Driving Tours

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  Pre-Departure Documentation

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  Tour drivers are usually responsible for pre-departure vehicle checks.

  Tour drivers should undertake a thorough inspection of their vehicle:

  • prior to the commencement of each tour, AND
  • at the end of each tour.

  Each business will have its own documentation for pre-departure checks; it is important to remember that any issues arising are reported and fixed, or an alternate vehicle is used.

  A driver will do a walk-around check of the vehicle, checking for:

  • damage, such as scratches and dents.
  • breakages that need repairing.
  • cleanliness - inside and outside.

  Before departure and each morning while on tour the driver:

  • checks tyre pressure.
  • checks brakes.
  • checks and tops up oil and water.
  • checks that there is enough fuel for the required travel distance.
  • checks the operation of lights and indicators.
  • checks that luggage and equipment are secure and will not fall off. This could avoid loss, damage to other vehicles, or injuries.

  Last of all, the driver enters the kilometre reading into the vehicle log book as evidence of completion of this pre-departure vehicle check.

  Other checks that should be made prior to departure are:

  • consumables and spares
  • tool box
  • communication equipment
  • vehicle equipment
  • PPE
  • miscellaneous items
  • food and supplies

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  Load Capacity

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  Images credited to Sincere Finchy, Micah Drushal, and Chuck Johnson.

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  Responsibilities of drivers and tour guides

  Drivers and tour guides are responsible for packing equipment evenly in tow vehicles and trailers, and making sure that the vehicles are not overloaded. Some items will be packed in the trailer and some in the minibus.

  Trailer

  • Camping equipment
  • Catering equipment
  • Food and beverage
  • Maintenance equipment
  • Protective clothing and equipment
  • Recreational equipment

  Minibus

  • Communication equipment
  • Luggage
  • Medication and first aid kit

  The safe loading of vehicles is vital in preventing:

  • injury to people.
  • damage to property.

  On a guided tour the tour guide and driver must:

  • consider the weight of the vehicle PLUS passengers, luggage, equipment and fuel.
  • make sure that overloading does not occur.

  A vehicle should NEVER be loaded beyond the manufacturer's specification.

  The manufacturer's specification relating to maximum load capacity should be found:

  • in all vehicle manuals.
  • on all vehicles, usually inside the driver's door.

  Safety

  Safety is the reason for setting weight limits. If a vehicle is overloaded:

  • the brakes may not slow down or stop the vehicle.
  • tyre blow-outs may occur.

  Towing a trailer

  The total load weight of the tow vehicle and trailer should never exceed the manufacturer's specifications.

  Overloading a tow vehicle OR a trailer is dangerous. Overloading both vehicles could be disastrous.

  A driver may lose control of a vehicle if a trailer is overloaded, for example:

  • It may sway sideways.
  • The brakes may overheat and fail.
  • The tyres may blow-out.
  • The engine may overheat, causing a mechanical failure.

  The security of your load, your life and the lives of others relies on proper loading.

  Load safety is road safety.

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  Tour Documentation

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  When conducting tours the tour guide will need to follow an itinerary.

  An itinerary will include information about:

  • accommodation.
  • meals.
  • transport.
  • attractions.

  It may also include:

  • times and places to pick up clients.
  • travel times and distances to sites of interest.
  • comfort stops.

  The tour guide will require information to manage the tour, such as:

  • passenger itinerary - start and finish times each day, where you are going and how long you will be there.
  • tour brief - information to tell clients at the beginning of the day and along the way.
  • Passenger lists and profiles - names of clients, special needs and requests, emergency contacts.
  • Rooming information - who is staying in what type of room - single, double, twin share? Any special requirements?
  • Catering - special dietary requirements of the clients.
  • Supplies - lists of required supplies and equipment for tour.

  Each morning the tour guide should:

  • give the clients a run-down of the day's activities and meals.
  • answer any questions.
  • do a head count, checked against the passenger list.

• Say It

  There are 2 parts in this section.

  1. The Glossary

  The glossary lists the more difficult words related to the topic in alphabetical order. The glossary also gives the meaning for each word.

  2. Look, Cover, Write, Check!

  This activity gives you practice at remembering and writing the words from the glossary.

• The Glossary

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• Do It: Pre-departure Documentation

  

• Do It: Load Capacity

  

• Do It: Tour Documentation for Guides

  

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