This course provides drivers and operators with the knowledge and practical procedures required to safely operate towing vehicles and heavy recovery equipment at Geraldton Towing Service. It is designed to ensure consistent standards, compliance with safety regulations, and the professional handling of vehicles, equipment, and roadside operations.
Throughout this course, learners will develop a strong understanding of daily vehicle procedures, pre-start inspections, fatigue and maintenance recording, tablet and job management systems, fuelling requirements, dimension and loading compliance, truck loading and load restraint, lifting equipment use, vehicle recovery, and heavy vehicle towing and hookup procedures.
The course focuses on building safe habits, risk awareness, and operational consistency so that drivers can confidently carry out their duties while protecting themselves, the public, company equipment, and customer vehicles.
By completing this course, participants will understand their responsibilities in maintaining safety, compliance, professionalism, and operational readiness in all truck operations.
Curriculum
- 11 Sections
- 11 Lessons
- 10 Weeks
- Washing and Care of Trucks2
- Drivers Daily ProceduresThis lesson explains the daily responsibilities drivers must complete to ensure vehicles are safe, compliant, and ready for operation. It focuses on prestart inspections, fault reporting, maintenance scheduling, and fatigue recording using Fleetio and company procedures. These daily actions ensure vehicles remain roadworthy, risks are managed early, and compliance obligations are met before entering the public road network.2
- Daily Vehicle Pre-start ChecklistThis lesson explains the importance of completing a thorough vehicle pre-start inspection before beginning any shift. It ensures drivers understand how to identify safety risks, confirm compliance requirements, and verify the vehicle is roadworthy before entering the public road network. Completing this inspection protects drivers, the public, company assets, and ensures legal compliance.2
- Tablets in trucks proceduresThis lesson introduces the LinkSoft tablet system used in GTS trucks. Drivers will learn how the system tracks jobs in real time, communicates with dispatch, and ensures accurate job recording, compliance, and billing. Understanding how to correctly operate the tablet is essential, as it is one of the most important operational tools used daily.2
- Fuelling TrucksThis lesson explains the standards and expectations for fuelling GTS trucks. Drivers will learn when and where to refuel, the minimum fuel levels required, and the importance of presenting vehicles in a clean and professional condition during refuelling stops.2
- Dimension and Loading (D & L) Pre-Departure ChecklistThis lesson introduces the requirements for Dimension and Loading compliance before entering the public road network. Drivers will learn the importance of completing pre-departure checks for every load and ensuring vehicles, loads, routes, permits, and restraints meet legal and safety requirements.2
- Truck Loading and RestraintThis lesson explains how to safely select vehicles, position loads, and apply correct load restraint techniques. Drivers will learn how load type, weight, dimensions, and positioning affect vehicle stability and road safety, and how to manage high, wide, long, or unstable loads safely.2
- Lifting EquipmentThis lesson explains the safe selection, inspection, use, maintenance, and storage of lifting equipment. Drivers and operators will learn how to identify approved equipment, understand Working Load Limits (WLL), and ensure lifting gear is used safely and correctly to prevent injury, equipment damage, and compliance breaches.2
- Tow Truck - Checklist Class 3This lesson introduces the mandatory Class 3 truck equipment checklist and explains why every item must be present, maintained, and correctly stored before commencing operations. Class 3 vehicles operate in high-risk environments where delays, breakdowns, or missing equipment can create safety risks, operational disruption, or non-compliance with contractual obligations. This lesson ensures drivers understand the importance of vehicle readiness, correct equipment storage, and responsibility for maintaining a fully operational truck at all times.2
- Bogged Vehicle RecoveryThis lesson explains the safe preparation, equipment selection, and techniques required to recover bogged vehicles. Operators will learn how to minimise risk, protect equipment, and ensure safe recovery practices when using winches, jacks, straps, and other recovery tools.2
- Hookup Bus and TruckThis lesson explains the correct and safe procedure for hooking up and towing heavy vehicles using the front lift method. These recoveries involve high-risk environments, complex vehicle systems, and significant safety considerations for both operators and the public. Drivers must understand how to safely assess the scene, inspect the vehicle, lift and secure it correctly, and monitor the tow from departure through to delivery. This lesson ensures operators understand the risks involved and the steps required to minimise damage, maintain safety, and meet operational and legal requirements.2
Instructor
