Conducting and monitoring road tests on vehicles

URN: SEMAUT3046
Business Sectors (Suites): Automotive Engineering Suite 3
Developed by: Enginuity
Approved on: 30 Mar 2020

Overview

This standard identifies the competences you need to conduct road testing of vehicles, in accordance with approved procedures, and includes the testing and monitoring of both conventional and all-wheel drive vehicles. You will be required to carry out all necessary preparations to the vehicle in readiness for the tests; these will include ensuring that the vehicle is safe, that preparatory checks on tyres, fluids, and electrics are completed correctly, and that the driver safety procedures are complied with. You will be expected to carry out the tests in accordance with the appropriate schedule and monitoring procedures. You will be expected to analyse the results, and to complete all relevant test documentation accurately and legibly.

Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the tests undertaken, and to report any problems with the testing activities that you cannot personally resolve, or that are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work with a minimum of supervision, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out.

Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work, and will provide an informed approach to applying vehicle road testing procedures. You will understand the specific test schedule to be followed, the vehicle characteristics expected during the test, and what various vehicle responses mean, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the tests to the required specification.

You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the testing activities, in particular those involved with fuelling the vehicle and driving the vehicle at speed or over non-standard surfaces. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout, and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
  2. follow the appropriate procedures for set up and use of tools and equipment to conduct the required tests
  3. conduct the tests using the correct procedures and within agreed timescales
  4. record the results of the tests in the appropriate format
  5. review and analyse the test results and carry out further tests if necessary
  6. ensure that work records are completed, stored securely and available to others as per organisational requirements
  7.  leave the work area in a safe condition on completion of the activities, as per organisational and legal requirements

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the specific safety precautions to be taken whilst carrying out the  activities (including any specific legislation, regulations or codes of practice relating to the activities, equipment or materials)
  2. the health and safety requirements of the work area and the activities, and the responsibility these requirements place on you
  3. the hazards associated with  the activities, and how to minimise them and reduce risks
  4. the personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) to be worn during the activities
  5. the procedures for carrying passengers during the test
  6. how to obtain the required test schedules and specifications for the vehicle, and how to check their currency and validity
  7. the procedure to be adopted in the event of breakdown during the test
  8. the methods and techniques for fitting test equipment
  9. how to read and interpret the specifications, manufacturers' manuals, and from whom you can seek assistance if you have problems or issues regarding the test schedules or specifications
  10. the methods and procedures to be used to carry out the various tests
  11. how to record the results of each individual test and the documentation/format that must be used
  12. from whom to seek authorisation if you need to alter or change the test procedures
  13. how to analyse the test results and make valid decisions about the acceptability of the vehicle
  14. the procedure and methods to make minor adjustments during the test
  15. potential problems that can occur with the testing activities, and how they can be overcome
  16. the problems that may cause errors or discrepancies in/with the test results, and how to avoid these
  17. any environmental controls required relating to the testing
  18. the extent of your own responsibility and to whom you should report if you have problems that you cannot resolve
  19. how to access, use and maintain information to comply with organisational requirements and legislation

Scope/range


Scope Performance

  1. Carry out all of the following during the testing activities:

    1. obtain and use the appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, vehicle documentation, test schedules, test procedures, quality control documentation)
    2. adhere to procedures or systems in place for risk assessment, hazardous substances, personal protective equipment and other relevant safety regulations and procedures to realise a safe system of work
    3. provide and maintain safe access and working arrangements for the test area
    4. obtain the correct tools and equipment for the testing activity and check that they are in a safe, tested and usable condition
    5. follow safe practice/approved testing techniques and procedures at all times
    6. return all tools and equipment to the correct location on completion of the testing activities
  2. Prepare the vehicle for testing by carrying out all of the following, as applicable to the vehicle type:

    1. fit slave wheels to the vehicle (where appropriate), and check for correct tyre tread depth and pressure
    2. check that oil, water and other fluid levels are correct and that there are no leaks
    3. check that all warning devices are working correctly
    4. check that all rear lights, brake lights and hazard warning lights function correctly
    5. fit monitoring or other test equipment, as appropriate
    6. ensure that appropriate safety equipment is fitted to the vehicle and all driver safety equipment is available
    7. ensure that trade plates are displayed (where appropriate)
    8. ensure that seat fouling protectors are fitted
    9. inform appropriate people of the start of the test
  3. Conduct road tests on one of the following types of vehicle:

    1. front wheel drive                          
    2. rear wheel drive                         
    3. all wheel drive
  4. Test vehicle on two of the following road conditions:

    1. normal road conditions               
    2. salt bath                                      
    3. wet/skid patch
    4. paved, cobble, rough road           
    5. sand trench                                
    6. circular track
    7. country road                                
    8. straight speed test                
    9. off-road terrain
    10. other specific conditions
  5. Conduct road tests on the vehicle to a specific test schedule, to include nine of the following:

    1. driving the vehicle over specified distance                     

    2. carrying out a steering geometry check

    3. driving the vehicle at specific speeds for defined time  

    4. carrying out a suspension check

    5. driving the vehicle over different road surfaces        
    6. carrying out a noise and vibration check
    7. checking engine for hot and cold running temperatures

    8. carrying out an instrumentation check

    9. checking and monitoring exhaust emissions      

    10. carrying out an electrical system check
    11. checking power chain through all gears                        

    12. carrying out a navigational system check

    13. checking automatic gearbox through rapid acceleration and parking

    14. carrying out other specific tests

  6. Review and analyse the results of the road test, using two of the following:

    1. data sheets                           
    2. vehicle history sheet                    
    3. fault records
    4. operation sheet                     
    5. manufacturer's specifications
  7. Ensure  tests which comply with one of the following standards:

    1. military or aviation standards
    2. customer standards and requirements
    3. international standards                          
    4. company standards and procedures

Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

31 Mar 2023

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Semta

Original URN

SEMAUT3046

Relevant Occupations

Engineering, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Science and Engineering Technicians, Vehicle Trades

SOC Code

5231

Keywords

engineering; automotive; manufacturing; conducting; monitoring; road test; front wheel drives; rear wheel drives; all wheel drives; paved; cobble; rough road test; off-road; track