This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This is a qualification for those engaged in specialist driving operation job roles in the transport and logistics industry.
It involves a broad range of technical and skilled application in a specific area, including requirements to evaluate and analyse current practices, and to provide leadership and guidance to others in applying skills.
Job roles
Job roles and titles vary across different sectors. Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
- bitumen tanker driver
- chemical tanker driver
- fuel tanker driver
- heavy vehicle recovery driver
- liquid petroleum gas (LPG) tanker driver
- transport supervisor
Please note: RTO to insert on the testamur, the specialist elective unit group selected from the group choice below.
Successful achievement of the licensing unit in the qualification must align with licensing and regulatory requirements applicable to driving and state or territory regulatory requirements.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply fatigue management strategies | Core |
| Apply low risk heavy vehicle driving behaviours | Core |
| Apply work health and safety requirements for driving operations | Core |
| Carry out vehicle inspection | Core |
| Operate commercial vehicle | Core |
| Administer a fatigue risk management system | Elective |
| Apply a fatigue risk management system | Elective |
| Apply awareness of dangerous goods and hazardous materials requirements | Elective |
| Assess and confirm customer transport requirements | Elective |
| Carry out basic workplace calculations | Elective |
| Carry out emergency response to a dangerous goods incident | Elective |
| Conduct bitumen tanker operations | Elective |
| Conduct heavy vehicle recovery operations | Elective |
| Conduct recovery vehicle operations in a field environment | Elective |
| Decommission fuel storage and dispensing systems | Elective |
| Drive heavy combination vehicle | Elective |
| Drive heavy rigid vehicle | Elective |
| Drive medium rigid vehicle | Elective |
| Drive multi-combination vehicle | Elective |
| Ensure compliance with Australian Dangerous Goods Code | Elective |
| Ensure the safety of transport activities (Chain of Responsibility) | Elective |
| Extract disabled equipment using winching techniques in a field environment | Elective |
| Implement and coordinate accident-emergency procedures | Elective |
| Implement and monitor the safety duties of transport activities (Chain of Responsibility) | Elective |
| Implement and supervise transport regulations compliance systems | Elective |
| Install, modify and commission fuel storage and dispensing systems | Elective |
| Interpret road maps and navigate pre-determined routes | Elective |
| Licence to drive a heavy combination vehicle | Elective |
| Licence to drive a heavy rigid vehicle | Elective |
| Licence to drive a medium rigid vehicle | Elective |
| Licence to drive a multi-combination vehicle | Elective |
| Licence to operate a vehicle loading crane (capacity 10 metre tonnes and above) | Elective |
| Licence to transport dangerous goods by road | Elective |
| Maintain fuel storage and dispensing systems | Elective |
| Monitor plant and equipment in an environmentally sustainable manner | Elective |
| Operate chemical and fuel tanker | Elective |
| Operate firefighting equipment | Elective |
| Operate LP gas tanker | Elective |
| Plan and navigate routes | Elective |
| Prepare and process transport documentation for dangerous goods | Elective |
| Work in compliance with fuel storage and dispensing site requirements | Elective |
| Work safely at a fuel storage and dispensing site | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Specialist Driving Operations sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Forklift Driver
ANZSCO 721311
Operate forklifts to move heavy materials, containers, crates and other large objects.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Chauffeur
ANZSCO 731111
Chauffeurs drive limousines, vans or private cars to transport passengers to destinations on a fee-for-service basis, usually on a long-term hiring arrangement.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Taxi Driver
ANZSCO 731112
Taxi Drivers drive taxis to transport passengers to destinations on a fee-for-service basis, usually on a short-term, metered fare hiring arrangement.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Bus Driver
ANZSCO 731211
Bus Drivers drive buses to transport passengers short distances on scheduled intra-city services over established routes.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Charter and Tour Bus Driver
ANZSCO 731212
Charter and Tour Bus Drivers drive coaches to transport passengers on sightseeing, educational and other tours.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Passenger Coach Driver
ANZSCO 731213
Passenger Coach Drivers drive coaches to transport passengers long distances on scheduled intercity services over established routes.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Delivery Driver
ANZSCO 732111
Drive vehicles to deliver goods and stock as scheduled.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Truck Driver (General)
ANZSCO 733111
Truck Drivers (General) drive heavy trucks requiring a specially endorsed class of licence, to transport bulky goods.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Aircraft Refueller
ANZSCO 733112
Aircraft Refuellers drive tanker trucks filled with aviation fuel to waiting aircraft, attach a fuel hoses to aircraft fuel tanks and fill tanks with fuel.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Furniture Removalist Driver
ANZSCO 733113
Furniture Removalist Drivers drive removal vans or trucks to move household and office furniture and equipment between locations.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Tanker Driver
ANZSCO 733114
Tanker Drivers drive tanker trucks requiring a specially endorsed class of licence, to transport bulk liquids.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Tow Truck Driver
ANZSCO 733115
Tow Truck Drivers drive tow trucks requiring a specially endorsed class of licence, to transport broken-down motor vehicles.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Specialist Driving Operations
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL TRAINERS, ASSESSORS & CONSULTANTS (AITAC) (RTO code 3591)
Contact this provider
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE (RTO code 0442)
Contact this provider
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PM SQUARED (RTO code 41304)
Contact this provider
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Transport Compliance Training Solutions Pty Ltd (RTO code 45376)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.