Berkshire 4x4 will continue to support Solent Sea Rescue
throughout 2010.
To find out more about Solent Sea Rescue please go to their
web site by clicking here.

1 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,
secure loads, differentials and axles.
Vehicle checks – fluid levels, damage, loose items, tyres etc.
Vehicle controls – high/low range gears, centre diff, 4WD controls, transmission brakes.
Safety Brief
Seatbelts and harnesses
Entering and securing the vehicle
Key Skills needed – These are the skill areas we will work on first
Concentration – Apply your mind to safe driving
Observation – Don’t just look, but see the information in the driving environment around you.
Anticipation – Ask yourself what is happening, what you can reasonably expect to happen and what could
                   happen unexpectedly. Nothing happens ‘suddenly’
Planning – The link between seeing something and taking the appropriate action

10.15 Practical checks on vehicle and Q & A on mechanical parts
Clearances, axles, diffs, brakes etc. This will be done on your own vehicle if you have one.

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.

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.
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.
Shallow wading – checking depth, water flow, maximum wading depth, gear selection, minimum speed on entry,
removal of seatbelt in water, momentum for exit ramp, over-depth situations and drying brakes.