Basic Awareness Driver Training
It is compulsory for new members to complete a basic awareness course. Comprising of an evening theory session, which lasts approximately three hours, detailing Four Wheel Drive Victoria's "code of ethics". It also covers;
-
The differences between a 2WD and a 4WD vehicle,
-
How a 4WD works
-
Free wheeling hubs
-
Selectable and full time 4WD
-
When to select low range
-
Transmission windup (what it is and how it occurs)
-
Stall stop uphill and downhill for manual vehicles, and the emergency stop procedure for automatics
-
How to travel across rocks, ruts, and how to drive in mud, sand, snow, and water crossings
-
Demonstration showing the correct method required joining 2 or more snatch straps together
Practical session is a full day covering approach and departure angles, stall stop uphill and downhill, side slopes, and wheel articulation. Demonstration of the preparation needed for a river crossing and an actual river crossing. Sand driving and the difference tyre pressures make.