General repairs

Correct technical decisions

You thoroughly inspect all welding completed as part of the repair and correctly determine whether the welding complies with all Transport Agency requirements, taking into account technical information provided by the Transport Agency such as the VIRM: Light vehicle repair 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.

The Transport Agency may:

• take into account outcomes from complaints, random re-inspections and ‘mystery shopper’ exercises since your last review.

Technical competence

You are competent in all technical aspects relating to welding.

This means you are competent in:

• the assessment of welded repairs
• Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to welded repairs and the assessment of welded repairs
• Transport Agency guidelines relating to welded repairs
• the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting welded repairs.

The Transport Agency will:

• talk to you
• ask questions to check your competence relating to welded repairs and the assessment of welded repairs
• 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 welded repairs and the assessment of welded repairs.

Technical equipment

You have:

• a hand-held inspection lamp
• assorted hand tools
• a tape measure.

The equipment is in good condition and working order.

The Transport Agency will inspect your technical equipment.

Correct technical decisions

You do not thoroughly inspect all welded repairs and correctly determine whether the repairs comply with all Transport Agency requirements.

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

For example:

• a joint has been brazed when the manufacturer does not specifically permit this method, or
• the welding is of a poor quality, eg the weld has poor penetration, undercut or porosity.

You do not thoroughly inspect all welded repairs and correctly determine whether the repairs comply with all Transport Agency requirements.

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

For example:

• replacement plug welds are located in the original spot weld locations, or
• incorrect welding wire has been used.

You do not thoroughly inspect all welded repairs and correctly determine whether they comply with all Transport Agency requirements.

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

For example:

• a weld through primer has not been used.

You thoroughly inspect all welded repairs and correctly determine whether the repairs comply with all Transport Agency requirements.

Technical competence

You demonstrate:

• little or no competence in the technical aspects relating to welded repairs, 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 welded repairs, or
• Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to welded repairs, or
• Transport Agency guidelines relating to welded repairs, or
• the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting welded repairs.

You demonstrate:

• some competence in the technical aspects relating to welded repairs, 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 welded repairs, or
• Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to welded repairs, or
• Transport Agency guidelines relating to welded repairs, or
• the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting welded repairs.

You demonstrate:

• adequate competence in the technical aspects relating to welded repairs, 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 welded repairs, or
• Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to welded repairs, or
• Transport Agency guidelines relating to welded repairs, or
• the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting welded repairs.

You can demonstrate comprehensive competence in the technical aspects relating to welded repairs.

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

• the assessment of welded repairs, and
• Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to welded repairs, and
• Transport Agency guidelines relating to welded repairs, and
• the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting welded repairs.

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.