The reality is that modern four-wheel drive vehicles are probably more capable than most of the people who are driving them. Which is a bad thing, because while they’ll take you to some amazing places – they’ll also put you into some hairy situations where you can quickly get in over your head. Luckily, there’s an easy solution – get yourself some proper four-wheel drive training. The best off-road upgrade you can make is to yourself.
Whether your 4X4 has magic buttons or an old school second stick, you have a responsibility to know how to evaluate and safely tackle off-road obstacles and perform a self-recovery when your vehicle gets stuck.
If you’re in a 4X4 club ask them about training or look for a professional 4X4 training course from a company that:
Offers a nationally recognised course – you might not need an official piece of paper, but a company who can provide a qualification has to have met certain standards in training capability and course content.
Has qualified trainers who can impart key concepts clearly and who have extensive 4X4 experience.
Has dedicated training facilities or locations that provide controlled, repeatable training experiences.
Provides a variety of training either within a single “all terrain” course or over dedicated courses that you can select to match your prime interest e.g. sand driving or bush terrain.
Has a low instructor to trainee ratio so you can expect some dedicated one-on-one instruction.
Allows your partner or family to attend as well so they all get an understanding about the right way to enjoy the off-road experience.
ACT
ACT 4WD Club
Members of the ACT 4WD Club benefit from regular club training events on topics like winch recoveries, using chainsaws or unique snow and mud driving requirements. The club training coordinator also organises formal 4X4 training to ensure members can safely and proficiently participate in the more challenging club trips.
Contact the club for membership details. Course costs vary depending on attendee numbers and course content.
act4wdclub.org.au/training/
Great Divide Tours
Great Divide Tours has a dedicated training facility on a bushland property on the outskirts of Braidwood in the Southern Highlands of NSW (one hour from Canberra or three hours from Sydney). Choose from three courses – introductory, advanced or towing – all run over a weekend and include bush camping on site.
Two day training programme: $595 per vehicle with up to
two drivers, additional adults – $150, children under 16 – $50
greatdividetours.com.au/driver-training.htm/
New South Wales
Australian 4×4 Training
The focus for Australian 4×4 Training is delivering practical training on actual bush tracks – and they don’t mind admitting some of the tracks are rough… just like the real bush. Nationally accredited training suitable for novices through to those with four-wheel drive experience is conducted over one or two-days with a maximum of six vehicles per course.
One day: $325 per driver
(no charge for non-participating adult/ children)
Two day: $425 per driver
One-on-one courses: $440/day or $660/two days
australian-4×4.com.au
Getabout Training Services
Getabout’s professional instructors have been conducting competency based training courses for over 15 years to ensure that participants achieve the skills necessary for safe and enjoyable four-wheel driving. Accredited courses range from one to two days and from basic to advanced levels. Both basic and towing courses are conducted in multiple states.
One day basic courses: approximately $395/person
(venue dependent)
Two day Advanced 4WD and Recovery in Lithgow:
$495 first person; $250 extra person
getabout.edu.au
Northern Territory
Eagle Training
Eagle Training provide an accredited two-day course run out of Darwin or Alice Springs. Courses consist of four hours theory and 12 hours of in-vehicle practical training along designated training routes for all levels of experience. Participants travel in small groups in Eagle Training provided 4X4s, with a designated instructor for the duration of the course.
Two day 4X4 Training: $640/person
eagletraining.com.au/course/driving/4-wheel-drive-training
Trainsafe NT
An endorsed provider for the NT government, Trainsafe NT run nationally accredited training out of Darwin or Alice Springs. The two-day courses are restricted to a maximum of ten participants to ensure appropriate individual instruction. Typically courses are split as 20 per cent theory and 80 per cent practical components.
Darwin: $549 per person.
Maximum three participants per vehicle
Alice Springs: $390 per person.
Maximum three participants per vehicle
trainsafe.net/current-courses/4-wd-courses
Queensland
Australian 4WD
& Advanced Driver Education
Australian 4WD & Advanced Driver Education is dedicated to covering the full range of driver training – from learner drivers starting in a driving simulator to advanced 4X4 training in bush or sand, recovery, towing and even basic mechanical and servicing or trip preparation and leadership (perfect for 4X4 clubs).
Half Day (Sand Driving / Towing): $230.
Full Day (4WDriving in the Bush /
Defensive Driving / Advanced Recovery): $275.
Costs are for one driver who is assessed for accreditation –partners may attend and participate at no additional cost.
australian4wd.com.au/courses.html#.VA7RzkufU7k
Australian Offroad Academy
The Australian Offroad Academy provides recreational and commercial accredited courses for four-wheel drivers of all skill levels. Their courses are run at multiple locations including Queensland’s iconic sand driving experience – yep; you can actually do your training on Fraser Island. What a great way to build confidence before tackling an extended Fraser getaway.
Recreational 4WDriving
– one person $335, two drivers in one car $435
Sand Driving – $380 per vehicle
Advanced Recreational 4WDriving
– one person $305, two drivers in one car $510
Training on Fraser Island (includes barge fees)
– $510 per vehicle (includes two drivers)
South Australia
Adventure 4WD
Adventure 4WD have been passionate about delivering quality 4X4 training to corporate and recreational clients since 1993. Choose from one-and-a-half day introductory courses (with the half day being the theory session) or a two day southern Flinders Ranges exploration trek with fabulous scenery to enjoy while learning your four-wheel driving capabilities.
One-and-a-half day First Time Out
– $460 per vehicle including up to two drivers
Two Day Weekend Walkabout
– $780 per vehicle including up to two drivers
$100 per additional adult,
$70 per additional child (12 years and under)
One day Tow My Camper
– $750 per vehicle including up to two drivers
adventure4wd.com.au
Follow Me 4WD
Follow Me 4WD conducts one and two day courses from basic to advanced four-wheel driving and specialist courses such as sand driving and winching. Courses are accredited to national standards and delivered by highly experienced instructors.
Basic 4WD – One day $550 / Two Day $750
Advanced 4WD – One day $595. Extra trainee in same vehicle $50
Sand Driving – One day $495
Winch Recovery – $355
followme4wd.com.au
Tasmania
4WD Tasmania
The peak body for 4X4 Clubs in Tasmania provides nationally accredited training to ensure participants can safely enjoy Tasmanian wilderness trails whether they are beginners or advanced four-wheel drivers. Both basic and advanced courses run over two days at locations easily accessible from major centres such as Hobart and Launceston.
Four Wheel Driving and Vehicle Recovery Course – $220/person
Advanced Driving and Recovery Course – $250/person
4wdtasmania.org
Motor Safe Tasmania
One-day 4WD and Recovery courses are conducted by Motor Safe Tasmania at purpose built training facilities at Symmons Plains and Baskerville. The emphasis is teaching drivers how to operate 4X4s safely without putting themselves in danger or doing damage to the vehicle, while lessening the potential impact to the environment.
One day course – $395/person
motorsafetas.com.au
Victoria
Melbourne 4×4 Training
& Proving Ground
The Melbourne 4X4 Training and Proving Ground provides a unique 80 acres of natural and man-made 4X4 challenges 25 minutes west of Melbourne’s CBD in the Werribee Gorge. Both accredited and personal development training is provided with a maximum of ten vehicles on any course delivered by qualified instructors at basic, intermediate and advanced levels.
One day course: $300.00 per driver, $230.00
for a secondary driver, and $50.00 per passenger
(includes lunch and refreshments)
melbourne4x4.com.au
Mountain Top Experience
Choose from a one day introductory course near Morwell or two day residential course at Mountain Top Experience’s training facility in Rawson for advanced training in rugged terrain. Discussion sessions are based around real-life experiences (including analysis of accidents and rescues). Driving sessions allow participants to take vehicles to their limits, safely. Courses are not accredited but are designed to exceed requirements of national standards.
One day course: $110 per vehicle (bring a picnic
lunch and as many passengers as you wish)
Two day course $250 (non-participating partners
/family $50 each) plus accommodation
mountaintopexperience.com
Western Australia
Eureka 4WD Training
Dedicated and passionate 4X4 training providers for over twenty years whose recreational training stresses involving the family in a fun way while covering the topics required for nationally accredited qualifications. Dedicated training facilities and licensed to use DPaW locations.
One day introductory, sand or bush terrain courses:
$275 per vehicle and all licensed drivers in the
vehicle are encouraged to participate.
eureka4wd.com.au
Global Gypsies
As long-time leaders of award winning tagalong tours, Global Gypsies are extremely familiar with the training you need to tackle real world 4X4 obstacles. GG provide corporate (accredited) and recreational training, plus caravan towing instruction.
One day recreational sand or bush courses:
First student in vehicle $275, additional
students $75, and observers in vehicle free
Half day personalised caravan/camper
towing training: $385 (up to two people)globalgypsies.com.au/training/
TIP
It’s not a bad idea to do some light reading on proper four-wheel drive technique before arriving to make yourself more familiar with the subjects, just don’t try to teach the instructor anything.
We recommend Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Starter Guide, and the training stories you can read here in Unsealed 4X4.
Thank you for all your pages here. I have some experience in 4WD and plan to go on a self drive through southern Africa. I have found the information on your pages easy to read and very informative.