Why should you complete a Driver Awareness Program(DAP)?

 

The Club has a policy of educating four wheel drivers both in the safe responsible use of their vehicles and the responsible use of the environment. The Club's DRIVER AWARENESS PROGRAM (DAP) is offered to all financial members of the club and is a requirement for all drivers for trip grading above blue (medium)

 Cost of the DAP is included when you join the club as a financial member.  (a similar course outside the club could cost over $400 per person)

On completion, you will receive a certificate and your membership will be changed to show you are a DAP Accredited member.

 

All members need to be aware that in order to take part in the more challenging organised club trips (that is other than medium (Blue) easy scenic or social (Green), they must have completed the clubs Driver Awareness Program (DAP). This depends on the difficulty of the tracks that are part of the trip.

 

Membership of the club is not dependent upon the completion of the DAP.  Members may choose not to do the DAP.  In this case members should be satisfied that they are restricted from driving on most of the trips organised by the club. They may, however, accompany an accredited driver as a passenger.

A trip sheet is produced for each club trip. The grading of the trip is marked on the trip sheet and is also publicised in the Club Calendar in website events in advance. Nominated Drivers must record their DAP status on each trip sheet and all participants must sign the trip sheet prior to setting out.

 

Format of the Driver Awareness Program

 

• The DAP system consists of two sessions

•  Theory Session held in the morning

•  Practical Session held in the afternoon

 

Club Driver Awareness Policy

• All DAP participants must be financial members of the club

• DAP training is a pre-requisite before members can join in trips that are rated as difficult and very difficult. Medium. easy, scenic or social trips do not require completion of a DAP. 

 

The Theory Session covers all the aspects of four wheel drive vehicles, handling, maintaining and preparing them; the four wheel driver, attitude, preparation and responsibilities; and the impact of four wheel drives on the environment, driving responsibilities, caring for the tracks, impact minimisation and access requirements.

 

The Practical Session covers demonstrations of the basic activities that are likely to be encountered during a four wheel drive outing, key-start recovery, use of recovery equipment, handling of obstacles, vehicle guidance etc.

 

The DAP system is intended to provide drivers with the basic advice necessary for enjoying four wheel driving. Nothing can replace experience, but the DAP system aims to provide a good stepping stone towards gaining that experience with a safer, more responsible understanding of, and attitude towards, four wheel driving.

 

DAPs are run on a Saturday, in February, May, August and November on private property.

Dates of DAP days are visible for financial members in Club Events

 

The program will consist of the following minimum components:

• How 4wd works
• Traction principles
• High centre of gravity & weight transfer risks, esp. side slope
• Tyre pressures – advantages, risks
• Mud & sand driving
• Stall start recovery
• Single snatch strap recovery, incl. recovery points
• Other recovery methods: Shovels, Jacks, MAXTRAX, TREDs
• Wheel placement exercise(practical only – explain increased parallax error due to varying spring compression when driving uphill or downhill)
• Track assessment
• Drive moderate ascents/descents, with varying degrees of articulation (practical only)
• Convoy procedure
• Environment / code of ethics
• Vehicle inspection
• Tyre change

As our club has had a number of disabled members over the years, and 1 in 20 Queenslanders identify as having a disability, we have implemented a Disability Awareness into our DAP Driver Awareness and Induction Day.

The promotion of disability awareness in our club is to show that members with disabilities are valued and included.

All members are asked to complete the short online course as part of their membership.

Disability Awareness Online Course 

 

As part of the clubs goals to to provide our financial members with different types of 4wd training we are now running a Winch Recovery Awareness Program.

This program is 4wd Qld approved and will provide members with a good awareness of how to do winch recoveries in a more effective and safe way

 

Learning objectives: 

1 Knowledge of and respect for the hazards of winch operation

2 Principles of winch operation and capability, including examples

3 Gearing effects, i.e. double line pull, short vs long pull

5 Winch force calculation example

6 Winch spool pre / post-tension

7 Basic winch operation (set up and complete double line pull)

 

Participants: Financial club members only

Cost: Free to Financial Members

Camping available see Sandy Creek details.

Venue: Private property at Sandy Creek, just east of Gympie. 

Timing: 3 hours (est.) duration (dependant on number of participants)

Download course info here

Check club events for to register for next course.

Trip leaders are amongst this club’s most valuable resources and this workshop is an opportunity for club members to attain the skills required to become Trip Leaders.

 

The trip leader workshop is a one day event held on a private property

 

The aim of the day is to provide members with the knowledge and confidence to lead a club trip, whether it be a day drive, weekend camp, or a longer trip.

 

The basis of this workshop will involve round table classroom theory and hands on practical exercises.

 

The topics that will be covered are: Planning a trip, Trip grading, Expectations of a trip leader, Expectations of a club member, Role of a trip leader, managing difficult people, managing the trip, National Parks, Risk assessment, Convoy integrity, Communications, vehicle recoveries where members will participate in managing recovery incidents.

Click here to see the Workshop Presentation PDF

 

To put your name on the list of new leaders and find out when the next workshop is being held check out the upcoming events

Complex Driving Course

FWPCOT3329 Perform Complex 4×4 Operations.

This advanced 4WDriving Course is part of a nationally recognised qualification with Four Wheel Drive Queensland as the Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code 5286).

Before attending this course, it is a requirement that participants have already completed the “Operate and maintain a 4WD Vehicle” course (or equivalent)and provide a copy of a valid RTO Certificate and have conducted a wide range of trips over an extended time (12 months) to gain advanced knowledge and experience within their vehicle’s capabilities over a range of difficult off-road terrain types as well as recovery operations.

The course is competency based. There are theory sessions as well as driving sessions, which are combined in a 1 day course.

Pre-reading:- You will be provided a copy of the Learner Guide – Complex Driving Guide and Information Booklet – this MUST be read prior to commencing the course.

The course covers the skills and knowledge needed to perform complex 4WD vehicle operations when negotiating steep and difficult terrain and water crossings as well as the skills and knowledge to identify, select and use a range of lines to maximise traction and reduce environmental impact.

Outcomes for FWPCOT3329 Perform complex 4X4 operations include:

• Prepare for complex 4x4 operations.

• Operate vehicle in steep terrain.

• Operate vehicle over difficult terrain.

• Operate vehicle through water crossing.

• Perform post-trip tasks.

AQF Certificate is issued on successful completion free of charge.

This course is run by 4WD Qld and there are cost involved.

See the 4WD Qld Training Calendar page for training course dates.

 

Recovery Course

FWPCOT3326 Recover 4WD Vehicle

This course is part of a nationally recognised qualification with Four Wheel Drive Queensland as the Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code 5286).

The course is competency based. There are theory sessions as well as driving sessions, which are combined in a 1 day  course.

Before attending this course, it is a requirement that participants have already completed the “Operate and maintain a 4WD Vehicle” course (or equivalent) and provide a copy of a valid RTO Certificate.

Pre-reading:- You will be provided a copy of the Learner Guide - Recovery Guide and Information Book – this MUST be read prior to commencing the course.

The course covers the skills and knowledge to identify, select and use a range of recovery equipment including winches and recovery straps.

You will need a 4WD vehicle with an operational winch. Knowing how to use a winch and other recovery equipment  is a skill you will be very glad you have when you need it.

Outcomes for FWPCOT3326 Recover four wheel drive vehicle include:

• Identify loads ratings and equipment serviceability related to 4WD vehicle recovery.

• Plan recovery.

• Perform kinetic rope or strap recovery.

• Perform winch recovery.

• Use of traction boards and shovel in recovery.

• Maintain vehicle recovery equipment.

 

AQF Certificate is issued on successful completion.

This course is run by 4WD Qld and there are cost involved.

See the 4WD Qld Training Calendar page for training course dates.

Drive 4WD Vehicle

RIIVEH305F Operate and Maintain a 4WD Vehicle

This 4wd course is part of a nationally recognised qualification with Four Wheel Drive Queensland as the Registered Training Organisation (RTO 5286)

The course is competency based. There are theory sessions as well as driving sessions, which include written and practical tests. It is not designed to teach experience, which comes only after many years of actually driving in conditions that your vehicle is designed for.

 

The course will teach you the basic principles of Safety, Trip Preparation, Vehicle Maintenance and Servicing, along with knowledge of the fundamentals of a 4WD and the vehicles capabilities as well as basic driving techniques and recovery procedures.

 

The course is broken up into theory and practical components designed to educate the most experienced member. Theory components cover many aspects of driving.  Some of these subjects include:

 

• Vehicle types and capabilities                       

• How a 4WD works

• Tyre selection, inflation and use       

• Pre-trip and during trip vehicle equipment and safety inspections

• Environmental Awareness             

• Different techniques for driving in varying terrains

 

The practical component consists of a full weekend where participants have the opportunity to learn and experience all of the different aspects of 4WDing in the field. Some of the topics covered on the weekend training include:

 

• Principles of 4WDriving 

• Stop stall key start recoveries

• Driving up and down moderate inclines 

• Driving techniques for different terrains

• Approach, departure and ramp over angles         

• Driving on side slopes

• Driving through water                                                   

• Changing a tyre in uneven terrain

• Snatch strap recoveries                                                

• Driving to cause minimal environmental impact

• Using Convoy Procedure

 

This course must be completed prior to undertaking the Advanced Course.

“AQF Certificate is issued on successful completion”.

This course is run by 4WD Qld not our club and there are cost involved.

See the 4WD Qld Training Calendar page for training course dates.

CHAINSAW COURSE

AHCMOM213 Operate and Maintain Chainsaws

This chainsaw course is part of a nationally recognised qualification with Four Wheel Drive Queensland as the Registered Training Organisation (RTO 5286)  

The chainsaw course provides training in the trimming and cutting of felled trees, and chainsaw operation and maintenance.  Emphasis is on felled trees (those that have already fallen over) we do not teach you how to cut them down if still standing.

If you have your own chainsaw, bring it along for the training.  Ensure that it is in good working order and that you have the manufacturer’s manual with you.  If you have any safety gear, bring it along, otherwise it will be supplied.

The course is competency based. There are theory sessions as well as practical sessions, including written and practical tests. which are combined in a 1 day course.

The course covers the skills and knowledge needed to prepare the chainsaw and work area, safely operate the chainsaw and perform minor maintenance and repairs.

Outcomes for AHCMOM213 Operate and Maintain Chainsaws include:

• Assist in preparation of work-site.
• Recognise and apply workplace safety procedures.
• Check and prepare chainsaw for use.
• Operate chainsaw.
• Complete and check chainsaw operation.

“AQF Certificate is issued on successful completion”.

 

This course is run by 4WD Qld and there are cost involved.

See the 4WD Qld Training Calendar page for training course dates.

 

TOWING WITH A 4WD

FWPCOT3328 Operate a 4WD vehicle in a towing situation.

This course is part of a nationally recognised qualification with Four Wheel Drive Queensland as the Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code 5286).

The course is competency based. There are theory sessions as well as driving sessions, which are combined in a 1 day  course.

Pre-reading:- You will be provided a copy of the Learner Guide - Towing Guide and Information Book – this MUST be read prior to commencing the course.

Outcomes for FWPCOT3328 Operate a 4WD vehicle in a towing situation include:

• Prepare for towing

• Use four wheel drive vehicle to tow a trailer

• Perform post-towing tasks

 

This course will teach you the skills and principals applicable to towing trailers including:

• legal aspects of towing

• safety and maintenance checks

• trailer dimensions

• loading and load placement

• types of hitches

• coupling and uncoupling

• driving and manoeuvring techniques

• braking techniques

• reversing - in a straight line, around corners, 90 degrees left and right

• vehicle and trailer pre and post trip inspections

AQF Certificate is issued on successful completion free

This course is run by 4WD Qld and there are cost involved.

See the 4WD Qld Training Calendar page for training course dates.