AURTGA001 — Drive and manoeuvre trailers
Practical trailer manoeuvring training — reversing single and tandem trailers, coupling and uncoupling procedures, and safe positioning in confined spaces.
Course Overview
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to drive and manoeuvre a trailer while it is attached to a driving vehicle. It involves inspecting the trailer before use, connecting the trailer to a vehicle, driving the trailer, and disconnecting the trailer from the vehicle.
It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry. The trailers may have non-pivoting axles or pivoting front axles.
View AURTGA001 on training.gov.au →AURTGA001 Drive and manoeuvre trailers develops the practical driving skills required to hitch, unhitch, manoeuvre and accurately position a trailer using a light vehicle or small truck. Reversing a trailer — particularly into a confined loading bay, tight yard space or along a narrow access track — is one of the most demanding and frequently mishandled driving tasks in transport and logistics, agriculture and fleet operations across the Darling Downs.
This one-day course provides structured instruction and hands-on practice in a controlled environment, giving participants the technique and spatial awareness to reverse and position single-axle and tandem trailers confidently and safely. It is commonly paired with TLIA1001 (cargo securing) or TLIF0009 (Chain of Responsibility) for a comprehensive transport competency package.
What You'll Learn
- Conduct a pre-use inspection of a trailer — coupling hardware, tyres, lights, brakes and safety chains
- Correctly attach a trailer to a tow vehicle — coupling the ball hitch, connecting safety chains, brake-away cable and trailer wiring plug
- Understand the principles of trailer dynamics — how the trailer tracks relative to the tow vehicle during reversing
- Reverse a trailer in a straight line, through a 90-degree turn and into a confined bay using correct hand and steering technique
- Position a trailer accurately for loading and unloading with minimal corrective movements
- Safely unhitch a trailer, chock wheels and disconnect all connections in the correct sequence
- Identify when a reversing spotter or guide is required and communicate effectively with them
Assessment Method
Assessment is primarily practical — participants demonstrate coupling, manoeuvring through a set course and accurate trailer placement in a simulated loading bay scenario. A short verbal knowledge check covers trailer inspection requirements and coupling procedures. A suitable tow vehicle and trailer must be available — participants may bring their own or contact us regarding training equipment availability.
Prerequisites
Participants must hold a current driver's licence appropriate for the vehicle and trailer combination they intend to operate (MC, HC, MR, LR or C class). No prior trailer experience is required.
Who Should Attend
- Transport and logistics workers who tow trailers as part of their role
- Agricultural workers operating farm trailers, stock crates and grain trailers across Darling Downs properties
- Machinery and equipment hire companies requiring confident trailer delivery drivers
- Workers entering the heavy transport industry who need to demonstrate trailer manoeuvring competency
- Any licence holder who regularly tows trailers and wants to improve safety and accuracy