This programme is a SAQA registered qualification aligned to Unit Standards.
We offer this Certificate as the following two programmes:
Operate a Vehicle Combination
Operate a Rigid Heavy Vehicle
Unit Standards
All core and fundamental Unit Standards are included in both programmes.
 The elective Unit Standards are included as shown below:
Operate a Vehicle Combination
US 8000: Apply basic business principles
US 117171: Operate in a team
US 7997: Manage self-development
US 12484: Perform basic fire fighting
US 123262: Load general freight
US 123254: Operate a vehicle combination (20 Credits)
US 117833: Handle a crime situation
Core and Fundamental Unit Standards comprise 66 Credits
Elective Unit Standards comprise 64 Credits
Who is the target audience?
This course is aimed at learners who are working, or intend to work, in the commercial road transport industry as drivers. This qualification builds on light vehicle driving competence, and credits competent drivers, who are driving vehicles carrying freight or passengers for commercial purposes.
What are the entry requirements?
NQF Level 2 Mathematical Literacy and Communication competence
EC Driver’s license
Learners can only qualify if they meet all legal and medical requirements for drivers.
What is the purpose of the programme?
The purpose of the qualification is to ensure professional driving competence in the road transport sector, thus improving earning capacity of professional drivers as well as transport sector. The professional status of drivers of commercial vehicles will be enhanced by awarding a formal qualification in recognition of their professional competence. The purpose of learning is to ensure safe, professional operation of rigid OR articulated heavy vehicles with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tons.
Credited learners can drive a specific type of rigid OR articulated heavy vehicle in accordance with legal, safety, manufacturer and other relevant requirements and reflect on the way the vehicle is operated. Competent drivers will be able to preserve vehicles as assets, drive safely and defensively, and contribute significantly to the economy by transporting goods and/or passengers.
Competence achieved in this qualification provides building blocks towards NQF level 4 qualifications, and the inclusion of communication and language, and mathematic literacy requirements contributes to learner development beyond the requirements for professional driving.
What are the learning outcomes?
The learning outcomes are derived from the qualification exit level outcomes described below
Obtain and communicate road transport operational information
Assess loads against given permissible load requirements
Plan road transport service delivery that meets specified requirements
Drive a vehicle conveying a specific freight commodity or category of passengers
Apply relevant business principles to the transport sector
How is the programme structured?
The unit standards of the qualification have been collated into the following 8 modules presented sequentially:
Business communication
Problem Solving
HIV
Customer relations
Working in a diverse team
Occupational health and safety
Handling road freight
Operate a combination vehicle or Operate a rigid heavy vehicle
Note: Credit Accumulations and Transfer (CAT) exemption for specific Unit Standards is applicable to approved learners and CAT applications for approval will be provided on request. Approved learners will have reduced contact days.
How will the course be delivered and assessed?
Facilitation strategy
We offer our clients various facilitation methods based on specific needs. This can include in-person, on-line, and virtual facilitation methods or a combination of any of these. Various learning techniques, such as simulations, roleplays, and presentations are used. Facilitators give feedback on participation, strengths, and areas for improvement. Practical application is crucial, requiring learners to apply knowledge in their daily work under supervision.
Assessment strategy
Formative Assessment is conducted throughout the programme during the facilitated sessions. Assessment activities are included in the Formative Assessment Workbook and will be checked by the facilitator. Learners are expected to complete all the activities in their workbooks.
Summative Assessment is conducted at the end of the foundational training phaseLearners are expected to complete summative assessment activities in the workplace and complete a logbook.
Final Integral Assessment (FISA) is conducted at the end of the qualification and learners are only eligible for the FISA once competent for all modules. The FISA will consist of assessment of knowledge, practical and reflexive components although these may be integrated.
What are the workplace requirements?
Outcomes-based qualifications require application of skills in the workplace.
For this qualification the following human and physical resources are required:
Mentor: Mentor must have at least 3 years’ experience as a professional driver
Resources: Vehicle combination with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tons, and consisting of a drawing vehicle and trailer/s
Workplace requirements: Learners must be exposed to all outcomes related to the qualification
Workplace approval: Learners are required to accumulated at least 100 logged hours of driving which includes the following compulsory conditions:
    O Night driving – at least 5 hours.
    O Driving in wet weather conditions – at least 5 logged hours.
    O Freeway driving – at least 20 logged hours.
    O Driving in low- and high-density traffic – at least 20 logged hours.
What workplace activities will need to be completed?
Learners receive a logbook providing guidelines for workplace integration activities and in some cases specific workplace assignments to be conducted with evidence collection.
Some of the practical workplace activities for this qualification include the following:
Planning road transport service delivery
Driving a vehicle conveying a specific freight commodity or category of passengers
Conducting vehicle maintenance
Conducting the loading and off-loading of general freight
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