Off-road driver training

[one_iota]

I've driven an early Discovery and a "classic" Defender on many an occasion off-road over the past couple of decades. Both were easy to drive and within each of their limits capable in most conditions. I never doubted what they would or could do.

Simple choices: Low or high range. Center Differential locked or unlocked.

I'm finding the new Defender somewhat challenging for choice. Choosing the best driving mode is not immediately obvious as the engineers have hidden the driver inputs and mechanical output in algorithms behind glib titles like "Mud and Ruts".

I'm tempted to do an off-road training course with people who know what the hell is going on.

Any thoughts and experiences?

[SimmAus]

I have only driven a “modern” 4wd…my D4.
In numerous discussions and real world driving alongside more “basic” vehicles and their drivers it is very clear that understanding the machine you have is vitally important.

The Defender is a step up in tech from my D4…but driving technique and understanding the buttons is just as important. It is different and you make different choices.

I’d recommend a course, but don’t know of any being run specifically for LR now.
Enjoy the car.

[Slunnie]

Maybe try John and Julie Eggenhuizen from Getabout. I'm pretty sure they have an association with the Land Rover Owners Club (LROC) and provide driver training there also????

[cripesamighty]

Many moons ago I bought one of Gordon's GOE driver training booklets for Land Rovers fitted with Terrain Response, which I have found quite helpful. Maybe you can borrow one off someone who did his course in your neck or the woods. Although not Defender specific, on the D3/4 FAQ page under the Driving Techniques section, you can get a basic idea of what each of the settings does.


The AULRO Discovery 3/4 & RRS FAQ (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/the-d3-d4-sticky-zone/93220-aulro-discovery-3-4-rrs-faq.html)

[Eric SDV6SE]

I'm having similar thoughts re a course, I was very happy with my D4 and I was always pretty confident in selecting the right "program" for the terrain. I don't think the terrain response II is much different, just better at it.

I have driven "classic" 4wds, but not in serious off road conditions, but it seems to me having more choices than diff locked and hi or low range is a good thing.

Have confidence in the car and select thr mode most suited, the TRII will take care of the rest.

JLR is currently offering a Sand dune weekend driver course here in WA (Lancelinto be precise) , to which I have been invited, unfortunately I can't make it,I will have to see if they can book me on the next one.

[jon3950]

What Simon said. Getabout are the way to go.

They do the driver training for Land Rover and have a long association with LROC and the Range Rover Club. They run their courses on their own block of land out the back of Lithgow, so convenient too.

Getabout Training Services (https://www.getabout.edu.au/)

Cheers,
Jon

[one_iota]

What Simon said. Getabout are the way to go.

They do the driver training for Land Rover and have a long association with LROC and the Range Rover Club. They run their courses on their own block of land out the back of Lithgow, so convenient too.

Getabout Training Services (https://www.getabout.edu.au/)

Cheers,
Jon

I'll give them a call. They're 20 minutes from us when we're in Mt Wilson so really convenient.

Sal is interested as well. She doesn't like driving the Kelvinator but the S M E G she has no reservations about. Having two "trained" drivers is a sensible thing when we go bush.

[Slunnie]

I'll give them a call. They're 20 minutes from us when we're in Mt Wilson so really convenient.

Sal is interested as well. She doesn't like driving the Kelvinator but the S M E G she has no reservations about. Having two "trained" drivers is a sensible thing when we go bush.

They're great. Their property is just at Wallerawang.

Oh sorry, Jon just said that!

[Eric SDV6SE]

...out the back of Lithgow. So convenient too...

Not when you're in WA....but good to know nonetheless

[WhatIsClocks]

LROC Sydney are running a training day at that property on September 9.

[RANDLOVER]

Many moons ago I bought one of Gordon's GOE driver training booklets for Land Rovers fitted with Terrain Response, which I have found quite helpful. Maybe you can borrow one off someone who did his course in your neck or the woods. Although not Defender specific, on the D3/4 FAQ page under the Driving Techniques section, you can get a basic idea of what each of the settings does.


The AULRO Discovery 3/4 & RRS FAQ (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/the-d3-d4-sticky-zone/93220-aulro-discovery-3-4-rrs-faq.html)

It is still available.

Terrain Response Bible for Land Rovers: Using your new Land Rover off-road eBook : German, Gordon: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store (https://www.amazon.com.au/Terrain-Response-Bible-Land-Rovers-ebook/dp/B07RBRH78F/ref=sr_1_294?crid=1QKWE3OQ6IDJR&keywords=LAND+ROVER&qid=1693032124&sprefix=land+rove%2Caps%2C505&sr=8-294)