4WD Training Courses
Courses are free to members and associate organizations. We are not a Registered Training Organization. We do not issue certificates of accreditation.
Dates will be published via the group email.
Prac Day Requirements. You must be capable of controlling a vehicle in difficult driving conditions – not have had an operation within the past 2 months and have a valid Australian or Int’l. Driver’s Licence. Read more . . .
Ongoing Training. We encourage you to attend as many theory nights as you can. – you will always learn something new. Every trip is a learning experience. Ask the Trip Leader or any Instructor if you have a question. They are always happy to help.
Proficiency Four Wheel Driving Course
This is an introduction to Four Wheel Driving course and consists of a theory night and a practical day. Completing this course (or an equivalent course) is a prerequisite to attending our Medium rated or harder trips.
100 Proficiency 4WD Theory – An Introduction to 4WDriving
Duration: 3 hrs.
Prerequisites: nil.
This course was developed by Four Wheel Drive Victoria . The theory session covers the safe operation of a 4WD in a variety of terrains.
110 Proficiency 4WD Practical – An Introduction to 4WDriving.
Duration: 1 day in State Forest.
Prerequisites: 100 – Proficiency 4WD Theory.
The prac day will be in a State Forest where you will learn safe driving techniques to ascend and descend steep hills along with safe recovery techniques using 2 vehicles.
You must complete the theory session before you can participate in the prac day. This course is a pre-requisite to participating in Medium Rated Trips at St Alfred’s 4WD Group.
(Medium Rated Trip: Tracks with some steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. May have shallow water crossings. Vehicle recovery is unlikely to be required.)
Vehicle Maintenance
200 Introduction to Vehicle Maintenance – Theory
Duration: 3 hrs.
Prerequisites: nil.
An introduction to maintaining a 4WD which travels in harsh conditions.
210 Introduction to Vehicle Maintenance – Practical Day
Duration: 1 day
Prerequisites: 200 – Introduction to Vehicle Maintenance – Theory
We will perform a basic vehicle service (oil and filter change), look at the fuel and cooling systems and give the vehicle a pre-trip inspection.
Advanced Four Wheel Driving Course
This course consists of a compulsory theory night (300 – Advanced 4WD Theory) and your choice of practical days. You must first have completed 101 – Proficiency 4WD Course (see above) or an equivalent Four Wheel Drive Victoria course.
300 Advanced 4WD Theory. This theory session is a prerequisite for attending our Difficult or harder rated trips.
Duration: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: 101 – Proficiency 4WD Course
310 Advanced 4WD Practical Day
Duration: 1 day in State Forest.
Prerequisites: 300 – Advanced 4WD Theory
This course covers driving techniques required for more difficult terrain with steep, slippery and/or deeply rutted sections. Single vehicle recovery techniques will also be demonstrated.
If providing your own vehicle, a 2 inch lift and all-terrain tyres are recommended.
320 Mud Driving Practical Day
Duration: 1 day in State Forest.
Prerequisites: 300 – Advanced 4WD Theory
This course can be hard on your vehicle.
330 Sand Driving Practical Weekend
Duration: 2½ days.
Prerequisites: 300 – Advanced 4WD Theory.
We will spend one day driving in soft sand and practising recovery techniques. The rest of the time will be spent travelling to and from the prac area. Choice of South Australian beaches or Northern Victoria sand dunes. (Note to Missionaries – Church Hall accommodation can be provided in Northern Vic.)
340 River Crossings and Mountains Practical Weekend
Duration: 2½ days.
Prerequisites: 300 – Advanced 4WD Theory.
Accommodation: Caravan park cabins.
We will travel to the high country in Victoria where we will do 20+ river crossings and view the scenery from the top of some spectacular mountain climbs.