Fatigue Management and Driver Responsibilities
Why fatigue rules exist
Fatigue is a leading cause of heavy vehicle crashes. WA applies heavy vehicle fatigue rules based on work and rest hours. Drivers must record their work and rest in a work diary where required, carry it, and produce it on request. The rules set maximum work periods and minimum rest periods within a 24-hour cycle, and require a continuous minimum rest break. Drivers must not drive while impaired by fatigue, and must stop and rest if they feel tired.
Responsibilities beyond hours
A driver is responsible for being fit for duty, free of alcohol and drugs, and medically fit. They must ensure the vehicle is roadworthy, the load is secure, and the licence class matches the vehicle. They must report defects and not drive an unsafe vehicle. Chain of responsibility laws mean parties such as schedulers and loaders also share duties, but the driver still must not comply with an unlawful direction.
Traps in questions
The common trap is treating the minimum rest as optional if you feel fine - the rules are mandatory regardless of how you feel. Another is confusing work time with driving time: loading, inspections and paperwork count as work. Questions may ask about the work diary - it must be accurate and carried. Watch for answers suggesting coffee or fresh air substitutes for rest; only sleep restores alertness.
Rule of thumb
If you feel tired, stop and rest - no schedule is worth a crash. Plan rest before you need it.
Worked example
A driver who has worked the maximum allowed hours and feels alert still must take the required minimum rest before driving again. Feeling fine does not override the limit.
Driver Responsibilities, Defects and Incident Duties
Duty to be fit and roadworthy
A heavy vehicle driver is responsible for fitness for duty: no alcohol or drugs above limits, valid medical certification where required, and adequate rest. The driver must ensure the vehicle is roadworthy before driving, carry the correct licence, and ensure the load is legal and secure. If a defect is found, the driver must report it and must not drive an unsafe vehicle. Major defects that affect safety mean the vehicle must be taken out of service until repaired.
Incidents and emergencies
After a crash, the driver must stop, give assistance, exchange details, and report to police where required. If hazardous goods are involved, specific reporting applies. Drivers must know how to place warning triangles and use hazard lights. In breakdowns, move the vehicle off the road where possible and warn other traffic.
Traps in questions
A frequent trap is assuming a minor defect can be ignored until the next service - any safety-related defect must be addressed before driving. Another is believing a supervisor's instruction overrides safety duties; it does not. Questions may test the order of actions after a crash (stop, assist, exchange, report). Watch for confusion between reporting to the employer and reporting to police - both may be required.
Rule of thumb
If it affects safety, it stops the vehicle. Report, repair, then drive.
Worked example
A driver notices a leaking air line before departure. The defect affects braking, so the vehicle must not be driven until repaired, regardless of schedule pressure.