Criteria 3 – Start, move off, shut down and secure

It is only the early days of the ‘new’ 2013 HVCBA system, and our team of trainers are starting to see a trend emerging. Criteria 3 – Start, move off, shut down and secure, is a very memory intensive assessment task for students to perform unaided. We strongly recommend that students memorise the following procedures BEFORE commencing training/assessment. We will train you on these procedures on the training day, but students who have memorised these procedures, will have more time to focus on arguably more technical tasks, like Reversing. Some of the steps listed below may not be applicable to the assessment vehicle that you’re assessed in.

Call 1300 521 289 to speak with a trainer, if you need any help.

Criteria 3 – Start, move off, shut down and secure

3.1 Start Engine
The applicant must in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines and specifications:

o  Ensure park brake is applied.
o  Ensure auxiliary braking systems are turned off.
o  Ensure gearbox is in neutral/park (auto).
o  In a diesel heavy vehicle, check engine stop mechanism is in the start position (if fitted): switch on start heater (if fitted and required) allow to warm (if required)
o  Engage the clutch (if not fitted with an air assisted clutch and air pressure is low).
o  Switch on the ignition.
o  Activate the starter.

3.2 Instruments & gauges
The applicant must check the following items:

o  Fuel, oil pressure, alternator, temperature, tachometer, voltmeter, air pressure.
o  Monitoring devices (warning lights, air pressure warning system, buzzers).
o  Service brake (move vehicle forward then apply the service brake).
o The Park brake and ensure it is on.*
o  The Trailer brake.*

* When using a low gear bring the clutch to friction point and apply load to the park brake or trailer brake as required.
Note: The applicant must be asked to support their checking with a commentary to demonstrate why they are undertaking the check of each item.

3.3 Move off
The applicant must:

o  Ensure all the doors are shut.
o  Depress the clutch; select the appropriate gear (manual).
o  Place the foot on the brake, select drive (auto) or the appropriate pre-selection range.
o  Check the mirrors (right and left).
o  Indicate for a minimum of 5 seconds.
o  Apply the appropriate power.
o  Release the clutch to friction point & hold.
o  Check all the mirrors and blind spot.
o  Release the park/trailer brake.
o  Engage the clutch.
o  Accelerate smoothly.
o  Steer the vehicle away from kerb.
o  Cancel the indicator.

3.4 Return to kerb
The applicant must:

o  Check all mirrors.
o  Indicate.
o  Apply the service brake.
o  Depress the clutch, slightly above stalling.
o  Stop smoothly, parallel & close to the kerb but not over hanging the kerb.
o  Apply the park brake.
o  Select neutral in a manual and park in an auto.
o  Release the clutch and the foot brake.
o  Cancel the indicator.
o  Open the passenger door (bus only) (if operable from Driver’s seat).

3.5 Shut down Vehicle
The applicant must:

o  Apply the park brake.
o  Select neutral in a manual and park in an auto.
o  Check the operational gauges.
o  Allow the engine to idle (if required).
o  Activate the engine stop mechanism to stop (if fitted).
o  Turn off the engine.
o  Switch off the ignition.

3.6 Secure vehicle
The applicant must:

o  Check that the park brake is applied.
o  Remove the key.
o  Check for traffic (by mirror or head check) before opening the door.
o  Use step, footholds and grab handles if fitted to the vehicle. Must not use the steering wheel for support.
o  Exit backwards by using the available steps and grab handles and not jump to the ground while at all times maintaining three 3 points of contact.
o  Secure the door.
o  Leave the cab area by walking in a safe direction.

Source: RMS Publication – A guide to Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment – October 2012