Truck Driver

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Truck Driver. A Truck Driver operates a truck or truck combination with a GVM more than 3,500 kilograms and ensures the safe and economic transportation of cargo (goods or materials) from point of departure to point of arrival. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare the truck or truck combination for transportation and secure the load. • Ensure truck or truck combination roadworthiness, load compliance, and manage route plan and documentation. • Safely and economically operate a laden and unladen truck or truck combination. A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: problem identification and solving, decision making, communicating information and applying appropriate methods and techniques.

The need for this qualification resulted from the requirement to review and align an expired qualification to meet new policy requirements. The main mean of transporting freight in South Africa is by road, resulting in an increase in the demand for qualified Truck Drivers with the knowledge and skills to safely and economically transport goods. This qualification is developed and aligned as a result of this need. The increase of road accidents and incidents is a major concern and in South Africa the most common causes thereof are considered to be reckless or negligent driving, poor road conditions, vehicle defects and mechanical failures, and human factors such as fatigue, stress, and medical conditions. The Truck Driver qualification focuses on all these aspects as well as the ability to drive economically and be more energy efficient. Currently there are no similar qualifications for this occupation registered on the NQF. This qualification will benefit the road transport sector and the economy as qualified Truck Drivers with enhanced driving skills (both safety wise and economically) will have the skills to drive economically, better care for their trucks and loads, and decrease the risk of accidents and incidents. Companies employing learners who have successfully completed this qualification will be able to reduce their operational costs and improve overall productivity, leading to economic growth. Road accidents often result in injury or even death which impact negatively on society. Society will thus benefit from drivers with enhanced driving skills resulting in an increase in road safety. Truck Drivers with the skills to drive economically, using less fuel and thereby minimizing the negative impact of greenhouse gas emissions which is a major contributor to global warming and air pollution and have adverse health effects on humans and the environment. By saving on diesel usage, these harmful emissions can be reduced and air quality improved, leading to better public health outcomes. In addition, diesel extraction and refining have ecological impacts, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. By reducing the demand for diesel, these environmental consequences can be mitigated, and sustainable resource management promoted. Typical learners of this qualification are those who have a valid and applicable driver's license and a and Professional Drivers Permit (PrDP), and who are interested in driving trucks with a GVM more than 3,500 kilograms as a career. The Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver will contribute to the development of the learner by providing learners with the skills, knowledge, insights and competencies to enable them to secure loads, ensure truck roadworthiness and load compliance and professionally drive and manoeuvre a truck. Stakeholders from the road transport sector participated in the review of the qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. RPL for Exemption For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Credits Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 2 qualification.

• Prepare the truck or truck combination for loading and secure the load within a managed environment by applying basic key concepts.
• Conduct a pre and post trip truck or truck combination inspection and maintain operational documentation within a managed environment by applying basic key concepts.
• Operate a truck or truck combination and respond to emergencies applying appropriate procedures and interpreting information related to the situation.