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 QUALIFICATION: 

Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122640  Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-TETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Intermediate Occupational Cert  Field 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0426/24  2024-08-22  2029-08-22 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-08-22   2033-08-22  

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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
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.

    Rationale:
    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. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    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. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 733201-000-01-KM-01, Emotional Intelligence and Active Learning, NQF Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-KM-02, Basics of Computers and Computing Systems, NQF Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-KM-03, Ethics and Basic Business principles, NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-KM-04, Principles of General Health, Fire Safety, and First Aid, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-KM-05, Principles of Business Communication and Customer Services, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-KM-06, Incidents, Accidents and Transport Risks, NQF Level 3, 7 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-KM-07, Road Usage Legislative Requirements and Vehicle Driving Techniques for Driving a Truck or Truck Combination, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-KM-08, Trip/journey Management Principles and Navigation Technology, NQF Level 3, 2 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-KM-09, Principles of Vehicle Inspections and Load Securement, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 37

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 733201-000-01-PM-01, Prepare for the Loading and Offloading of A Truck or Truck Combination, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-PM-02, Secure the Load And Prepare Truck or Truck Combination for Transportation, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-PM-03, Start-up and Shut Down a Truck or Truck Combination, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-PM-04, Steer, Manoeuvre, Position and Drive a Truck or Truck Combination, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-PM-05, Inspect Vehicles and Maintain Trip Documentation, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-PM-06, Plan Route and Report Deviations Related to Emergencies, NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 37

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 733201-000-01-WM-01, Processes for Preparing a Truck or Truck Combination for the Transportation of Cargo, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 733201-000-01-WM-02, Processes for Safely Operating a Laden or Unladen Truck or Truck Combination to Transport Cargo, NQF Level 3, 30 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 46 

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

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Prepare the truck or truck combination for loading and secure the load within a managed environment by applying basic key concepts.
  • Secure load according to standard operating procedures.
  • Compile different loads according to specification and documentation.
  • Adhere to processes and requirements for preparing a truck or truck combination and or trailer for transportation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Conduct a pre and post trip truck or truck combination inspection and maintain operational documentation within a managed environment by applying basic key concepts.
  • Carry out inspection of truck or truck combination in accordance with K53 standards, and relevant industry legislation.
  • Inspect vehicle components, operating controls and instruments for functionality and identify and explain defects.
  • Inspect load for compliance in terms of regulatory and safety compliance.
  • Maintain vehicle and driver related operational documents and records in accordance with legal compliance requirements.
  • Follow appropriate procedures in case of road incidents and identify accidents.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3: Operate a truck or truck combination and respond to emergencies applying appropriate procedures and interpreting information related to the situation.
  • Manoeuvre a truck or truck combination in accordance with legal provisions including K53.
  • Safely drive a truck or truck combination in accordance with specified standards and rules of the road.
  • Economically drive a truck or truck combination in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessment
    Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

    Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained.

    Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

    Summative Assessment
    Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification, or occupational skills programme, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

    An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

    Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated, and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

    The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA.

    The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner.

    For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating the attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A qualification and a training programme from Australia and the United States of America were selected for comparison to the South African qualification as national training standards recognised in these countries.

    Australia
    Cove Training, Seaford, Victoria, Australia offers the Certificate IV in Driving Operations, which is registered on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) (A level 4 on the AQF is approximately a Level 3-4 on the NQF). No entry requirements are specified. and the approximate duration of a Certificate IV is 10-12 months.

    The qualification requires a total of 12 units of competency comprising:
  • 4 Core units.
  • 1 Licensing/industry elective unit relevant to the vehicle type applicable to the job role from the licensing/industry elective units plus all units within one of the specialist elective groups (job roles) from Group A, Group B, Group C or Group D.
  • 5 General elective units from the general elective units if selecting Group A, B or C or 6 general elective units if selecting Group D.
  • Up to 3 of the general elective units may be selected from any relevant nationally endorsed Training Package or accredited course. The units must contribute to the vocational outcomes of the qualification.

    Core units
  • Apply chain of responsibility legislation, regulations, and workplace procedures.
  • Apply fatigue management strategies.
  • Implement and supervise transport regulations compliance systems.
  • Apply work health and safety requirements for driving operations.

    Licensing/Industry elective units
  • Operate commercial vehicle.
  • Drive light rigid vehicle.
  • Drive medium rigid vehicle.
  • Drive heavy rigid vehicle.
  • Drive heavy combination vehicle.
  • Drive multi-combination vehicle.
  • Licence to drive a light rigid vehicle.
  • Licence to drive a medium rigid vehicle.
  • Licence to drive a heavy rigid vehicle.
  • Licence to drive a heavy combination vehicle.
  • Licence to drive a multi-combination vehicle.

    Specialist elective units
  • Group A: Fuel Tanker.
  • Group B: LP Gas Tanker.
  • Group C: Chemical Tanker.
  • Group D: Heavy Recovery.

    General elective units
  • Carry out vehicle inspection.
  • Carry out basic workplace calculations.
  • Administer chain of responsibility policies and procedures.
  • Apply a fatigue risk management system.
  • Operate firefighting equipment.
  • Apply awareness of dangerous goods and hazardous materials requirements.
  • Plan and navigate routes.
  • Assess and confirm customer transport requirements.

    Similarities:
    The Australian Certificate is similar to the Intermediate Occupational Certificate in terms of duration and coverage in terms of core units and general elective modules stated above.

    Differences:
    The Australian Certificate is different from the Intermediate Occupational Certificate in terms of structure as it does not include a work experience component and it also include specialist elective units not covered by the South African qualification. It may also be at a slightly higher level and does not have specific entry requirements.

    United States of America
    HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS), in Tucson, Arizona, United States of America, offers the Professional Truck Driver Training Program. HDS is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under the U.S. Department of Transportation. No entry requirements or level is specified. The Professional Truck Driver Training Program has a duration of 730 hours.

    Topics covered include
  • Pre- and Post-trip Inspections.
  • Cab Familiarization.
  • Proper Shifting Techniques.
  • Backing, Turning and Parking.
  • Hazardous Material.
  • Basic Road Skills.
  • Driving Techniques and Manoeuvres.
  • Safety Awareness.
  • Trip Planning and Logging Skills.
  • Map Reading.
  • Time Management.
  • Roadside Inspection Guidelines.
  • Scale Operations.
  • Weight Distribution.
  • Coupling & Uncoupling.
  • Loading, Securing & Unloading Cargo.
  • Nighttime Operations.
  • Preventative Maintenance.

    Similarities:
    The Intermediate Occupational Certificate knowledge and practical skills components' duration is similar to the American Program's duration. In addition, it is also similar in terms of coverage as most topics of the American Program are also covered in the South African qualification.

    Differences:
    The American Program is different from the Intermediate Occupational Certificate in terms of structure as it does not include a work experience component. The American program also include nighttime operations and hazardous material not covered by the South African qualification. The entry requirements and level are not specified.

    Conclusion:
    In general, the South African qualification compares well with the Australian Certificate and the American Program in terms of duration and content covered. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Bus Driver NQF Level 3.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer, NQF Level 4.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 2. 

  • NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    A valid and appropriate driver's licence and Professional Drivers Permit (PrDP).

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers
    Accreditation requirements, against which Skills Development Providers (SDP) and Assessment Centres, will be accredited, is found in the Curriculum Document, as listed below:

    The curriculum title and code are: Truck Driver: 733201-000-01-00.

    Encompassed Trade:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
    Transport Education Training Authority (TETA). 

  • LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.
     
    NONE 



    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.