Driver Requirements for VLine and MET

1. Driver Introduction, Requirements
and Safe Driving Techniques

2. At the end of this you will understand
• Your responsibilities as a professional driver
• Driving hours regulations
• How to set up your vehicle mirrors
• Safe driving techniques
• Level Crossing Dangers
• Enjoying being a professional driver

3. Driving Passengers is
Not a Game
• As professional Driver you are
responsible for the safety of your
passengers and the public you interact
with.
• Things can go wrong and as the driver,
you face very strong penalties if found
negligent

4. It Really can Happen
Driver Quote
“it only caught the other bus slightly”
Driver Quote
“I knew my mirror wasn’t set correctly before I started ”

5. Driver Quote
“I thought trains were not running"
It Really can Happen

6. Driver Quote
“I should have asked someone to guide me back”
Driver Quote
“I just didn’t see the post when turning”
Driver Quote
“It’s only a small scrape”
• Setting up your Vehicle before you start your run is imperative
• If it doesn’t feel right stop and look
• Never take the chance that it will be ok
It Really can Happen

8. Setting up your
vehicle
Regulations
Driving techniques

9. Setting up your Mirrors
• Your mirror needs to be set up so that you can see the rear
wheel of your bus in the small mirror. (1)
• You should be able to see the side of your bus and traffic
behind you in the main mirror and (2)
• When turning left, if the mirrors are not set correctly you
increase your chances of striking something whilst turning.

10. Turning Left the wrong way
• When turning left the back wheels do not follow in the same curve as the front.
• The back wheels move in a smaller line and therefore cut into the corner quicker than
the front
• Not allowing enough space between the curb and the bus will result in the rear wheels
mounting the curb and striking whatever is there.
• The majority of accidents to date are left turns
Bus
CURB

11. Turning Left the wrong way
Turning too quickly and not
viewing mirrors
Bus
Parked too close to the
curb
Hitting curb and not
viewing mirrors
CURB
On the curb you could hit a lamp post, a person standing or a someone on a bicycle

12. Turning Left the correct way
Bus
CURB
1. Leave the maximum space
possible between the bus and
the curb
2. Position your vehicle as
close to the outside road line Drive deep into the road
before starting your turn. Be
aware of traffic on the
opposite road. Wait until clear
if needed
Use your mirrors at all times
whilst turning
1 2
WIDE DEEP MIRRORS

13. Turning Left the correct way (Lane Splitting)
Bus
CURB
• Sometimes it may be necessary to lane split and you need
to move into the next lane to turn safely.
• Position yourself slightly over the next lane line to allow a
safe turn. (we call this being politely greedy)
• Make sure you are indication your intention to turn left.
It is absolutely imperative that you make sure no
one has come along side your left hand side.
Especially cyclists or motor bikes
Remember WIDE DEEP MIRRORS

14. Driving
Hours

15. Driving Hours
• You must not exceed your driving hours at anytime.
• You CAN NOT work more than 6 days straight without 1 days rest
• If you are driving for another company, you must bring this to our attention and tells us how much driving
you have done
• When do rail replacement or charter work, take your breaks at the right times, even if that means missing a
run.
• It is the law and not doing the right thing will lead to prosecution.
• It is your responsibility to ensure you are fit for work and are conforming
to the law.
Your safety and our passenger safety is our number one priority
IT’S NOT WORTH THE RISK

16. The Road ahead
• When driving there’s a lot going on around and
in front of you.
• Make sure you view the road ahead and look
for potential issues.
• Look for parked car not parked correctly
• People on bikes and pedestrians
• There’s no rush! take your time and make sure
you can get to your destination safely

17. Know Your Vehicle Height
• Low bridges are a real danger and you must
ensure you know your vehicle height.
• Be vigilant for road signs warning of low bridges
• Understand the road ahead and plan your
journey
IF IN DOUBT STOP

18. Level Crossings
• Level Crossing are a serious safety
issue if not treated correctly.
• There are major penalties and possible
impressment for breaking the rules.
• Very high potential for multiple
fatalities

19. • It really can happen to you if you do not
focus
• To the right is an actual Coach Vs Train
incident that resulted in injuries and
police investigation
Never enter a crossing if you do not have
space to clear the crossing ahead of you
Never stop on a crossing
Always assume a level crossing is active,
even if you are doing rail replacement
It Can Happen to You

20. Pre-Trip Check
• It is the law to ensure you have
completed a pre-trip check
• All defects must be logged in the system
• Any Safety critical defects must be
escalated before you drive the vehicle

21. • This is a great job and we provide
a very important service to the
public.
• Know your route and understand
your stopping patterns
• Make sure you are well rested
and fit for work
• Ensure you take your required
rest breaks when required
• There is no rush, get to your
destination safely and stress free
• Enjoy your experience driving
with Westerport Roadlines,
Sandringham Coaches and
Train2Bus Transit
Enjoy Your Driving Experience

22. Training Declaration
I ………………………………… Confirm that I have attended the “Driver introduction, requirements and safe driving techniques
course and understand my responsivities in the following areas.
I also confirm that I understood all aspects of the course and have had all my questions answered to my satisfaction.
• My responsibilities following a road traffic incident.
• Setting up my mirrors before commencing my trip.
• Turning left (wide, Deep, Mirrors)
• Turning left splitting lanes
• Driving hours regulations and when breaks are required. I understand I must not drive over hours at anytime and
highlight to the company if I have been driving for another company.
• Vehicle heights and low bridge signs and reviewing the road ahead for obstacles.
• Level Crossing Dangers
• Pre-Trip check
Driver: Print Name ……………………………….. Signature…………………………… Date…………………………….
Instructure: Print Name ……………………………….. Signature…………………………… Date…………………………….