Light and Heavy
Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Programmes
Why do a Four Wheel Drive programme with TR Driver Training and Natural Instincts?
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You will be professionally trained by qualified and experienced instructors
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Train at one of our nationwide facilities or your own venue
*One-Day or Two-Day courses for 4WD Training meet the needs of most clients. In addition to these options, TR Driver Training / Natural Instincts can develop courses to meet specific needs

Course Aim
To ensure that drivers understand and can demonstrate basic knowledge and practical application relating to:
- The characteristics and operations of a Light or Heavy 4WD vehicle.
- Driving a 4WD vehicle in an off-road situation with due regard to safety of the:
- Driver and passengers.
- Vehicle.
- Terrain and Environment.
Course Numbers
We generally operate at a maximum of 8 trainees per trainer but can tailor courses to suit requirements either for smaller courses or by adding additional training team.
Course Structure
The course includes a mix of theory and practical sessions and includes elements relating to:
- Vehicle designs and operating systems
- Current vehicle technology
- Preparing a vehicle for use.
- Hazard identification and safety assessment specific to terrain.
- Ground composition and recognition and what driving techniques to employ
- Negotiating uneven terrain.
- Recovery from a stall while climbing.
- Stability dynamics
- Water crossings (depending on the venue).
- Understanding vehicle movement and utilising traction, momentum, gravity and centrifugal force combinations
- Introduction to recovery techniques and equipment
- Towing trailers on and off road.
In addition to these options, we can develop courses to meet specific needs of clients.
Two-Day Course Details
This is Unit Standard based. More than half the course time is spent in practical training.
Practical work covers the same range as the one-day course and may also include basic recovery techniques.
Course Details
Our four wheel drive course includes both theory and practical sessions and can cover the following unit standards
- US 17676 Carry out a pre drive vehicle check on a light motor vehicle, and start up and shut down procedures. 3 credits
- US 17678 Drive a light motor vehicle on unsealed road surfaces. 3 credits
- US 17976 Demonstrate knowledge of operating a four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle in an off road environment. 4 credits
- US 17977 Develop a plan for off road light four wheel drive (4WD) driving. 5 credits
- US 17978 Operate a light four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle in an off road environment. 4 credits
- US 20848 Demonstrate knowledge of, and skills for, driving a light four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle on road. 4 credits
Snow driving
- US 18138 Fit and remove vehicle chains. 2 credits
- US 8638 Drive on snow or ice. 3 credits
Vehicle extraction and recovery
- US 20620 Develop and execute a plan for a four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle extraction
Defensive driving – Driver awareness
- US 3465 Describe driving hazards and risk reduction strategies and responses to driving hazards. 3 credits
- US 3466 Apply risk reduction techniques and strategies while driving. 4 credits
* For unit standard 17978 Candidates must have held a full Class 1 driver licence for a minimum of twelve months.
Requirements
At least one vehicle per two people. Vehicles to be supplied by clients.
Trainees must hold a valid NZ Drivers licence applicable to the category of vehicle being driven.
* For unit standard 17978 Candidates must have held a full Class 1 driver licence for a minimum of twelve months.
Course Details and Fees
- As courses are customised to client needs please contact us for more information.
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We’re happy to custom build a training programme to suit your needs. We can also run a private course at your premises (Minimum of 6 people).
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