The standard     The units

home find standard resources research

		Unit 6		Operate four wheel drive
					Signs of competence in this unit
						The following information and examples will help people using the competency standard form a picture of desired performance.
						The driver is skilful Drivers who are performing to the standard understand how 4WDs work (this includes those who only use 4WD vehicles on-road). They apply this under-pin-ning knowledge to actualise the 4WD vehicle's advantages while compensating for its inadequacies. For example, they can explain why different techniques must be used for controlling rear wheel slip depending on whether the vehicle is in two wheel- or four wheel-drive and whether the vehicle is normally front, rear or all-wheel drive. When you watch these people drive they use the features of the 4WD vehicle with little effort. For example, in vehicles without constant 4WD, they move between 2WD and 4WD with ease. When they are on-road they know when and how to use 4WD to advantage. When they are off-road, they move between high range and low range smoothly. Rarely would they get serious axle wind up. They take off-road driving seriously. You can see this in the way they are par-ticular about setting the vehicle up, adjusting their posture, and they don't have lazy steering habits. Stall stops and key starts are almost instinctive when required and you would never see these drivers riding the clutch in low range - their foot is either planted on the floor or dropping the clutch to change gear. When descending steep slippery hills they respond to lock-up immediately and never freeze on the brake. On ascents they never charge the hill, they climb the hill by using delicate throttle control and working the wheel so each tyre gets maximum possible grip. They think that if diagonally opposing wheels lose traction they have failed as a driver. The driver can transfer learning Drivers who are performing to the standard appreciate the many differences between 4WD makes and models. They adapt quickly to different vehicles assisted by a good understanding of 4WD mechanical principles. Where new technology is introduced they can understand why and recognise its advantages and possible disadvantages. Off-road environments can also be extremely varied. A sign of competence is where drivers can move from one environment to the other and adapt quickly. For example, they are able to drive from a sandy coastal area, through rivers and into the mountains and demonstrate good control and fluency. They would demonstrate the same level of performance where driving in good or bad conditions. The driver can deal with problems Drivers who are performing to the standard understand the types of problems they are going to face. Drivers who are only qualified for on-road driving will have to judge whether roads meet the conditions of their permit. A sign of competence is that the driver makes this decision quickly, erring on the side of caution when in any doubt. Off-road drivers' problems will mostly involve negotiating hazardous conditions and vehicle recovery. (It's more likely to involve recovering someone else's vehicle). Signs of competence are that the driver appears serious, thorough and strict about responding to problems. The driver does it in the real world In the real world, most emergency workers using 4WD vehicles operate them in conditions that only require 2WD. Consequently, the opportunities for practising 4WD operations and techniques can be spaced well apart. A sign of competence is being able to 'switch on' the required technique whenever and wherever it is required. 4WD operations can place drivers and vehicle occupants in high-risk situations. Competent 4WD operators, while probably enjoying off-road driving, take it seriously. These people are not known as cowboys and make decisions that are biased towards caution. Due to the enormous variations between 4WD vehicles and environments, it takes much experience before a person can be described as a competent 4WD driver.

|       copyright       |      WARNING       |      top of page      |