Should I do a beginner 4WD course

[MB]

For sure bro!
A vicous circle as learnt off others too, so on and so on round and round it goes until someone gets hurt!


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[Hodge]

I've been contemplating doing a course for ages now. I will admit, despite owning a 4x4 for ages now, I am not that experienced.
I wouldn't be great at judging and choosing a line over an obstacle, up a hill , down a rutty track etc...
Everytime I did do some considerable 4x4, I've been in a convoy, a sheep. Look what the car in front me done, I'm going to do the same. Just point the patrol at it and onwards and upwards ...
Same goes for recoveries , winching etc...
There is a 4x4 course in weribee somewhere a few workmates have done and rate it highly .
But I'm sure there is others around. I know Nissan 4x4 club have a great course they put you through also.

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[Cuppa]

Affiliated with 4wd Vic would be a bonus. Visit the 4WD Vic website for a list of affiliates.

https://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/

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I'll second that. Affiliated clubs provide a standardised training course, which is what I did. Once done it you are covered to go on any other affiliated club trip. The club members who are the trainers get trained by 4wd Victoria. Our local Club (Ballarat District 4wd Club) do two courses per year.

[Ben-e-boy]

I've been contemplating doing a course for ages now. I will admit, despite owning a 4x4 for ages now, I am not that experienced.
I wouldn't be great at judging and choosing a line over an obstacle, up a hill , down a rutty track etc...
Everytime I did do some considerable 4x4, I've been in a convoy, a sheep. Look what the car in front me done, I'm going to do the same. Just point the patrol at it and onwards and upwards ...
Same goes for recoveries , winching etc...
There is a 4x4 course in weribee somewhere a few workmates have done and rate it highly .
But I'm sure there is others around. I know Nissan 4x4 club have a great course they put you through also.

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Were you a dirt bike rider at any stage in your life?

I am a firm believer that some of the skills/mindset used on a dirt bike for line selection can be transferred (and further adjusted) to 4wding.

[Plasnart]

Were you a dirt bike rider at any stage in your life?

I am a firm believer that some of the skills/mindset used on a dirt bike for line selection can be transferred (and further adjusted) to 4wding.

Yes absolutely easier crossover with offroad bike skills. Driving lines, gear, momentum/traction consideration similarities.

[MudRunnerTD]

A 4wd course really isnt about teaching you to pick the best line, you get that from day trips with clubs practicing skills. I agree single trail bike riding will help with your lines for sure.

The skills taught at a begginers 4wd course are about safety mainly.

Engine braking safety stops. Stall stops and takeoff. Driving through brakes during a decent.

Practicing going over different terrains ie. Wombat holes, obstacles. Lean over angles teaching you how far your car will lean over. Feel it safely.

Safe use of basic recovery equipment and how to use it.

Back to basics education about Safety and your Car is a great place to start. Driving with club members that have all undertaken similar training and practice safe techniques builds a great foundation.

[Hodge]

Were you a dirt bike rider at any stage in your life?

I am a firm believer that some of the skills/mindset used on a dirt bike for line selection can be transferred (and further adjusted) to 4wding.

No.
But have done downhill mountain bike for 8 or so years in my younger years. Does that count ? Lol

But that's a very good point you've brought up. The concept of balance and line selection process on dirt bikes is foundation to how you would you about in a 4x4.

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[Plasnart]

A 4wd course really isnt about teaching you to pick the best line, you get that from day trips with clubs practicing skills. I agree single trail bike riding will help with your lines for sure.

The skills taught at a begginers 4wd course are about safety mainly.

Engine braking safety stops. Stall stops and takeoff. Driving through brakes during a decent.

Practicing going over different terrains ie. Wombat holes, obstacles. Lean over angles teaching you how far your car will lean over. Feel it safely.

Safe use of basic recovery equipment and how to use it.

Back to basics education about Safety and your Car is a great place to start. Driving with club members that have all undertaken similar training and practice safe techniques builds a great foundation.

Absolutely attitude and recovery lessons should come from reputable 4x4 club.

[Cuppa]

Yes absolutely easier crossover with offroad bike skills. Driving lines, gear, momentum/traction consideration similarities.

The need to pick lines is certainly transferable, but the lines to pick are generally totally different. The biggest difference I found (& still find) is the fact that you have to think further ahead in a 4wd often, because you cant see where your front wheels are, so you have suss out your lines earlier & remember what you are about to drive over, rather than seeing it as you go.
Seeing nothing but sky over the top of the bonnet is a 'bit different'.

I reckon another transferable 'skill' is that of 'trusting that your machine can 'do it'. I've now had plenty of times where the track ahead looked pretty daunting to me (& MrsTea) but having got up it/through it/past it have smiled at MrsTea & commented how easily the Patrol managed it! Each time that happens is a real confidence builder.

[Ben-e-boy]

A 4wd course really isnt about teaching you to pick the best line, you get that from day trips with clubs practicing skills. I agree single trail bike riding will help with your lines for sure.

The skills taught at a begginers 4wd course are about safety mainly.

Engine braking safety stops. Stall stops and takeoff. Driving through brakes during a decent.

Practicing going over different terrains ie. Wombat holes, obstacles. Lean over angles teaching you how far your car will lean over. Feel it safely.

Safe use of basic recovery equipment and how to use it.

Back to basics education about Safety and your Car is a great place to start. Driving with club members that have all undertaken similar training and practice safe techniques builds a great foundation.

I agree with everything there. I do believe that some basic line selecting techniques/theories should be heavily incorporated into the general course, purely because it can aid the already taught components of the course whilst promoting a bit of critical thinking on the drivers behalf and help avoid a lock stomp and steer mentality or just 'give it some berries'