more
advanced
approach
to
driving,
a
higher
speed
will
be
used
on
bends.
You
will
then
notice
the
reaction
of
the
vehicle
under
centrifugal
force.
This
will
not
be
a
new
sensation.
You
have
been
experiencing
it
since
you
first
became
a
passenger
in
a
car.
The
force
that
pushes
you
to
the
side
of
the
car
when
cornering
is
centrifugal
force.
Follow
these
practices
irrespective
of
your
opinion
of
the
driving
habits
or
attitude
of
the
overtaking
driver.
The
quicker
he
passes
you
the
safer
you
will
be.
Night driving
Section 4
Section outline
Describe
the
effect
of
regular
car
maintenance
on
the
efficiency
of
the
vehicle
For
the
safe
operation
of
the
vehicle
and
the
engine,
it
is
necessary
for
you
to
be
able
to
monitor
the:
• condition
of
the
vital
fluids
(oils,
fuel
and
water)
• output
of
the
charging
system
• operation
of
other
electrical
warning
systems
• vehicle
road
speed.
Each
of
these
is
monitored
by
a
gauge
or
a
light
switch
which
is
controlled
by
a
sender
unit.
These
lights
and
gauges
are
grouped
together
on
the
instrument
panel.
The
instrument
panel
is
designed
so
that
it
can
be
viewed
easily
by
the
driver.
The
training
vehicle
may
also
be
equipped
with
dual
steering
and
dual
braking
systems.
This
allows
the
trainer
to
exercise
control
over
the
vehicle
if
the
need
should
arise.
Ancillaries (accessories)
Ancillaries
are
electrical
circuits
that
have
been,
or
can
be,
installed
to
add
to
the
comfort
and/or
pleasure
of
those
persons
travelling
in
the
vehicle.
some
of
these
circuits
are:
• cigarette
lighter
• clock
• radio
and/or
cassette
player
• extra
lights.
Proper
service
and
repair
is
important
to
the
safe,
reliable
operation
of
all
motor
vehicles.
Some
of
these
service
operations
require
the
use
of
tools
specially
designed
for
the
purpose.
The
special
tools
should
be
used
as
recommended
in
the
manufacturer’s
manuals.
Cars
require
regular
servicing.
This
may
be
handled
by
a
motor
mechanic.
However,
there
are
a
number
of
things
that
you
can
do
to
make
sure
that
your
vehicle
operates
at
peak
fitness.
You
need
to
carry
out
regular
checks
to
make
sure
that
the
following
are
working:
• brake
lights
• head
and
tail
lights
• indicator
lights
• windscreen
wipers,
windscreen
washers
• horn.
When
buying
fuel
at
the
service
station
(or
refuelling
at
your
workplace),
check
the
following:
• engine
oil
• radiator
water
• battery
acid
• windscreen
washer
water.
Additional
resources
Paper based:
Brewer
and
Text
Magazine
Company,
In
Your
Hands:
A
Novice’s
Guide
to
Driving
and
Surviving,
Federal
Office
of
Road
Safety,
Canberra
1995.
NSW
Roads
and
Traffic
Authority,
Driving
With
Mind
and
Not
With
Muscle.
NSW
Traffic
Education
Centre
(RTA),
Draft
Curriculum
for
Novice
Class
1A
Driver
Training
Ed.
2.
The
Royal
Automobile
Club
of
WA
(Inc.)
Driving
Instructor’s
Manual,
1994.
Current
relevant
road
and
traffic
acts
and
regulations
of
the
appropriate
state/territory.
Feedback on
activities
The responses provided in this section are suggested responses.
Because every workplace is different, your responses may vary
according to your specific workplace procedures, the equipment
available and the nature of the business.
• lack of sleep
• continuous driving without frequent stops (you should stop after
every 2 or 3 hours driving)
• lack of fresh air (make sure there is plenty of fresh air entering
the car)
• maintain car temperature at a comfortable level, avoid large and
heavy meals
• keep your eyes moving constantly don’t stare straight ahead in a
fixed gaze.
If you are driving, you are responsible for all children in the car,
even if they are not your children.
• age
• alcohol
• fatigue
• stress
• personal well being
• environmental conditions.
• corner pillars
• bonnets
• rear vision mirrors.
Start to cross only when signals have stopped flashing and when
the gates or booms are fully opened. There may be another train
coming.
Activity 16: What is the best thing to do when you are tired?
If your vehicle is involved in a crash you must stop and then first of
all:
• Care for the injured.
• Protect the area so another crash won’t happen.
• Exchange names, addresses and registration
numbers.