Mandatory Driver Training

NOTE: ‘Mandatory’ courses are those required to be completed before participating in Club trips graded higher than 2.

"Safe One" Basic Driver Training

Basic driver training is designed to equip Club members to undertake Club Trips up to and including Grade 3 level.

Basic Driver Skill Training will be consistent with the Competency Units SRODRV 001 B – Drive and Recover a 4WD Vehicle and SRODRV 002 B – Drive a 4WD Vehicle in Difficult Terrain as laid down by the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council Inc.

Each training course will take place over three days. The first two days will occupy a weekend at the Club’s Training Facility followed by one day of practical driving on more difficult terrain. The curriculum, course content and assessment process will be made available to members attending this training.

This course is a pre-requisite to all other courses unless an exemption in writing is given by the Chief Instructor.

The scope of the Basic course will include, but not be limited to:

Class room training

Safety Principles;
Convoy Procedures;
What makes a 4 wheel drive a 4 Wheel drive.
- Suspension;
- Motors;
- Drive train;
- Tyres.
Vehicle inspection and maintenance;
Difficult terrain driving;
Driving Techniques;
Radio Techniques and Procedures;
Equipment;
Recovery techniques including a field demonstration of a variety of different recovery equipment and methods;
Care of the Environment.

Practical training

Stall out and hill starts, both ascending and descending;
Drive around the Club’s driving course;
Use of snatch straps;
Driving day in the field to follow up the training weekend.

The curriculum and course content including assessment processes will be made available to members undertaking the course.

Advanced Training - for Grade 4 & 5 trips

Very Difficult Terrain and Advanced Recovery.

This course is designed to equip members with the knowledge and skills to undertake Club Trips at Grade 4 & 5 level. Very Difficult Terrain and Advanced Recovery training will be consistent with the Competency Units SRODRV 002 B – Drive and Recover a 4WD Vehicle using Advanced Techniques in difficult terrain and SRODRV 003 B – Coordinate the Recovery of a 4WD Vehicle using Advanced Techniques as laid down by the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council Inc. The course will involve a combination of class room training and practical exercises.

The course will involve:

Theory

Advanced terrain appraisal;
Track building techniques;
Advanced recovery methods and techniques;
Vehicle preparation for difficult terrain.

Practical

Self led recovery exercise
3 days of practical, hands on driving in difficult terrain.

The curriculum and course content including assessment processes will be made available to members undertaking the course.