Light 4WD off-road training

Master off-road terrain with confidence in our expert-led driving course for drivers of utes, SUVs and crossovers

$120 +GST per person ($138.00)

Light 4WD off-road training

Master off-road terrain with confidence in our expert-led driving course for drivers of utes, SUVs and crossovers

Driving off-road means facing unique risks that standard driver training doesn't address. This comprehensive course transforms everyday drivers into confident, capable off-road operators who understand not just how to drive, but how to assess risks, protect expensive company vehicles, and make sound decisions when help is hours away.

This course goes far beyond basic 4WD operation. You'll learn critical skills like reading terrain to prevent rollovers, managing vehicle dynamics on side slopes, recovering stuck vehicles safely, and navigating everything from deep mud to rocky tracks, and water crossings to wet sand. They'll understand how to properly inspect and prepare vehicles, manage loads for stability, and use recovery equipment without creating workplace hazards. Most importantly, they'll develop the judgment to know when to proceed and when to find another route—potentially saving your organisation from costly vehicle damage, workplace incidents, and productivity losses.

Protect your investment in vehicles, equipment, and most importantly, people. Drivers who complete this course won't just be safer drivers, they'll be more efficient operators who understand how to minimise wear on vehicles, reduce environmental impact, and complete challenging journeys without incident. 

  • Does the course contain practical training?

    It can do! 

    You can use this course as an online-only course - it's comprehensive and you have access for 6 months to digest the information and try the techniques and strategies. You can also purchase extra in-vehicle training that augments this course (i.e. you'll do this course online first, then do the in-vehicle training). Call TR Driver Training on 0800 637 000 to discuss the options and locations.

  • Who should do this course?

    • Those who drive off-road for work (e.g. agricultural & forestry workers, service engineers and rural trades)
    • Tour operators
    • Conservation workers and volunteers
    • Emergency service drivers
    • 4WD enthusiasts and hobbyists (hunters, fishers and campers)

  • Can you get unit standards with this course?

    Please call TR Driver Training on 0800 637 000 to discuss your requirements.

    The course contains information from the following unit standard requirements:

     

    US17676: Carry out a pre-start vehicle check on a vehicle or machine, and start and shut down the vehicle or machine

    US17678: Drive a light motor vehicle on unsealed road surfaces

    US17976: Demonstrate knowledge of operating a light 4WD vehicle in an off-road environment

    US17977: Develop a plan for off-road light four-wheel drive (4WD) driving

    US17978: Operate a light 4WD vehicle in an off-road environment

    US18138: Fit and remove vehicle chains

    US20620: Develop a recovery plan and safely recover a light 4WD vehicle

    US20848: Demonstrate knowledge of and skills for driving a light four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle on-road

  • What do you get with the course?

    Full access to all training materials for 6 months

    Study in your own time at your own pace, take the modules as many times as you need to and really get to know the information. You can access it on any computer, smartphone or tablet wherever there's an internet connection available.

    Each module has questions after it to cement a driver's understanding of the concepts demonstrated.

    If you are purchasing practical training from TR Driver Training that accompanies this course, they will liaise with you regarding locations, vehicles and other details.

    Management

    If you're managing other drivers, you can add more managers at no extra cost. They can download detailed reports, plus track and manage drivers. Managers can generate certificates on completion of the course.

    The driver can take a couple of months to finish the modules and can come back to it as a refresher anytime until the course access expires - this is great if you need to do any remedial work with them. 

    Set up is free, whether you are purchasing one course licence or a hundred course licences.

$120 +GST per person ($138.00)

Off-road four-wheel drive training course

 

Certificate of Completion

 

Approximately 5 hours

 

Full access for 6 months

Course provider logo

Course provided by
TR Driver Training

TR Driver Training specialises in heavy and light commercial and rural vehicle training nationwide, call us on 0800 637 000

Training modules

Your courses
Take training modules

Off-road driving and vehicle basics

  • Introduction to light 4WD vehicles
    In this module, you'll learn what defines a light 4WD vehicle, understand the key categories and features that distinguish them from standard vehicles, and appreciate the responsibilities that come with operating them.
    4 minutes
  • Vehicle configurations
    Learn about the three main categories of light 4WD vehicles (utes, SUVs, and crossovers), understand their distinctive features, capabilities and limitations, and discover how to select the most appropriate vehicle configuration for your specific work or recreational needs.
    5 minutes
  • Vehicle clearances
    Find out how your vehicle's clearance dimensions determine what obstacles it can safely navigate, with approach, departure and ramp-over angles, ground clearance, width and height all affecting your off-road capability.
    8 minutes
  • Modern vehicle systems
    Discover how modern 4WD vehicles use sophisticated electronic systems to enhance off-road performance, including traction control, ABS, hill descent control and various drive modes.
    6 minutes
  • Basic vehicle mechanics
    The essential mechanical components of 4WD vehicles and how these systems work together to provide off-road capability.
    8 minutes
  • Understanding transmissions
    How automatic and manual transmissions work in 4WD vehicles, the critical role of transfer cases in providing low-range capability, how to select appropriate gears for different off-road scenarios, and mastering techniques for preventing transmission wind-up and managing heat in challenging terrain.
    6 minutes
  • Suspension and axle systems
    Exploring the purpose and functionality of suspension and axle systems in 4WD vehicles, including the differences between live axles and independent suspension, how various spring types work to absorb impacts, and how understanding these systems can improve off-road driving technique and vehicle longevity.
    5 minutes

Legal and workplace

  • Health and Safety at Work Act
    A focus on the key concepts of PCBUs and their duties, the principle of "reasonably practicable," worker engagement requirements, officers' due diligence obligations, and the shared responsibility approach that aims to create a proactive safety culture in workplaces.
    5 minutes
  • Incident reporting
    A comprehensive examination of incident reporting systems, processes, and requirements for off-road driving incidents, emphasizing the importance of thorough documentation for prevention, learning, and legal compliance.
    6 minutes
  • Risk management
    Risk management combines systematic hazard identification and assessment with practical control measures to create safer off-road driving experiences.
    5 minutes
  • Vehicle registration and licensing
    The legal framework for vehicle registration and licensing to ensure all vehicles are roadworthy, properly documented, and suitable for their intended use.
    4 minutes

Preparation

  • Pre-operation checks
    The comprehensive vehicle inspection process that ensures safety, legal compliance, and mechanical readiness by systematically examining external condition, fluid levels, electrical systems, and potential mechanical issues before off-road travel.
    5 minutes
  • Vehicle maintenance
    Vehicle maintenance procedures for light 4WD vehicles, focusing on understanding company policies, service schedules, and identifying which maintenance tasks can be performed in-house versus those requiring professional expertise.
    7 minutes
  • Essential equipment
    Essential equipment required for light 4WD vehicles, focusing on recovery tools, communication devices, navigation aids, safety equipment, and storage solutions that enable safe and efficient operation in remote or challenging environments.
    8 minutes
  • Trip planning
    Comprehensive trip planning for light 4WD vehicles, focusing on considerations such as weather, route selection, timing, resource management, communication protocols, vehicle preparation, and environmental impact.
    6 minutes
  • Regional requirements
    Regional variations across that impact light 4WD vehicle operations, including local council regulations, environmental considerations, weather patterns, access protocols, emergency services capabilities, and cultural sensitivities that affect planning and execution of remote area work.
    5 minutes
  • Environmental protection
    Environmental protection for off-road driving, covering pre-trip planning, driving techniques to minimise impact, and specific considerations for different ecosystems including alpine areas, beaches, wetlands, forests and waterways.
    10 minutes

Vehicle dynamics

  • Centre of gravity
    How weight distribution, vehicle dynamics, speed, and terrain interact to affect vehicle stability, and how understanding these principles enables safer operational decision-making.
    5 minutes
  • Load management
    Load dynamics, securing techniques, vehicle stability, and safety considerations when transporting equipment in challenging off-road environments.
    4 minutes
  • Transmission wind-up
    How different axle rotation speeds during turns create driveline stress, and how various vehicle systems manage this challenge to prevent mechanical damage and maintain optimal vehicle performance.
    6 minutes
  • Axle articulation
    How suspension systems allow wheels to maintain ground contact over uneven terrain, and how articulation impacts vehicle stability, traction, and performance in challenging work environments.
    7 minutes
  • Towing a trailer off-road
    Towing a trailer off-road
    8 minutes

Tyres

  • Tyre basics
    An overview of tyre selection and characteristics for light 4WD vehicles, exploring how tyre design, tread patterns, load ratings, and construction impact vehicle performance across different terrains and work environments.
    7 minutes
  • Tyre management
    An in-depth exploration of tyre pressure, performance, and management across various driving conditions, emphasising the critical relationship between tyre pressure, vehicle handling, wear patterns, and environmental factors.
    5 minutes

Driving technique

  • Basic controls
    A guide to vehicle control techniques, focusing on the nuanced differences between on-road and off-road driving, with particular emphasis on managing the accelerator, brakes, clutch, gears, and steering wheel to maintain vehicle control in challenging terrain.
    4 minutes
  • Driver development
    The comprehensive process of building technical skills, judgment, and environmental awareness through systematic learning, practice, and experience.
    5 minutes
  • Traction management
    Understanding surface conditions, vehicle dynamics, and nuanced throttle control, to balance momentum, wheel spin, and vehicle systems to navigate challenging terrain effectively.
    4 minutes
  • Manual vs automatic techniques
    Comparing manual and automatic transmission techniques for hill starts, descents, gear selection, and driving on challenging terrain, highlighting the key differences in how each transmission type manages power and speed.
    5 minutes

Terrain

  • Hill climbing
    A focus on weight distribution, vehicle dynamics, traction management, surface assessment, and the critical importance of careful approach, technique, and recovery planning when navigating uphill terrain.
    8 minutes
  • Decending
    The role of speed management, appropriate gear selection, understanding vehicle weight transfer, using engine braking, and maintaining control through gentle steering and braking in safe hill descent.
    5 minutes
  • Stall reccovery technique
    How to make a controlled response involving careful clutch and brake management to safely restart and continue driving.
    3 minutes
  • Rock driving
    How to choose lines carefully to maintain traction and minimise vehicle damage by utilising proper throttle control, tyre pressure, and protection accessories while navigating various rock features like steps, boulders, and slabs.
    7 minutes
  • Mud driving
    Understanding mud types, proper vehicle preparation, appropriate driving techniques, and post-drive vehicle cleaning to navigate safely while minimising environmental impact and vehicle damage.
    10 minutes
  • Sand driving
    Understanding sand types, using appropriate tyre pressures, maintaining steady momentum, adapting steering techniques, and considering weight distribution to prevent bogging
    7 minutes
  • Side slopes
    Understanding the physics of weight distribution, recognising warning signs, and knowing when to abort to prevent the dangers of sliding or rolling your vehicle in challenging terrain.
    11 minutes
  • Winter driving
    Specialised knowledge of different snow and ice conditions, proper vehicle preparation, appropriate chain usage, and modified ascending and descending techniques to safely navigate reduced traction environments where conditions can change rapidly and hidden hazards lurk beneath the snow.
    11 minutes
  • Ruts and washouts
    Techniques for driving a 4WD vehicle through muddy ruts, including understanding how ruts form, assessment strategies, driving techniques for following or straddling ruts, dealing with common problems like getting high-centred, and advanced techniques like the paddling technique.
    8 minutes
  • Water assessment and water crossing techniques
    Comprehensive guidance on safely navigating water crossings in 4WD vehicles, covering assessment techniques for determining water depth and flow, vehicle preparation steps, specific driving techniques for different current situations, emergency procedures, post-crossing maintenance checks, and environmental considerations.
    12 minutes

Communications and recovery

  • Convoy procedures and communication in group travel
    The benefits of group travel, pre-trip planning, vehicle positioning, communication methods, convoy protocols for various situations, the specific roles of convoy leaders, proper communication etiquette, and environmental considerations.
    9 minutes
  • Recovery equipment
    Essential 4WD recovery equipment including recovery points, rated shackles, various types of recovery straps, dampeners, recovery boards, winches and accessories, lifting equipment, and maintenance practices, with emphasis on proper ratings, quality, and safety protocols.
    12 minutes
  • Recovery techniques
    Various vehicle recovery techniques including self-recovery methods like rocking and traction improvement, vehicle-assisted recovery using pull straps and kinetic straps, and specialised approaches for water, steep slopes, and deep mud, with emphasis on safety procedures and post-recovery checks.
    12 minutes
  • Emergency response
    Comprehensive guidance on emergency response in off-road situations, covering assessment, order of care, scene stabilisation, vehicle recovery, medical emergencies, fire management, extreme weather response, communications, and essential emergency equipment.
    16 minutes
  • Post-trip procedures
    Post-trip procedures for 4WD vehicles, covering systematic vehicle inspections, terrain-specific maintenance actions, environmental considerations to prevent spreading pests or diseases, trip documentation and reporting requirements, and preparation for future trips.
    11 minutes
Your courses
Take training modules

Light 4WD off-road training

Master off-road terrain with confidence in our expert-led driving course for drivers of utes, SUVs and crossovers

$120 +GST per person ($138.00)

Select language

Suggested for you

    All languages