SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Operate a rigid heavy vehicle 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
123253  Operate a rigid heavy vehicle 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Transport and Logistics Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
10953  Operate a rigid vehicle  Level 4  NQF Level 04  32   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The purpose of learning is to ensure safe, professional operation of rigid (no articluation points) heavy vehicles with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tons. Credited learners can drive a specific type of rigid heavy vehicle in accordance with legal, safety, manufacturer and other relevant requirements and reflect on the manner in which the vehicle is operated. Competent drivers are able to preserve vehicles as assets, drive safely and defensively, and contribute significantly to the economy by transporting goods and/or passengers.

Credited learners are capable of:
  • Preparing a rigid heavy vehicle for road transport trips according to specification.
  • Driving a rigid heavy vehicle in accordance with specified requirements.
  • Ensuring the maintenance of road transport service quality.
  • Handling unexpected situations according to specified procedures.
  • Reflecting on rigid heavy vehicle performance and own operation of vehicle against requirements.
  • Parking rigid heavy vehicle in accordance with specified requirements. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners have already attained NQF Level 2 Mathematical Literacy and Communication and Communication competence. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope of this unit standard is as follows:
  • Rigid vehicle refers to a motorised fixed chassis vehicle over 3,5 tons gross vehicle mass.
  • Competence on the driving outcome for vehicles over 3,5 tons gross vehicle mass, should be assessed on:
    > At least one of the following gearbox types:
    > Synchro-mesh.
    > Non-synchro mesh.
    > Automatic.

    > At least 1 of the following retardation systems (refers to a braking system fitted on a vehicle, in addition to brake systems, as required by law).
    > Engine brakes.
    > Drive line retarders (electro-magnetic and Hydraulic).
    > Exhaust brakes.

    > Service brake system.
  • Competence should be proven on a loaded vehicle. Loaded implies a vehicle loaded with goods and/or passengers to at least 25 percent of its rated capacity.
  • The learner's portfolio should prove that the learner has accumulated at least 100 logged hours of driving which includes the following compulsory conditions:
    > Night driving - at least 5 hours.
    > Driving in wet weather conditions - at least 5 logged hours.
    > Freeway driving - at least 20 logged hours.
    > Driving in low and high density traffic - at least 20 logged hours.
  • The relevant driving license will have to be obtained, before the learner can be credited against this unit standard. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare a rigid heavy vehicle for road transport trips according to specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Vital rigid heavy vehicle components are inspected in a systematic way in order to comply with the relevant legislation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Relevant legislation currently includes the Road Traffic Act of 1993.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Rigid heavy vehicle inspection is recorded legibly and in accordance with operational requirements/specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All rigid heavy vehicle defects are identified and reported accurately, comprehensively and timeously, so that the necessary actions to rectify defects are initiated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All prescribed and or other relevant preliminaries are executed as per organisational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preliminaries can include brake tests and start up procedures.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Drive a heavy rigid vehicle in accordance with specified requirements. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Specified requirements include legal, manufacturer, and defensive driving requirements; current legal requirements include K53. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rigid heavy vehicle is driven and manoeuvred in accordance with the specified standard Range: K53. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Rigid heavy vehicle is operated and manoeuvred in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Rigid heavy vehicle is driven and manoeuvred in accordance with legal provisions (The Road Traffic Act of 1993). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Rigid heavy vehicle is driven to actively prevent accidents, injury to people or damage to property/vehicle, despite the incorrect actions of others or adverse conditions, by driving safely and in a defensive manner. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Ensure the maintenance of road transport service quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Time schedules are considered, implications for freight/passengers are established, and appropriate action is taken to ensure the maintenance of freight quality/passenger safety and comfort. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of load positioning on the stability of the rigid heavy vehicle is accurately described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Driving style is adapted in order to maintain freight quality/passenger safety and comfort during transportation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Organisational standards are adhered to with full consideration of safety and comfort factors and actions implemented to rectify problems are appropriate for specific contexts. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety factors can include stopping only at scheduled locations, passenger door only opened and closed when completely stationary, load (e.g., number of passengers, freight mass, loading of coach and trailer, etc.) restricted to design and legal limit of vehicle, luggage and emergency doors fully secured, attachment of luggage trailer confirmed; Comfort factors include acceleration and deceleration forces applied gradually; cornering speeds maintained within comfort levels; moving off only when passengers are seated or standing securely.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Handle unexpected situations according to specified procedures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Unexpected situations can include, but are not limited to incidents, accidents, breakdowns, fire on vehicle, medical emergency, hi-jacking, mechanical failure (e.g. burst tyre), spillage/load loss, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rigid heavy vehicle and cab instruments are monitored for malfunctions and appropriate action is taken, where required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Driving is adapted to unexpected situations safely and according to specified procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Unexpected situations are reported according to operational procedures and legal requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Description of corrective actions to get freight/passengers to their destinations in the event of route deviations, delays experienced and breakdowns, as well as the company guidelines for consideration in selecting course of action are appropriate for specific contexts. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Park rigid heavy vehicle in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rigid heavy vehicle is parked within designated or reserved areas in accordance with manufacturer specifications, traffic regulations and operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Rigid heavy vehicle is shut down in accordance with manufacturer specifications, traffic regulations and operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Rigid heavy vehicle is secured in accordance with manufacturer specifications, traffic regulations and operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Security and convenience factors are taken into account. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include proximity to main pedestrian entrances, access to luggage compartments and ease of conveyance and loading, security of parked and unattended vehicle, etc.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by the relevant ETQA (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for this unit standard.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • The relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures will oversee moderation of assessment and is responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Rigid heavy vehicle components location, characteristics and functionality. Range: Relevant vehicle components include the electrical system, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel, clutch, gearbox, differential lock, brake system, tyres, retardation devices, and cab instruments and warning devices.
  • Road Traffic Act 1993 pertaining to the operating of a rigid heavy vehicle.
  • The effect that weather, road and traffic conditions have on a rigid heavy vehicle's performance, as well as driver actions.
  • Procedures for and reporting of emergencies.
  • Application of fire extinguisher fitted on vehicle.
  • Operational rationale for vehicle inspections.
  • Defect reporting procedure.
  • Measures to minimize risk of hi-jacking.
  • Measures to maximise cost-effectiveness and efficient operation of a rigid heavy vehicle.
  • Effects of psychological responses and physiological condition, and medical substances on driving performance.
  • Impact of loads on rigid heavy vehicle stability.
  • How to adjust driving style in order to maintain freight quality/passenger safety.
  • Indicators of passenger distress caused by unacceptable driving or amenity deficiencies and actions to be implemented to rectify this. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems where responses to problems show that such critical and creative thinking has been used to make responsible decisions so that environmental risks and mechanical problems are foreseen and timeously resolved, or when an emergency situation arises. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community to ensure the maintenance of road transport service quality. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively to meet deadlines. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information when monitoring vehicle and cab instruments for malfunction. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematic and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation so that problems are reported. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others to drive a vehicle in accordance with specified requirements. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation by taking conditions and other road users into account, when driving. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 10953, "Operate a rigid vehicle", Level 4, 32 credits.

    Notes to assessors

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the unit standard title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember that the person must be declared competent in terms of the overall unit standard outcome. Where assessment at unit standard title level is unmanageable, focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the learner is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the learner can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    The following assessment methods must be regarded as minimum requirements for the assessment of learner competence:
  • Questioning.
  • Practical Driving Test.
  • Portfolio of evidence of past driving experience as per Range Statement.

    Credit Certification must stipulate the following aspects regarding learner assessment:
  • License Code.
  • Vehicle make, type and configuration, used in assessment.
  • Gearbox type used in assessment.
  • Retardation system used in assessment.

    If the Learner is assessed on any additional aspects, as mentioned above, these may be added to the certificate. However, no additional credits will be awarded. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49081   National Certificate: Construction: Advanced Plant Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  50285   National Certificate: Professional Driving  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  36153   National Certificate: Polymer Composite Fabrication  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  58394   National Certificate: Film and Television Production  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. AAH Skills and Development 
    2. ACT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 
    3. Adimire Operators Skills Training Centre 
    4. Africa Training Centre 
    5. African Oxygen 
    6. Akane Training Academy 
    7. Akhule Development Institute CC 
    8. Andebe Training and Skills Development 
    9. Anderson Transport Pty Ltd 
    10. Andzanie Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Bc Training Academy 
    12. Bee-Safe Programme Development and Training (Pty) Ltd 
    13. Best Hope Academy & Consultancy 
    14. Biva Investments (Pty) Ltd 
    15. BJS FORKLIFTS TRAINING 
    16. BLC Entertainment 
    17. Brilliant Skills Development & Training Solutions 
    18. Bumbene Safety Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    19. Cathy Hill Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    20. Centre for Logistics Excellence (Pty) Ltd 
    21. Certified Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    22. CHAMDOR DRIVER TRAINING CC 
    23. Commercial Transport Academy CTA Pty Ltd 
    24. Crossroads Distribution (Pty) Ltd 
    25. Devolden Group 
    26. Ditelo Training Solutions of South Africa CC 
    27. Ditlou Consulting and Skills Training 
    28. Diversity technology Training Institute 
    29. Dreyer & Dreyer Risk Solutions 
    30. Dreyer and Dreyer Risk Solutions 
    31. Drive for Africa Training and Evaluation 
    32. Durban Driver Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    33. Dynamic Institute of Training S.A 
    34. EDU - FLEET 
    35. Edzani Community Development and Consultancy 
    36. Elite Operator & Skills Training 
    37. ESS Holdings (PTY) Ltd 
    38. Evaflex 
    39. Exodec 388 CC 
    40. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    41. Frayintermedia Cc 
    42. GOLDEN ARROW BUS SERVICES PTY LTD 
    43. Golden Arrow Bus Services_pty Ltd 
    44. GREENRIM TRAINING PTY LTD 
    45. Hazchemwize (PTY) Ltd 
    46. He and She Driver Training Centre 
    47. Human Resources Education Training & Development 
    48. Humrec Human Resource Training 
    49. Ikusasa Lethu Projects and Training (Pty) Ltd 
    50. Immenent HR Solutions CC 
    51. Inkqubela Consultants 
    52. Intellectual Technical Training Institute 
    53. Interstate Bus Lines 
    54. IRT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    55. Julifa Trading Enterprise cc 
    56. Kahisano Skills Development and Training 
    57. KBC Health and Safety 
    58. KDS Centre for Skills Development and Training Pty Ltd 
    59. Kempston Driver Academy 
    60. Kempston Driving Academy 
    61. Khulani HR Consultancy (Pty) Ltd 
    62. KKH Operator Training and Projects Pty Ltd 
    63. Kriel Training (PTY) LTD 
    64. KVR Training and Business Solutions Pty Ltd 
    65. KZN Business Solutions And HR Management cc 
    66. Lefa Skills Academy 
    67. Licence Wise 
    68. Little Treehouse Holdings (PTY) Ltd 
    69. Lwaze Lwanda General Traders CC 
    70. M AND C ACADEMY AND CONSULTANCY PTY LTD 
    71. MadibengGeneral Suppliers 
    72. Madidi Supply Chain Institute & Business Consultant 
    73. Magas Training and Development (Pty) Ltd 
    74. Maliwa Investment (Pty)Ltd 
    75. Masakhane Further Education and Training 
    76. MCLS Training 
    77. Melodicious Holding 
    78. Merrod Trading 122 Pty Ltd 
    79. Miclos Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    80. Mitana Training Consultants Pty Ltd 
    81. Mziphela Training and Projects Pty. Ltd 
    82. Ncameni Kasizane Skills Development PTY LTD 
    83. Nelko Training MP (Pty) Ltd 
    84. Netcobrite (Pty) Ltd 
    85. Nowethu Learning Institute cc 
    86. NS Traders 
    87. OHS Legislative Training CC 
    88. OHS TRAINING AFRICA 
    89. Orion Industrial Training Services (Pty) Ltd 
    90. PAL PASSENGER BUS SERVICES 
    91. Phephani Learnerships cc 
    92. Phumelela Sisonke African Foundation 
    93. Precision skills development and training 
    94. Premier Conferencing cc 
    95. Primeserv Corporate Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    96. Pro - Con Skills Centre 
    97. PRO Skills Development (Pty) Ltd 
    98. Pro-Driver Trucking Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    99. PRX SCHOOL TEST 
    100. Quantum Leap College Pty Ltd 
    101. Rasehlo Transport and Tourism 
    102. RCH Investments (Pty) Ltd 
    103. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    104. Royal Impression Academy 
    105. Safe and Eco Driving Pty Ltd 
    106. Sanda Skills Development (Pty) Ltd 
    107. SC Training 
    108. Sediba Sabasadi Skills Training Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    109. Segaole Driving School 
    110. Seng''khona Trading Enterprise 129 cc 
    111. Seshego Risk Management Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    112. Sherq Technical Solutions (Pty) Ltd. 
    113. Sisabenza Operator Training (PTY) LTD 
    114. South African Transport Centre of Excellence 
    115. SPINA Consultancy cc Cape Town 
    116. SSS Advanced Driver Training 
    117. Strat Training 
    118. Striving Mind Academy and Consultancy Pty Ltd 
    119. SVA Training 
    120. Tagane Trading and Training Services Pty Ltd. 
    121. Tasa Training Services cc 
    122. The Assessment Zone (Pty) Ltd 
    123. The Skills Authority 
    124. Thomani Techonology Solutions 
    125. Thwala Training Services (Pty) Ltd 
    126. Training Consultant and SD College 
    127. Training Force 
    128. Triton Express (Pty) Ltd 
    129. Twin Mark Strategy and Management Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    130. Ukwakhile Projects Pty Ltd 
    131. Ulwasi Enterprises (PTY) LTD 
    132. Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions (Pty) LTD 
    133. Uthingo Training Centre 
    134. Value Logistics Limited 
    135. Vhonisani Training Academy & Projects 
    136. VSL General Trading CC 
    137. Wheelset Academy Of Machine Operators 
    138. White Horse Carriers Pty (Ltd) 
    139. WHSE Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    140. Wild Boar Fire cc 
    141. Workplace Skills Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    142. YELLOW JERSEY LOGISTICS PTY LTD 
    143. Yes We Can Consulting Pty Ltd 
    144. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.