4×4 Driver Training: Is it necessary and how do you select an instructor?
Safety should always be your top priority when off-road driving, not only for yourself and your passengers, but also for the sake of spectators and the environment. Proper training will ensure that you do not get into uncomfortable situations where another driver must rescue you, because you will know what to avoid and how to approach any obstacle. If you feel unsure about how to navigate over challenging terrain, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional training or guidance.
4×4 driver training can be very useful, especially for those who are new to off-road driving or are planning to take their vehicles into more challenging terrain than you are used to. Proper training can teach you the necessary skills and techniques to handle your vehicle safely and confidently in different conditions. Whether or not it is necessary to call on a professional depends on your level of experience and the type of driving you plan to do. If you are considering easy to moderate trails, you may not need formal training (YouTube sometimes goes a long way). However, if you plan to tackle steep hills, rocks, and deep mud, training is highly recommended.
When selecting an instructor, it is important to choose someone who is experienced and knowledgeable in off-road driving. Look for an instructor who has experience in the specific type of driving you plan to do, such as rock crawling or mud driving. Off-road driving encompasses a wide range of activities, and each type of driving requires different skills and techniques. For example, if you are planning to do rock crawling, you will want to find an instructor who is experienced in navigating over challenging terrain with large rocks, steep inclines, and uneven surfaces. Navigating over challenging terrain with large rocks, steep inclines, and uneven surfaces requires a combination of driving techniques, vehicle control, and careful decision-making, which an experienced tutor can help you with. For instance, a knowledgeable trainer will know when you may need to use low-range gearing to gain more torque and control over your vehicle. He will also show you how to choose the right line: the best path through the terrain may not always be the most direct route. With the help of a trainer you can learn how to choose a path that minimizes the risk of vehicle damage and maximizes traction. In doing so, you can avoid large rocks or obstacles that may cause your vehicle to become stuck or high-centered.
Because different types of terrain require different driving techniques, training can help you learn how to tackle steep inclines, and use a technique called “feathering” the throttle, where you apply a little bit of gas, then ease off, then apply again. This technique helps to maintain momentum and control but is something you must practice (preferably under the watching eye of an experienced driver or tutor). The tutor comes in handy as a “spotter,” when he guides you through the obstacle from outside the vehicle.
Your tutor will instruct you on keeping your momentum once you start climbing or descending, and try to maintain a steady speed. There is a risk that you could approach too fast or lose control of the vehicle so the trainer can immediately let you know what to do, and make sure that you do not the brakes excessively, as they can cause your wheels to lock up and lose traction.
Because off-road driving can be challenging and unpredictable, so it’s important to stay focused and alert at all times. An extra set of eyes on the terrain ahead comes in useful, especially if an experienced driver can guide you on how to adjust your driving techniques or line as needed, while you are still on the approach.
If you plan to do mud driving, you will want to find an instructor who can teach you how to navigate through deep mud and water, as well as how to maintain traction and control in those conditions. Navigating your 4×4 through muddy terrain requires careful driving techniques to maintain traction and control, and a tutor will be able to give you helpful tips for driving. One of the techniques that a rookie will not be aware of, is the use of a rocking motion to free your vehicle. The tutor will teach you how to shift between drive and reverse, using short bursts of acceleration to move forward and backward. This takes practice and a demonstration would be better than verbal instructions alone.
Navigating through dunes and loose sand requires yet another set of driving techniques than other types of terrain. Your tutor will check whether your tires are appropriate for sand driving, and advise you to look for tires with wide treads to increase the surface area of the tire in contact with the sand and to reduce air pressure, to the same effect. The tutor will warn you to void sudden turns, accelerations, or braking, as these can cause your wheels to lose traction and sink into the sand. When driving up a dune, your tutor can demonstrate the use of a technique called “momentum driving,” where you gain speed at the bottom of the dune to carry you over the top. When driving down a dune, he will show you how to use a technique called “feathering the brakes,” where you lightly apply the brakes to control your speed and avoid sliding. If you get stuck in the sand, and you will have to use recovery gear to pull your vehicle out, your tutor can show you the ropes (literally). There are certain ways to use a shovel, traction mats, the winch, recovery straps, or a high-lift jack to pull your vehicle out, that you might not be aware of yet.
By choosing an experienced and knowledgeable instructor, you can learn these specific skills and techniques and gain the confidence and knowledge to handle your vehicle safely and effectively in a variety of challenging conditions. When searching for an off-road driving instructor, look for someone who has experience in the type of driving you want to do, and who has a good reputation in the off-road community. You can start by asking for recommendations from other off-road enthusiasts, searching online for reviews and testimonials, or contacting local off-road clubs or organizations for recommendations. You can also search for independent off-road driving schools or instructors online. Be sure to read reviews and check the instructor’s credentials before signing up for a course.
At N1 4X4 we have years of experience and a network of knowledgeable off-road enthusiasts to refer you to. Book a spot at our workshop and bring your 4×4 to us for a service or repairs, and get a few good tips from the team while you are here!
Visit our website at https://n14x4.co.za/category/rmi-certified-workshop/
N1 4X4 is one of South Africa’s biggest suppliers of new, used & reconditioned parts for Cruisers and Toyota 4WD’S.
