Training
Driver training is provided free (camping fees not included) to club members by our experienced driver training committee through formal training sessions.
The basic driver awareness program is based on the driver training manual "Drive and Recover a 4WD Vehicle" (Competency Unit SRO DRV 001A) developed by the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council.
There are two components of the Basic Driver Awareness course run by the Training Team of the Newcastle and District 4WD Club. A Theory component incorporated in the Introductory Session booklet and a Practical component undertaken in a 4 wheel drive environment.
The Theory Session will be incorporated into the Saturday morning of the Driver Awareness Course. This allows a “hands on” approach to Theory.
Introductory Session booklets will be given to participants and theory tasks will be completed before the Driver Awareness weekend.
The Driver Awareness Course will be held over a weekend beginning on the Saturday morning and finishing about 4 pm on the Sunday.
Saturday’s activities will begin with practical application of the Theory including Vehicle Familiarisation, 4WD Tyres, Pre-departure Checks, and 4WD Systems.
Practical Session modules will commence after the morning session on Saturday and include principles of four wheel driving, vehicle operation, stall/keystart procedure, driving on rocky and rutted tracks, ascents and descents, driving on inclines, mud driving, water crossings, safe use of a jack and recovery.
The Saturday night will be a camp at an appropriate venue during which the day’s activities will be discussed and modules on snow and ice driving, environmental issues, and camp etiquette will be introduced and practised.
Provision can be made for those unable to camp the Saturday night and for those wishing to attend the Practical Session over two weekends.
Theory Component includes:
Vehicle Familiarisation: 4 Wheel Drive Differences, Recovery Points, Hazards, Driving and Safety Considerations, Fire and 4WD Vehicles, Operating Angles, Clearances, Suspension Travel.
4WD Tyres: Tyre Types, Selecting Tyres, Tyre Care, Tyre Pressure.
Pre-departure Checks: Under Bonnet Checks, Under Body Checks, External and Operational Checks, Internal Checks, Accessories, Correcting Deficiencies.
4WD Systems: 4WD Explained, 4WD Components, Importance of Low Range, Part Time 4WD, Permanent 4WD, On-Demand 4WD, Assisted Traction, Transmission Wind Up.
Trip Preparation: Food and Water Requirements, Navigation Equipment, Weather Considerations, Safe Loading Practices.
Tools, Spares and First Aid: Recommendations and suggestions regarding appropriate inclusions.
Minimising Environmental Impact: Vehicle and Human Impacts, Matching Activities to the Environment, Compliance with Land Management Strategies, Other Users, and Impact Reduction.
Practical Component includes:
Primary Principles of Four Wheel Driving: Stop, Get Out and Look, Think, Assess and Decide.
Review: Vehicle Knowledge and Vehicle Preparation.
Vehicle Operation: Safety Considerations - before departure and on the Track, Accelerator Control, Braking Techniques, Appropriate Range and Drive Configuration, Gear Selection, Road Rules and Common Sense, Route Preparation and Route Selection.
Stall/Key Start Procedure: Manual Transmission Vehicle/Automatic Transmission Vehicle on both ascents and descents.
Driving on Rocky Tracks and Driving on Rutted Tracks: Reading the Track, Selecting the Line, Correct Gear Selection, Correct Speed and Approach.
Driving on Steep Up-grades and Driving on Steep Down-grades: Assessing the Obstacle, Selecting the Line, Correct Gear Selection, Correct Speed and Approach, Self-Recovery.
Driving Across Inclines: Avoid if possible, Safety and surface considerations, Wet side slopes, Importance of Centre of Gravity, Self-Recovery.
Driving on Muddy tracks and in Mud: Reading the Track, Assessing the Obstacle, Selecting the Line, Correct Gear Selection, Correct Speed and Approach, Self-Recovery and Recovery Options.
Water Crossings up to Axle Depth: Dangers of Water Crossings, Minimising Dangers, Preparation and Crossing, Applying the Primary Principles of Four Wheel Driving, Assessing the Obstacle, Selecting the Line - Entry and Exit, Use of a Water Blind and Specific Vehicle Preparation, Correct Gear Selection, Correct Speed and Approach, Self-Recovery and Recovery Options.
Snow and Ice Driving: Dangers of Snow and Ice Driving, Tyre Care and Tyre Chains, Range and Gear Selection, Braking and Turning, Safety Considerations.
Checks after Negotiating Varying Terrain: Underbody Impact Damage, Brake Hoses and Fittings, Brake Disc Obstructions, Suspension Mountings and Components, Steering Components, Housings – Differentials, Gearbox, Transfer Case, Fire Risk of Trapped Flammable Material.
Vehicle Recovery: Types of Recovery, Safety during Recovery, Checking Recovery Equipment, Assessing Situation and Appropriate Recovery Technique, Recovery Director and Duties, Recovery Communication.
Recovery Using a Snatch Strap: Safety Concerns and Considerations, Active Safety, Principle of Snatch Recovery, Demonstration and Debrief, Practical Application.
Joining Two Snatch Straps: Safety Considerations, Methods of Joining, Recommended Method.
Safe Use of a Jack on Uneven Ground: Safety Considerations, Changing a Wheel – Securing the Vehicle, Jacking Points, Lifting Techniques, Installing the Wheel, Lowering Vehicle, Checking Tyre Pressure, Securing Equipment.
Environmental Awareness: Actively addressed throughout the Practical Session and related to each driving and recovery situation.
Track Repairs: Avoiding the Need for Track Repairs, Recommended Methods of Track Repair.
Driving on Sand: Application of Power, Flotation, Gear Selection, Gear Changes, Turning and Braking, Route Selection, Vegetated Areas, Crossing Coastal or Desert Sand Dunes. (Scenario treatment).
The sand driving module will be conducted separately to the other modules at a later date. This will allow more time for sand work and the opportunity to refresh sand driving for all members. An afternoon beach trip will be held in conjunction with the sand driving training to enable practice in a trip environment.