Driving off road in four wheel drives is much different than driving on normal roads. The Driver Education team has developed programs and partnered with specialist service providers to provide a number of different courses to assist new 4WD enthusiasts, more advanced drivers and businesses adapt from city driving to managing off road environments.
Urban to Outback
BusinessesIf your fleet drivers are required to drive in a variety of environments, from city traffic to unsealed regional roads, our Urban to Outback course can address your driver safety training requirements.
Participants are introduced to strategies to reduce their risk of being involved in road incidents in all environments, with a focus on preventive measures.
Employees receive tuition on how to meet the challenges that driving on unsealed roads can present and the correct operating procedures for 4WD vehicles. A detailed written report is provided for each participant.
Aim
This program is designed to address the techniques and strategies required to drive a variety of vehicles in diverse environments, in a safe and responsible manner.
Objectives
- improve understanding of the Australian road-crash statistics and associated costs
- to evaluate and update knowledge of the current road rules and how to apply them
- to identify common driving faults through instructor and self assessment and how to correct them
- acquire knowledge necessary to safely drive in urban and outback environments
- acquire knowledge for fundamental 4WD operation perform basic safety checks
- manage fatigue safely and responsibly responsibly share the road with other road users
Content
The Urban to Outback course combines valuable in-class theory to help participants identify high-risk driving practices with comprehensive on-road evaluation and coaching.
Theory
- appreciation of crash statistics and associated costs
- crash statistics - where crashes occur
- comprehensive road rules questionnaire and knowledge update
- the human factor - why crashes occur, including the effects of fatigue, medicines, alcohol and drugs etc
- speed - its effect on braking distance and vehicle control on a variety of surfaces
- safe driving techniques - how to minimise crash risks
- attitude (good and bad) - how it effects an individual’s driving ability
- responsibilities imposed by workplace health and safety legislation
Practical
- correct set-up (mirrors, seats etc) and shutdown procedures
- space management principles
- observation techniques and strategies
- practical on road hazard perception and risk awareness
- correct selection of 4WD functions
- braking techniques
4WD Low Range Bush Driving Course
IndividualsBusinessesThe RACQ Driver Education 4WD Low Range Bush Driving Course aims to familiarise drivers of the key features, capabilities and limitations of their off road capable vehicle.
It also develops a clear understanding of the correct and safe use of a 4WD vehicle in an off-road situation, where protection of their passengers, the vehicle and the environment can be demonstrated.
This course provides participants with the skills and knowledge required to use the appropriate range, gear and technique to drive a 4WD vehicle through and over different and difficult terrain and use basic vehicle recovery techniques.
This 4WD Low Range Bush Driving Course is an investment in your future. Providing mechanical understanding of your off-road capable vehicle, environment appreciation and correct driving techniques. You will be provided with the knowledge, techniques and confidence for all essential areas of off-road driving.
Understandably, to drive a 4WD or off-road capable vehicle efficiently requires additional skill and knowledge. Poor driving habits in a 4WD vehicle can unknowingly increase your vehicle maintenance costs considerably. The repercussions can be expensive, and potentially life threatening.
Whether driving for work or pleasure, greater emphasis is placed on the ‘duty of care’, particularly that of the employer to their employees in relation to driving of a 4WD vehicle. Too often people are injured and vehicles damaged as a result of inexperience or lack of appreciation of potential hazards. Training can significantly reduce the risk to the driver (and passengers), vehicle and the environment.
The RACQ 4WD Low Range Bush Driving Course is a full day nationally recognised, course for licensed drivers, which focuses on building effective techniques to safely drive a 4WD vehicle off road in difficult terrain. This course can be readily tailored to suit the specific requirements of individual clients.
Content
The RACQ 4WD Low Range Bush Driving Course devotes equal attention to theory and practice with a low ratio of one instructor to six participants.
Theory
- identify 4WD specific terms, terminology and techniques
- how a 4WD works and when to use high & low range
- ground clearance
- tyres and tyre pressures
- plan for minimal environmental impact
- essential and emergency 4WD equipment
- trip preparation
Practical
- vehicle inspection & pre-departure checks
- blind areas, turning circle and seating position
- ground appreciation and wheel placement
- use the features of a 4WD vehicle to drive in a wide variety of bush environments
- emergency stall/start procedure – start recovery techniques
- safe and correct use of a snatch strap and Maxtrax
4WD Advanced Recovery Course
IndividualsBusinessesVehicle recovery is classified as a high risk activity. Without the knowledge and skills to safely recover a vehicle, the situation can quickly deteriorate into a dangerous predicament in locations where emergency assistance is not readily available.
This is a comprehensive full day course which provides participants with the knowledge to develop the advanced skills required to confidently use a range of recovery equipment with due regard to safety, including Workplace Health and Safety practices.
Aim
The aim of this course is to provide participants with the advanced skills necessary to use a range of recovery equipment to safely recover four wheel drive vehicles under adverse terrain conditions.
Content
- safe operation of recovery equipment
- environmental responsibilities
- use of a snatch strap to recover a 4WD vehicle up a steep incline
- use of a winch to recover a 4WD vehicle - vehicle mounted and hand winch
- safe use of a jack - high-lift jack and exhaust jack
- maintenance of vehicle recovery equipment
Please note carefully that the RACQ 4WD Low Range Bush Course (or its equivalent) must be successfully completed prior to booking this course.
Sand Driving Course - Full Day
BusinessesThe RACQ Driver Education Sand Driving Course aims to familiarise drivers of the key features, capabilities and limitations of their off-road capable vehicle.
It also develops a clear understanding of the correct and safe use of 4WD vehicle in off-road situations, where protection of their passengers, the vehicle and the environment can be demonstrated.
This course provides participants with the skills and knowledge required to use the appropriate range, gear and technique to drive a 4WD vehicle through and over sand terrain and use basic vehicle recovery techniques.
Travelling in sand can be dangerous. There is always the risk of being bogged on your own on a beach with an incoming tide or the possibility of a roll-over arising from an ill -fated attempt to ascend a dune or sand hill. You could also be involved in an accident with another vehicle.
This RACQ Sand Driving Course will provide you with the opportunity to tackle a variety of different and challenging sand obstacles in a safe and supervised environment. This course will also provide you with confidence in your own ability and the capability of your vehicle. For the experienced driver, the course will provide the opportunity to enhance your driving skills and develop greater confidence. This will equip you to handle varying conditions.
Focusing on systematic sand driving techniques, this ‘Sand Terrain Specific’ course will enable you to pass through obstacles with greater control, while providing more safety and comfort for your passengers. The use of the correct sand driving techniques and also the right vehicle maintenance will save you money and inconvenience.
Content
The RACQ Sand Driving Course devotes equal attention to theory and practice, with a low ratio of one instructor to eight participants.
Theory
- identify 4WD specific terms, terminology and techniques
- how a 4WD works and when to use high & low range
- beach driving rules
- sand appreciation
- ground clearance
- tyres and tyre pressures
- plan for minimal environmental impact
- essential and emergency 4WD equipment
- trip preparation
Practical
- vehicle inspection & pre-departure checks
- blind areas, turning circle and seating position
- ground appreciation and wheel placement
- use the features of a 4WD vehicle to drive in a wide variety of sand terrain
- stall/start procedure – start/recovery techniques in sand conditions
- recovery techniques in sand without recovery equipment and safe and correct use of a snatch strap & Maxtrax
Sand Driving Course - Half Day
IndividualsBusinessesThe RACQ Sand Driving Course (Half Day), is a 5 hour course (approx) for licensed drivers, which focuses on building effective techniques to safely drive a 4WD vehicle off road in sand terrain.
This course aims to provide participants with the skills and knowledge required to use the appropriate range, gear and technique to drive a 4WD vehicle through and over sand terrain and use basic vehicle recovery techniques.
The RACQ Sand Driving Course (Half Day) devotes equal attention to theory and practice with a low ratio of one instructor to six participants.
Theory
- revision from the RACQ 4WD Low Range Bush Driving Course (Full Day)
- advice on equipping your vehicle for sand driving
- beach driving rules
- sand appreciation
- sand recovery equipment including safe use of a snatch strap and Maxtrax
Practical
- preparing and checking a 4WD vehicle for sand driving
- negotiating sandy terrain
- tyres and tyre pressures
- recovery techniques in sand without recovery equipment and safe and correct use of a snatch strap & Maxtrax
Please note carefully that this half day module is only available to those who have completed the RACQ 4WD Low Range Bush Driving Course (Full Day).
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