4WD Training – 4WD Skills

The primary areas of focus for the 4WD Skills Training Course include:

Understand four-wheel drive specific terms, terminology and 4WD techniques

• Access, interpret and apply four-wheel drive vehicle documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
• Identify the structural and handling differences between a conventional 2WD and a 4WD vehicle
• Identify and demonstrate the purpose and use of front wheel hubs
• Identify factors affecting tyre size, fitment, rating and pressure
• Identify recovery hooks and mounting features
• Identify hazards associated with incorrect use of vehicle features or equipment
• Familiarise yourself with the vehicle and its features

Prepare the vehicle and perform pre-departure checks

• Perform routine pre-departure checks under the bonnet, under the body, on external and internal items and accessories
• Conduct pre-start checks to identify and correct any defects
• Take action to correct any deficiency
• Determine food and water requirements for the journey
• Select navigation equipment
• Interpret weather conditions and determine suitability for driving
• Apply safe vehicle loading practices
• Secure all loads safely both inside and outside of the vehicle to prevent them from shifting during transit
• Secure items of personal luggage
• Advise passengers of any special safety precautions to be taken when traversing rough terrain

Plan and manage journeys with minimal environmental impact

• Route familiarisation and planning ahead of time
• Obtain relevant authorisations prior to departure
• Determine types of impact likely to occur during 4WD driving activities
• Demonstrate compliance with land management principles and policies when planning exploration activities
• Comply with policies and management plans relevant to the activity area
• Plan and conduct activities in a manner which minimises environmental impact
• Adopt and implement procedures to ensure minimisation of harm to the environment from four-wheel drive activities
• Demonstrate cooperation and consideration towards other land users
• Establish communication channels to ensure the journey progresses smoothly
• Monitor driving and vehicle conditions

Operate four-wheel drive vehicles safely on and off-road across various terrain

• Operate four-wheel drive both on and off-road, in accordance with road rules, principles of four-wheel driving and WHS regulations
• Drive on various terrains utilising both 2WD and 4WD functions of the vehicle
• Apply smooth accelerator control strategies over a range of terrain types
• Demonstrate recommended braking techniques for hard top surfaces and off-road conditions
• Identify situations where the engagement of four-wheel drive is required
• Engage four-wheel drive mode
• Survey track to identify hazards, assess risk and select a best route
• Select routes to minimise damage to the environment
• Use appropriate range, gear, speed, driving and braking technique to negotiate a range of terrain types whilst maintaining control of vehicle, being aware of contextual and environmental issues
• Do driving that suits road conditions
• Maintain appropriate hand positioning on steering wheel
• Check brakes and undercarriage after negotiating varying terrain
• Assess and perform repairs to damaged tracksUse standard operating procedures when travelling in company with other vehicles

Apply defensive driving techniques appropriate to field condition

• Drive defensively and use defensive driving techniques
• Ensure appropriate speeds are kept
• Understand and comply with vehicle restrictions and other requirements

Apply work procedures to ensure risk assessment, safe operating practices, and communication requirements are adhered to

• Identify equipment and methods to recover a stuck vehicle
• Identify risks associated with vehicle recovery and develop and implement strategies to minimise risks
• Identify correctly rated recovery equipment and attachment points
• Demonstrate procedures for preparing vehicles for recovery
• Identify techniques to minimise impact on the environment during vehicle recovery
• Coordinate safe recovery of a four-wheel drive vehicle using designated equipment and recovery method
• Perform post-recovery checks and report any vehicle or environmental repairs needed
• Execute various recovery techniques including jump starts, operate recovery equipment, and changing a wheel
• Return recovery equipment to a reusable condition

Finalise journey and complete required reporting

• Use communication channels to ensure a successful conclusion of the journey
• Report on faults and secure any loads
• Ensure seat belts are worn and all safety requirements are met

Perform maintenance and minor repairs on four-wheel drive vehicles

• Select and access maintenance equipment, including spares and fluids, prior to departure, considering contextual issues of the trip
• Check vehicles prior to and regularly during trip, and perform routine maintenance and repair tasks
• Submit vehicle written performance reports
• Demonstrate safe use of a jack to change a wheel on a four-wheel drive vehicle

If you successfully complete this driver training course, you will receive a certificate that indicates the Statement of Attainments as recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework. This is a nationally recognised certification. The Statement is issued by us, Harness Energy (RTO 40521).

The 4WD Skills ‘Statement of attainment’ is for the Nationally Accredited Units of Competency:

• PMASUP236 Operate vehicles in the field
• RIIVEH201E Operate a light vehicle
• RIIVEH305F Operate and maintain a four wheel drive vehicle

The Certificate is usually needed as evidence for your employer for safety and compliance requirements and enables the holder to load, unload and secure goods for safe transportation.