4×4 Driving

Driver Training

The Club offers a basic Off-road Driver training course comprising of a theoretical part and a practical session.

A more advanced training session is offered from time to time.

Officially accredited Government recognised training (with an official certificate) is offered by third parties outside the club.

Convoy Rules and Behaviour

Our runs and week-end outings are becoming more and more popular with up to 20 vehicles and more taking part at these events. This can lead to all sorts of problems when travelling in convoy on twisting roads with junctions and high sand dunes. It is easy to get lost or get left behind. Below is a reminder for those of you who do not know or those of you who have forgotten what to do when you are following in a group:

  • Every driver must make sure that they can see the vehicle behind them.
  • As soon as you lose sight of the person behind you – please stop and wait until the vehicle is in sight again.
  • The person in front of you will soon lose sight of you so he or she too will stop – this will cause a chain reaction all the way to the leader of the group.
  • Ensure that you know who is travelling in front of you and who is travelling behind you.
  • Remain in the order in which you set out – do not overtake or cut in front of the vehicles in front of you.

Please remember when turning off the main route that you wait at the junction so that the vehicle behind you can see exactly where you are turning – this will avoid the rest of the convoy getting lost!

Another important point to remember, especially when approaching obstacles, is to leave sufficient room for the vehicle in front of you to manoeuvre. Often the obstacles cannot be tackled on the first attempt so the front vehicle may need to reverse a distance and attempt it again. This is impossible if you are sitting on his bumper and the vehicle behind you on yours!

When travelling in convoy on a public road the following must also be adhered to:

  • The convoy leader will set the pace.
  • A member with a radio must be the last vehicle of the convoy.
  • A distance of at least 200m must be between the convoy vehicles, this to allow faster vehicles to pass the convoy.
  • In the event of a problem, radio the convoy leader.
  • Stay in your convoy positions, no passing.

There are also two by-laws that apply to all members and visitors while on a Club Run:

  • The first
    No person shall, while in control of a vehicle on a Four Wheel Drive Club outing, consume any alcohol before the lunch break, or until such outing is completed. This at the discretion of the outing organizer and/or committee member present.
  • The second
    Only licensed all-wheel drive vehicles with minimum of four (4) wheels are to be permitted to be driven by members, family, friends, guests, etc. on, during and/or in the vicinity of Club outings.

Prior to departure:

  • All vehicles must be licensed and roadworthy and where applicable carry the relevant permits (e.g. cross border documentation).
  • Ensure that your VHF Radio is working properly and set to the correct channel.
  • Ensure that you have a First Aid kit and fire extinguisher in your vehicle.
  • Ensure that you have recovery gear with you and that your vehicle has adequate recovery points.
  • Arrive at least 15mins before the departure time. Attend the drivers briefing and sign the attendance register.
  • The Leader will conduct a radio check. Your response is to acknowledge the leader by giving your name and position in the convoy.

Further Convoy driving protocols:

  • Headlights ON!
  • Do not go faster than you feel comfortable driving!
  • Do not overtake another vehicle in the convoy unless it’s an emergency or the leader has asked you to.
  • Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, BUT do not lose sight of the vehicle behind you!
  • Do not follow too close to any vehicle in front of you. Allow non-convoy vehicles to overtake and slot in front of you if required.
  • Take it easy. Stay focused and relax.
  • No vehicle is to break and leave the convoy, unless the Leader and the Sweep vehicle have been informed.
  • All GATES are to be left as they were found!

Please drive safely! Enjoy the trip!