9 Steering and suspension

9-1 Steering and suspension systems

Requirements

  What the Transport Agency expects of you How the Transport Agency will assess your performance
9.1.1
Correct technical decisions

You thoroughly inspect all steering and suspension systems and correctly determine whether they comply with all Transport Agency requirements, taking into account technical information provided by the Transport Agency such as the VIRM: Entry certification.

The Transport Agency will:

  • talk to you
  • observe you at work
  • inspect vehicles which you have certified
  • inspect inspection and certification documents you use and complete
  • inspect information you enter into the Transport Agency computer system.

The Transport Agency may:

  • take into account outcomes from complaints and random re-inspections since your last review.
9.1.2
Technical competence

You are competent in all technical aspects relating to steering and suspension systems.

This means you are competent in:

  • the assessment of steering and suspension systems
  • Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to steering and suspension systems and the assessment of steering and suspension systems
  • Transport Agency guidelines relating to steering and suspension systems
  • the operation of the equipment you use for assessing steering and suspension systems.

The Transport Agency will:

  • talk to you
  • ask questions to check your competence relating to steering and suspension systems and the assessment of steering and suspension systems
  • observe you at work
  • inspect inspection and certification documents you use and complete
  • inspect your Training record.

The Transport Agency may administer a short test on steering and suspension systems.

9.1.3
Technical equipment

You have:

  • jacks or other suitable equipment to lift steered wheels off the ground
  • a leverage bar
  • a hand-held inspection lamp.

The equipment is in good condition and working order.

The Transport Agency will inspect your technical equipment.

Scores

  Score
0
1
2
3
9.1.1
Correct technical decisions

You do not thoroughly inspect all steering and suspension systems and correctly determine whether they comply with all Transport Agency requirements, including approved vehicle standards.

The area of non-compliance is likely to compromise the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users.

For example:

  • a component or mechanism is excessively worn, loose, damaged or missing, seriously compromising the ability to safely drive and steer the vehicle.

You do not thoroughly inspect all steering and suspension systems and correctly determine whether they comply with all Transport Agency requirements, including approved vehicle standards.

The area of non-compliance may compromise the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users.

For example:

  • a component or mechanism is worn, loose, damaged or missing, but the ability to drive and steer the vehicle, although potentially compromised, is not yet affected
  • a vehicle that is required to comply with an approved steering system standard did not comply, or cannot be demonstrated to have complied, with an approved standard at the time the vehicle was manufactured.

You do not thoroughly inspect all steering and suspension systems and correctly determine whether they comply with all Transport Agency requirements, including approved vehicle standards

The area of non-compliance is unlikely to compromise the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users.

For example:

  • a component or mechanism does not meet legal requirements, but the ability to drive and steer the vehicle is unlikely to be affected
  • a left-hand drive vehicle does not comply with the requirements of the left-hand drive exemption.

You thoroughly inspect all steering and suspension systems and correctly determine whether they comply with all Transport Agency requirements, including approved vehicle standards.

9.1.2
Technical competence

You demonstrate:

  • little or no competence in the technical aspects relating to steering and suspension systems, or
  • a level of competence that is likely to compromise the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users.

This means there are significant gaps in your knowledge of, or skills in:

  • the assessment of steering and suspension systems, and approved vehicle standards
  • Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to steering and suspension systems
  • Transport Agency guidelines relating to steering and suspension systems
  • the operation of the equipment you use for assessing steering and suspension systems.

You demonstrate:

  • some competence in the technical aspects relating to steering and suspension systems, or
  • a level of competence that may compromise the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users.

This means there are some gaps in your knowledge of, or skills in:

  • the assessment of steering and suspension systems
  • Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to steering and suspension systems and approved vehicle standards
  • Transport Agency guidelines relating to steering and suspension systems
  • the operation of the equipment you use for assessing steering and suspension systems.

You demonstrate:

  • adequate competence in the technical aspects relating to steering and suspension systems, or
  • a level of competence that is unlikely to compromise the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users.

This means there are minor gaps in your knowledge of, or skills in:

  • the assessment of steering and suspension systems and approved vehicle standards
  • Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to steering and suspension systems
  • Transport Agency guidelines relating to steering and suspension systems
  • the operation of the equipment you use for assessing steering and suspension systems.

You can demonstrate comprehensive competence in the technical aspects relating to steering and suspension systems.

This means you can demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of, and skills in:

  • the assessment of steering and suspension systems and approved vehicle standards
  • Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to steering and suspension systems
  • Transport Agency guidelines relating to steering and suspension systems
  • the operation of the equipment you use for assessing steering and suspension systems.
9.1.3
Technical equipment

Not all of the specified equipment is available. Where equipment is available, some or all of it is not in working order.

All specified equipment is available and in working order, but some or all of it is in poor condition.

All specified equipment is available, in working order and in at least adequate condition.

All specified equipment is available and in good condition and working order.

Back to top