Introduction
Vehicle systems, legal context, preparation, tyre pressure, basic control and introductory on-road and off-road techniques.
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Approved activity profile · Wheel-based
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
The minimum technical competence and structured learning pathway for operating four-wheel drive vehicles in on-road and off-road conditions.
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Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
DOCUMENT 01
DOCUMENT 02
DOCUMENT 03
Read the general guidance
Activity overview
A connected pathway from skills to delivery.
This profile supports safe and responsible 4WD operation, from vehicle preparation and introductory terrain through advanced obstacle negotiation, recovery, field repairs and multi-vehicle expedition planning.
The Skills Guideline, Curriculum and shared Off-road Accreditation Requirements must be read together. They define competence, learning content and the requirements for approved delivery.
Competency pathway
Three progressive levels.
Learners progress only when they can demonstrate the knowledge and practical performance required at the relevant level.
Basic
Moderate terrain, vehicle inspections, drivetrain aids, environmental practice, braking, recovery awareness and tyre repair.
Advanced
Advanced terrain and obstacles, recovery forces, winching, field repairs and planning or leading a multi-vehicle expedition.
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Skills Guideline
Technical Skills Guideline: Four-Wheel Drive (4x4) Vehicle Operation
Scope of practice, progressive technical skills, minimum safety standards, environmental considerations and assessment criteria.
Curriculum
Operating Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles in Off-road Conditions - Courses Curriculum
Course purpose, target groups, prerequisites, learning outcomes, delivery, assessment and evaluation across three progressive levels.
Accreditation requirements
Off-road Skills Development Partner and Facilitator Accreditation Requirements
Requirements for provider and facilitator accreditation, qualifications, experience, training material, venues, tracks, equipment and quality assurance.
Scope of practice
Where the profile applies.
- Four-wheel drive vehicles used on roads, unsurfaced routes, trails and natural off-road terrain.
- Progression from introductory vehicle knowledge to advanced technical driving and expedition contexts.
- Training and assessment must match the vehicle, terrain, learner experience and achieved competence.
- Operation remains subject to roadworthiness, licensing, access, landowner and protected-area requirements.
Safety & responsibility
Core operating expectations.
- Pre-use, during-use and post-use vehicle inspections.
- Terrain-appropriate speed, spacing, line choice and communication.
- Rated recovery equipment, safe working areas and controlled recovery procedures.
- Risk, route, weather, fuel, load, communication and emergency planning for expeditions.
Applies across every activity
General training and assessment guidance
Use the general guide alongside these activity-specific documents for experience, first aid, planning, equipment, risk, communication, group leadership and post-event requirements.