Driving a motor vehicle is considered a high to extreme risk activity. Driving a 4WD vehicle off road increases this risk further. For most people the operation of a vehicle becomes routine and therefore the risk of this activity is very seldom considered.
On average, four to five people are killed every day on Australian roads and over 220 people are hospitalised as a result of road incidents.
Almost 60% of work-related deaths in Australia involve vehicles. Research indicates that around 25% of all crashes involve a vehicle being driven for work purposes.
Australian 4WD Low Risk Defensive Driving Course incorporates high-level safe driving skill and knowledge required by all drivers to enable them to adopt safe driving behaviours. These are higher order skills, such as hazard perception, judgement, decision making, multi-tasking, risk control and safe driving attitudes across a range of vehicles and driving situations.
Australian 4WD & Advanced Driver Training has designed a ‘Drive Safely Training Program’, incorporating Low Risk Defensive Driving and Fatigue Management. This program is suitable for those driving both on and off road, and is something that should be considered by anyone driving a motor vehicle.
Defensive Driving Skills ~ It doesn't matter if you drive a small sedan, large family vehicle, sports car or four wheel drive vehicle Low Risk Defensive Driving skills tuition is relevant for all vehicles and ability levels. Young drivers are strongly encouraged to develop solid driving techniques and the more experienced drivers will benefit by correcting old habits and improving judgment and reactions.
Our very experience and professional trainers will teach you vehicle mastery and control by simulating everyday driving conditions and emergency situations that could confront you on the any road surfaces.
On-road driving - The driving skills of each course participant is individually assessed, using the Australian 4WD Driver Assessment Performa. The practical assessment involves the trainee driving in their usual environment, whilst being assessed. Any areas of concern in relation to driving techniques and safety are recorded and new safe driving techniques are introduced and discussed with the individual and generally with all course participants.
4WD off road driving - One of the most dangerous surfaces to travel over is gravel. Even at the best of times driving skills can be tested as gravel roads are often not engineered and/or rarely maintained. Corners, shoulders, potholes and dips can often lead to loss of control of your vehicle. Drivers who drive a 4WD vehicle are operating a vehicle that is anywhere between 500-1500kg heavier, wider and a higher centre of gravity, than a two-wheel drive vehicle.
2WD, AWD & 4WD vehicles - Participants are introduced to, practice and are assessed on criteria related to emergency stopping and steering, and applying threshold and ABS braking. This practical exercise takes trainees through practical stages demonstrating their personal awareness, reaction time and challenging their decision making under controlled pressure situations. These practical exercises are optional, however trainees are debriefed individually and collectively.
Teaching Elements
Our Low Risk Defensive Driving Course is conducted in accordance with the Competency for Standard: TLI07 Certificate I in Transport and Logistics, Drive vehicle (core skills) and covers the following teaching elements:
Theory
Difference between 2WD’s, 4WD’s and AWD’s vehicles;
Developing a Low Risk Defensive Driver, Six types of driving conditions;
Driving hazards, types of accidents, system of vehicle control;
Accident avoidance and Crash avoidance space;
Drivers behaviours, distractions, road rage, alcohol and drug affects;
Emergency procedures (tyre blowout, vehicle fire, vehicle accident, brake failure);
Fatigue Management.
Course participants are required to test their personal knowledge by answering 25 general road rule questions
Practical
Drivers seating positions, blind spots, turning circle and vehicle inspections;
Vehicle dynamics, steering and corning techniques;
Reaction time and stopping distances;
Skid control (understeer and oversteer);
Emergency braking techniques (ABS and threshold);
Tyre changing
Course participants driving skills are individually assessed, using the Australian 4WD Driver Assessment Performa.
The practical assessment involved driving in their usual environment, whilst being assessed. In addition, participants are introduced to, practice and are assessed on emergency stopping and steering, and applying threshold and ABS braking.
Course participants are debriefed individually and collectively, throughout the course.
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