Offroad Driving
and Vehicle Care
Certification
Graduates receive DTA Short Course Certificate
Duration
3 days (24 hours)
Course Description
The Offroad Driving and Vehicle Care course is a comprehensive three-day training course designed to equip participants with essential off-road driving techniques and foundational vehicle maintenance knowledge. Trainees will learn how to safely navigate difficult terrain, minimise environmental damage, and manage vehicle performance under remote and rugged conditions.
The course also includes critical instruction in daily mechanical checks, tyre care, recovery procedures, and emergency response. With a strong emphasis on risk assessment, safety briefings, and the handling of real-world field conditions, this training empowers learners to operate vehicles with confidence and care—ensuring both guest safety and vehicle longevity.
Course Outcome
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive daily vehicle checks, ensuring roadworthiness and mechanical preparedness before each trip.
- Perform structured risk assessments for off-road travel, identifying hazards and planning safe responses.
- Distinguish between on-road and off-road driving dynamics, adapting to varied terrain such as sand, mud, or water.
- Manage tyre care, including correct pressure, selection, wear monitoring, and emergency repairs.
- Minimise environmental impact through eco-sensitive driving techniques and route planning.
- Conduct safety briefings for passengers, with a focus on game drive protocols and emergency preparedness.
- Handle vehicle breakdowns, including using recovery tools and communicating when radios or devices fail.
- Respond to emergency situations, including first aid support and vehicle incidents in remote areas.
- Apply key 4×4 techniques, such as correct use of gears, braking, differential control, and navigating obstacles.
- Understand vehicle components such as the suspension, engine, and recovery systems, and how to monitor them in the field.
- Perform basic maintenance, including fluid checks, belt and hose inspections, and cleaning protocols.
- Drive confidently in a range of off-road conditions, showing control, judgement, and mechanical empathy.
Topics Covered
- Pre-Drive: Conduct vehicle checks, understand risk assessment and management
- Risk Assessment & Management: Identify and mitigate hazards, develop situational awareness
- Key Skills Off-Road vs On-Road: Adaptation to varied terrains, control and maneuverability
- Minimizing Environmental Impact: Reduce ecological footprint, responsible driving practices
- Tyres: Importance of selection, maintenance, and pressure management
- Safety Briefings: Comprehensive protocols, importance of regular briefings, guidelines for safe game drives
- Vehicle Breakdown Protocols: Steps during breakdowns, communication with malfunctioning radios
- Emergency Procedures: Handling minor and major medical emergencies, vehicle incidents
- Common 4×4 Driving Techniques: Hand position, momentum, diff position, braking, vehicle limitations
- Vehicle Components: Tyres, engine, suspension, recovery equipment
- Daily Checks and Maintenance: Routine checks for vehicle readiness Technical Driving: Techniques for sand, mud, and water crossings
Accreditation
