4WD Training – Operate And Maintain 4WD Vehicles

The 6 primary areas of focus for the 4WD Training Operate and Maintain 4WD Vehicles 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 

Plan for minimal environmental impact

• Determine types of impact likely to occur during 4×4 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 

Perform pre-departure checks

• Perform routine pre-departure checks under the bonnet, under the body, on external and internal items and accessories 
• Take action to correct any deficiency 
• Determine food and water requirements for the journey 
• Select navigation equipment 
• Interpret weather conditions, determine suitability for driving 
• Apply safe vehicle loading practices 
• Secure items of personal luggage 
• Advise passengers of any special safety precautions to be taken when traversing rough terrain 

Use four-wheel drive mode

• Operate four-wheel drive both on and off road, in accordance with road rules, principles of four-wheel driving and WHS regulations 
• 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, negotiate a range of terrain types whilst maintaining control of vehicle, being aware of contextual/environment issues 
• Maintain appropriate hand positioning on steering wheel 
• Check brakes and undercarriage after negotiating varying terrain 
• Assess and perform repairs to damaged tracks 
• Use standard operating procedures when travelling in company with other vehicles 

Coordinate and recover a vehicle

• 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 
• Return recovery equipment to a reusable condition 

Perform maintenance and minor repairs on four-wheel drive vehicles

• Select/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/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 course, you will receive a certificate which 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 Training Operate and Maintain a 4WD ‘Statement of attainment’ is for the Nationally Accredited Units of Competency:

• RIIVEH305F – Operate and maintain a 4WD Vehicle

The Certificate is usually needed as evidence for your employer for safety and compliance requirements.