One-day training course – Berkshire 4x4

09:15 Arrive for refreshments and registration
09:30 Introduction to include:
Trainee background – previous experience, fitness, perception of off road driving
Vehicle mechanics – approach, depart and ramp-over angles, body overhangs,
ground clearance, stability, differentials and axles
Vehicle checks – fluid levels, damage, loose items and tyres
Vehicle controls – high/low range gears, centre diff, 4WD controls, transmission brakes
Safety Brief
Seatbelts and harnesses
Entering and securing the vehicle
10:00 Practical demonstration
Failed hill climb – loss of traction
Failed hill climb – stalled engine
10:15 Trainee driving begins
Practical driving under tuition to include:
Use of controls – brake, clutch, accelerator and steering – progressive use and
ease-back techniques.
Flat open ground – some ruts
Moving off up or down minor hills – coordination of clutch and foot brake.
Observation
Reading the ground
Driving in ruts
Cross-axle situations – Dangers, checking ahead, traction, recovery.
Crossing ditches, ruts and gulleys – risks, low speed momentum, angles of approach
and narrow crossings.
Short ascents and descents – risks, selecting correct gear, runaway vehicles, loss of control,
ruts and hollows, choosing practical routes, steering when clear and safe stop areas.
Stall ascent practice
Loss of traction ascent practice
Minor side slopes – Risks, rollover, loose or collapsing slopes, load shifting, use of steering,
looking ahead, recovery down the slope, safe stop position and acceptable side slopes.
Moderate ascents and descents – surface, incline, length and camber.
Runaway vehicle, gear selection, power and momentum, acceptable slopes.
Reading the ground – Driving for types of surface, variable traction and possible damage
to drive system, power absorbing and power limiting surfaces, run-out and escape routes.
Rutted ground – Driving above ruts, planning wheel tracks, precise steering and feedback,
risk of falling in.
Cross axle – further practice, use of diff locks, risk of roll over situations, soft side slopes
and risk of instability.
Cadence braking – Possible loss of directional control, may stall engine on manual vehicle,
use for transmission failure.
Reverse ascent and descent – limited gear selection, adverse shift of weight to front axle,
limited vision, reasons for avoiding reverse descent and ascent.
Reverse failed ascent – slewing in reverse, steering in reverse and secure hill hold with
use of foot brake.
Returning to the road after off road use
Final debrief and feedback session – possible need for further training discussed.
Finish by 16:00

Course times are based on 2 trainees to one instructor