Verification of Competency / VOC In Cab Small Trailer

The In-Cab Small Trailer Verification of Competency (VOC) confirms that drivers can safely operate a vehicle and small trailer combination in line with road safety requirements. This assessment is carried out in real-world conditions by a qualified assessor and is designed to ensure drivers remain compliant and competent in their day-to-day operations.

Competency Assessed:

During the assessment, the driver will be evaluated across key areas of safe operation, including:

• Pre-start checks – park brake, neutral gear, warning systems, gauges, oil pressure, and seatbelt.

• Moving off – smooth acceleration, correct gear selection, low revs, no clutch shudder or jerking.
• Vehicle in motion – correct gear changes, progressive shifting, hill descents, and cornering techniques.
• Driving practices – continuous monitoring of instruments, compliance with road rules, use of mirrors, over-shoulder checks, hazard perception, safe braking, and speed management.
• Reversing – correct positioning, area clearance, low-speed control, mirror use, and clutch discipline.
• Parking & shutdown – safe positioning, park brake, neutral gear, no unnecessary revving, and turbo cooldown.
• Coupling & uncoupling – correct alignment, use of park brakes, connection/disconnection of airlines and electrics, landing legs, wheel chocks, tug test, and inspection for leaks or damage.

Operators will be evaluated on their ability to carry out these tasks consistently and safely, ensuring that their previously achieved unit standards remain current and practically applied in the workplace.

Outcome: 

Upon completion, you will receive a VOC report outlining each driver’s areas of competency and any aspects that may require further training or reassessment. The assessment verifies that drivers can perform all key procedures for operating a vehicle with a small trailer, taking into account size, weight, and speed limitations. Drivers will also demonstrate correct handling techniques, safe driving practices, and hazard awareness to ensure the vehicle and trailer are operated safely and efficiently in varying conditions.

Entry Criteria:

1. All students are required to have a level of written and oral English equivalent to NCEA level 1 (year 11) or IELTS 5.5 or higher, to be eligible to attend our courses. The person responsible for making bookings or authorising attendance on the course must agree to these Terms and Conditions prior to acceptance of their student(s) onto the course. Where a student does not meet our English language requirement a reader/writer must be supplied by the student or the person responsible for authorising the student’s attendance. The reader/writer cannot be another student attending the same course.