FWPCOT3325

Operate four wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads

About the course

This Operate a four wheel drive on unsealed roads course is a 1-day course that meets the requirements, upon Successful completion, to receive a Statement of Attainment, for the Nationally Recognised Training course “FWPCOT3325 Operate a four-wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads”.

This course is for professionals working in the Forestry Industry

This course has been developed and contextualised for those people working in the Forestry Industry however is entirely appropriate for anyone who is required to safely operate a four wheel drive (4×4) vehicle on unsealed roads and tracks.

This course aims to give you the 4x4 skills to operate in different terrains

The course aim is to provide operators with the skills and techniques for operating a 4×4 vehicle in a variety of work settings, with different terrains.

Course elements

Prepare For Operations

Access, interpret and apply vehicle manufacturer information relevant to operating a four wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads
Identify the structural and handling differences between a conventional two wheel drive vehicle and a four wheel drive vehicle
Determine type of operation and ensure safe operating conditions
Identify, fit and use suitable personal protective equipment
Perform pre-start checks
Establish and check communication with others, including convoy procedures
Secure loads according to safety, environmental and regulatory requirements
Research weather and topography for a planned trip on unsealed roads

Operate vehicle on unsealed roads

Check and change tyre pressure suitable for unsealed road according to workplace procedures
Continually monitor the track to identify hazards, assess risks and select the best route according to safety and environmental requirements
Identify situations where the engagement of four wheel drive is required and engage front hubs or centre differential lock where fitted
Use range, gear, speed, driving and braking technique appropriate to surface conditions while maintaining control of vehicle at all times
Check brake operation and undercarriage after operating vehicle on unsealed road conditions
Park and shut down vehicle

Ascend and descend slopes less than 15 degrees

Inspect intended vehicle path before negotiation of slope
Use appropriate range, gear, speed, driving and braking technique to negotiate a slope while maintaining control of vehicle
Use appropriate braking methods, user applied and vehicle controlled function, where fitted, to descend a slope
Maintain traction and minimise wheel spin
Apply appropriate automatic and manual techniques when vehicle cannot proceed any further on a slope

Complete operation

Conduct a post-trip inspection of vehicle
Complete post-trip documentation, including maintenance and minor repairs report

Other things you might want to know

Course Timings

The course start time is at 07:15, concluding at approximately 3pm.

Australian 4WD Training Practical Training Area

Australian 4WD Training exclusive Driver Training Facility at Kurwongbah offers terrain which is similar to the terrain that people would be required to drive on in their everyday driving as part of their job. This offers superior opportunities for the development of skills and techniques in these environments rather than a simulated environment or a “make-shift” area artificially developed for driver training.

Training Areas

Australian 4WD Training have an exclusive Driver Training Facility at Kurwongbah, North of Brisbane.

For group bookings, we can train in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Mt Isa, Moranbah, Roma, and Toowoomba. However, we’re not limited to these areas.

Corporate/Group Booking Training Areas

Australian 4WD Training are able to plan, develop and deliver specific course programs for groups or corporate, on request.

On-Site Training

Australian 4WD & Advanced Driver Education specialise in the design and implementation of client-specific and site-specific driver training and education. Training can be delivered for groups on any site (if suitable terrain is available), for group bookings. All courses are portable, allowing staff to be trained in locations familiar to their day-to-day use of 4WD and other light vehicles and can be delivered to ensure minimal disruption to shift routine.

Make-specific courses for your organisation

Australian 4WD & Advanced Driver Education are specialists in on and off road Defensive Driver Training and are able to design, develop and conduct “make-specific” courses.

Our “make-specific” courses not only cover all mandatory Nationally Recognised elements for the FPICOT3325 but are contextualised to ensure they meet the specific requirements of the Employer and their staff.

What course participants will require to undertake the course

USI (Unique Student Identifier).
Your 4WD Vehicle with mounted winch systems (one vehicle can be used for up to 2 participants from the same organisation. Should you not have access to a 4WD vehicle, Australian 4WD Training will supply a 4WD vehicle with a mounted winch system and all the equipment required for the course; and
Your vehicle will need at least half a tank of fuel.
Any recovery equipment supplied with the vehicle. Note: please do not purchase any recovery equipment prior to the course, unless discussed with us. Recovery equipment required will be discussed, during the training.
Driving license (that will be required for checking prior to course commencement).
Appropriate clothing – this should be compliant with your companies policy however at a minimum must comprise of long sleeved shirt, long pants, closed shoes with good soles and hat.
Sunscreen and insect repellent.
Pad and pen.
Morning tea and a light lunch with plenty of drinking water in summer months.

Vehicle Hire

Australian 4WD Training do have vehicles available for use. The cost of these vehicles includes, vehicle hire for completion of the course, fuel, recovery equipment (where required), cleaning and wear/tear on brakes and tyres.

Vehicle hire fee

1 day vehicle hire is $155.00 per person, per day.

Please Note

The vehicle maybe hired by other course participants, meaning that each vehicle hire may be shared by two participants. This will not have any impact on the amount of drive time that each hirer will experience.

At times, there maybe more than one vehicle available, that will allow each vehicle hirer to experience a variety of 4WD types.

If you wish to have exclusive use of a vehicle, then this can be arranged and would be at a cost of $200.00 per vehicle per day.

Trailer Hire

The hire cost of Australian 4WD Training 8 x 4 box trailer is $100.00 per trailer.

Realistic & Practical Driver Training

Link Resources provides Heavy Industry training and personnel service across Australia to workers and organisations looking to fill a gap in their qualifications or services.