4WD Training Courses in Victoria

[Watpub]

Hi all,

Does anyone know of or recommend any good introductory 4wd training courses in Victoria?

I went on one years ago in the Otways when I bought my first Cruiser and found it great to test the capabilities of the vehicle under strict instruction and supervision. I'd like to do the same with the D4.

I'd also like to take the missus this time because in the Cruiser I found I had to prise her white knuckles off the grab handle just going down the driveway! I hope once she knows/sees what the car (and its driver!) can do she'll lighten up a little.

Regards, Ron

[steveG]

Hi Ron,

There are a few commercially run courses, but I think the best value is join the Landrover Owners Club of Victoria (LROCV).
The membership fee and the small additional payment to attend driver training will be about the same as doing a commercially run course, but you have the advantage of being trained by Landrover drivers. If you want your better half to do the training too (as mine did) then you will definitely be ahead compared to paying for 2 people to do a commercial course.
The training courses are usually run out at the Werribee 4WD ground, so its a controlled environment.

The club has also run dedicated D3 days in the past (just club trip - not a dedicated driver training day), and I'd expect a similar thing would happen for the D4.

Having the missus do the driver training is well worthwhile. Mine was also a white knuckle job over about 10* slope, but she completed driver training and is quite comfortable now. Its also good to know that if something happens and you're not capable of driving that your partner is capable/confident to do it.

Steve

[waynep]

I second the LROCV courses. Our club runs courses in conjunction with them out at Werribee.

[rmp]

The club has also run dedicated D3 days in the past (just club trip - not a dedicated driver training day), and I'd expect a similar thing would happen for the D4.


you expect right ;-)

except it'll be D3 & D4 mixed.

[GeorgeK]

Hi Ron,

I thoroughly endorse the notion of getting the wife to do a 4WD course. Some years ago I was a member of the Toyota LandCruiser Club (with my Pajero no less) and to become full members of the club my wife and I had to do a driving course.

We had one night or two night's of theory followed by a weekend of practical training. The practical weekend was Day one involved Recovery Techniques (RT) and Day 2 was Driving Techniques (DT). The instructors split us up and I did RT while she did DT then we swapped activities. It was a fabulous weekend. We both learned lots and my wife gained great confidence with the vehicle. I still get teased by her because when I did the DT day a large rock leaped up out of a dry creek-bed I was driving up and attacked the car. Of course she negotiated the same creek-bed the day before without a scratch! It was also a TAFE accredited course. I had to let my membership in the club lapse due to work commitments.

Since the course my wife has driven the Pajero very well in the ensuing 5 years no problems at all. She also drives when we tow our van although she is not too keen on this aspect.

As to the D4 I was told my dealer sometimes has a familiarisation day but I haven't heard anything about this. I would love to do a driver training activity with the D4 in Sydney. If anyone has any suggestions they would be welcome.

Cheers

George

[Watpub]

Hi George,

Um, Landcruiser club in a Pajero? Did you get much derision when you rocked up to field days or trips?

My last 4wd training course was in my Cruiser, but I reckon the D4's got a lot more sophistication so that's why I'm looking for a course now. I'm leaning towards the LROCV - apart from the comments in this post I've heard a lot of good things about these guys.

Wouldn't there be something similar in Sydney for you? ...or maybe you could take the D4 and join the Pajero club! :p Only kiddin...

Regards, Ron

[Hymie]

I reckon Mountain Top Experience run the best Accredited 4WD and Introductory courses. Not that I'm biased of course;)
Page Title (http://www.mountaintopexperience.com)

[Watpub]

I reckon Mountain Top Experience run the best Accredited 4WD and Introductory courses. Not that I'm biased of course;)
Page Title (http://www.mountaintopexperience.com)

Looks good Hymie, and I like the "business plan" page. Given you run Defenders I suppose you guys are with the intracacies of the D4??

Regards, Ron

[MacMan]

Us both having been instructed by RMP and others at the LROCV training day, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to folks out there. We both learned a heap and were amazed at what the Disco could do without really trying.

If nothing else, there's a lot to be said for having your wife/girlfriend taught by someone else impartial. :)

[DiscoWeb]

I thoroughly endorse the notion of getting the wife to do a 4WD course.

As to the D4 I was told my dealer sometimes has a familiarisation day but I haven't heard anything about this. I would love to do a driver training activity with the D4 in Sydney. If anyone has any suggestions they would be welcome.



George (great name by the way),

I absolutely second getting the wife to attend the course and do some of the driving, saves a lot of panic and questioning of choices when she has actually experienced what the D3 can do.

Regarding the dealers driving day, I purchased my D3 through Trivett at Parramatta and got the same promise. After a few months I chased them up and was given the run around numerous times.

Finally sent an email to the boss of the Trivett group asking why it took so long to sort this simple thing out. That email prompted a number of calls and emails form various people from the dealer group and I was invited as the inaugural customer to their new course (late last year) from memory.

Sounds like not much has changed, might pay to make some noise as it was a really worthwhile day.

I know the Range Rover club of Sydney run various training days for members so this could be another option for some looking to get additional experience in their RRS & D3/D4.

Regards,

George

[GeorgeK]

Hi George (I agree it is a great name!)

I bought my D4 from Trivett Alexandria. Given what you say I might hassle them for a dealers driving day. Thanks for the tip. I'll check out the RR Club too.

Cheers

George

[Hymie]

Looks good Hymie, and I like the "business plan" page. Given you run Defenders I suppose you guys are with the intracacies of the D4??

Regards, Ron

Sneigy is the bloke to talk to about the D4 training.
To be quite honest I haven't had the pleasure of taking the wheel of a D3 or D4 and I'd love to. I've seen what they can do and I'm really impressed.
Now if Landrover would lend us one for a driver training weekend...........

[wesbt]

Noticed on Melbourne City Land Rover site they have 4x4 days out at Werribee training groung - $210 for 2 adults. Next day 8th August.

MELBOURNE CITY LAND ROVER, LAND ROVER, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA (http://www.mlr.com.au/Service_4x4_days.html)

[sniegy]

Hi all,
Yes we do offer the driver traing day at Werribee.
It is a basic course & a lot of people when leaving have huge smiles on there faces knowing how capable their new vehicle is.
It doesnt make them the be all/end all of drivers, but installs some confidence in knowing what button does what & how to & when to use them.
I am one of the trainers that will poke my head in/out of the vehicle to advise/answer questions when ever needed.
Would love to see some of you & put a face to your typing;).
Cheers all.

[GeorgeK]

Hi Guys,

Driver training in Melbourne is a bit far for me to travel from Sydney at the moment but perhaps next year when I'm retired and have more time I'll be in it.

Good luck with it.

Cheers

George

[Hymie]

Hey Sneigy, next time we run a course are you interested in bringing your D4 along?

[sniegy]

If the timing is right no problems. Would love to come out. :D

[DI5CO]

Hi George,

Um, Landcruiser club in a Pajero? Did you get much derision when you rocked up to field days or trips?

Regards, Ron

Hi Ron, Even in the LROCV we have a lot of other makes in the club. They can only be an associate member though. Still, it makes for a good experience all up & we welcome everyone there!!
I did the last course in May & was very good. (I have been a member for nearly 10 yrs & decided to do a brush up on skills & I still learnt something!) I can recommend joining a club & using their training courses. Helps the club as well.
Dave.

[Hymie]

One of the things I love about our courses is that we don't associate with any particular brand of 4WD, so we get to see what all types of vehicles and their owners.
On one of our previous courses we had a Mercedes Sprinter 4X4 that was being fitted out as an expedition wagon.
YouTube- Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 river crossing.