Accredited Training
We deliver accredited training in a range of 4WD-related competencies through the Great Divide Tours Registered Training Organisation Number: 45586.
Participants who successfully complete all assessment requirements are issued with a statement of attainment listing the nationally recognised units of competency they have undertaken.
Companies that require their employees to drive a 4WD vehicle as part of their work duties can use this evidence of competency to help satisfy their ‘duty of care’ obligations to provide appropriate training and safe systems of work for their staff. High quality training in 4WD driving skills also helps to reduce vehicle damage, maintenance costs and the risk of injury from unexpected events.
We have provided 4WD training to the nationally recognised standard to clients including the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Defence Force, Snowy Hydro 2, ACT Emergency Services (SES/RFS/Ambulance), NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW NPWS and NSW SES.
Below are our most popular course formats. Each course is delivered and assessed in a face-to-face group setting at our purpose built specialised 4WD training centre on the outskirts of Braidwood in southern NSW. This centre has been recognised as a leader in its field and recent audits by training partners indicate that it is a world class facility.
We can provide training in the following nationally recognised competencies:
SISODRV001 – Drive AWD/4WD vehicles on unsealed roads – Remote area driving
TLIC0023 – Operate a four wheel drive vehicle – Introductory 4WD operation
FWPCOT3325 – Operate four wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads - 4WD on unsealed roads
FWPCOT3329 – Perform complex four wheel drive operations – Advanced 4WD driving
FWPCOT3326 – Recover four wheel drive vehicle – Advanced vehicle recovery
Which training best suits you?
SISODRVOO1 – Drive AWD/4WD vehicles on unsealed roads – Remote area driving
This course is aimed at those persons that drive an AWD (All Wheel Drive) or 4WD vehicle in remote locations such as outback Australia or only on unsealed roads - it concentrates on three major areas:
Driving on unsealed roads
Crossing rivers or small water crossings
Changing a flat tyre in remote locations
Duration: One day
Course Content: This course covers the basic skills and knowledge needed to drive a 4WD or AWD vehicle on graded formed dirt roads.
Safety and emergency response procedures, pre-start vehicle checks, tyre pressures to suit road and terrain conditions and load security.
Operate vehicle equipment and controls appropriate to road and terrain conditions, and at appropriate speed to maintain traction using smooth braking and acceleration techniques, safely negotiate road conditions and hazards to avoid damage to vehicle, Park and shut down vehicle.
It also covers the ability to negotiate minor water crossings and change a spare wheel.
For full details of training course unit of competency click here
TLIC0023 – Operate a four wheel drive vehicle – Introductory 4WD operation
This is our most popular course; it is aimed at those that use their 4WD in terrain which requires use of high and low range.
Duration: Two days
Course Content: This course covers the basic skills and knowledge needed to drive a 4WD vehicle under a variety of off-road conditions, including steep gradients, on or across gradients and rugged terrain.
Operate 4WD vehicle including pre-start checks on vehicle and equipment, tyres, load security and drive at appropriate speeds for conditions and hazards, monitoring and negotiate conditions for safe vehicle operations and park/shut down vehicle.
Driving on or across a gradient by planning route, securing loads, maintaining traction and hazard awareness.
Driving ascending and descending steep gradients and rugged terrain including inspecting intended vehicle path, appropriate range/gear selection, constant traction is achieved, stall/stop/start techniques are applied, and safe vehicle operation is achieved with no damage to vehicle, track or people.
Post operation vehicle checks completed, faults reported/recorded, vehicle and equipment cleaned and stored after use, and any journey reports completed.
For full details of training course unit of competency click here
FWPCOT3325 – Operate four wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads – 4WD on unsealed roads
This course is very similar to TLIC0023 but is drawn from the Forestry competencies (FWPCOT); it is aimed at those that use their 4WD in terrain which requires use of high and low range.
Duration: Two days
Course Content: This course covers the basic skills and knowledge to safely operate a four wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads. It covers the ability to prepare you and your 4WD for operations including PPE, safe operating conditions, communications and convoy procedures, load security and trip planning.
Perform an ascend and descend on slopes under 15 degrees and using stop/start techniques on an incline.
Perform pre and post-trip inspections.
Terrain types and obstacles you will encounter include slopes, rocky, gravel, rutted, ruts and negotiate minor water crossings.
For full details of training course unit of competency click here
FWPCOT3329 – Perform complex four wheel drive operations – Advanced 4WD driving
This course is aimed at the person that is required to operate their 4WD in a high risk, steep terrain or where boggy ground is the norm requiring advanced driving knowledge over the Introductory level.
Duration: Two days (note that this course is often combined with ‘Advanced 4WD recovery’ and delivered in a three-day integrated course)
Course Content: The course covers the skills and knowledge required to safely operate four wheel drive vehicles in difficult terrain. It covers the ability to prepare you and your 4WD for operations including trip planning and safe operating conditions, vehicle suitability, communications equipment and protocols in the event of misadventure, identify fit and use PPE, load security, emergency rations and clothing.
Operate your vehicle in steep terrain by ascending and descending slopes over 15 degrees and how to perform stop/start techniques on an incline.
Operate vehicle over difficult terrain and water crossing.
Perform pre and post-trip inspections.
Terrain types and obstacles you will encounter include steep slopes, frequent steps or rocks, slippery track sections, rutted trails and negotiate water crossings.
Pre-requisite: Individuals seeking to undertake this unit would benefit from having prior experience in operating four wheel drive vehicles on unsealed surfaces, for example they have completed either TLIC0023 or FWPCOT3325, however, this is not essential to undertake this course.
For full details of training course unit of competency click here
FWPCOT3326 – Recover four wheel drive vehicle – Advanced vehicle recovery
This course is aimed at the person that is required to carry out or coordinate 4WD vehicle recoveries using recovery straps or winches in high risk, steep terrain or where boggy ground is the norm.
Duration: One day (note that this course is often combined with ‘Advanced 4WD driving’ and delivered in a three-day integrated course)
Course Content: The course covers the skills and knowledge required to use recovery equipment to recover four wheel drive vehicles in difficult terrain conditions. Identify loads, ratings and equipment serviceability related to four wheel drive vehicle recovery including GVM, estimate the recovery load using a recognised formula, identify ratings on recovery gear and rated recovery points on a vehicle, serviceability of the equipment.
Planning the recovery including following WHS policies, using PPE, mitigate risks and hazards, identify and implement environmental protection policies, identify emergency procedures to follow, determine recovery strategy and exclusion zone and inform relevant personnel of recovery strategy.
Perform kinetic rope/strap recovery including managing communications, setting up recovery using rated recovery points and a correctly rated rope/strap, join two rope/straps together, identify damper locations and perform a safe recovery.
Perform a winch recovery including managing communications, equipment and dampers, perform a single, double line and change of direction winch recoveries.
Use other recovery tools and equipment including a spade and traction boards.
Maintain vehicle recovery equipment by cleaning, checking serviceability and store correctly after use. Record equipment maintenance as required.
For full details of training course unit of competency click here
Costs
Course costs vary, depending on the number of people you wish to book in as part of your group, competencies required, the accommodation arrangements and other services you require. Please contact us to discuss your own training needs and additional services you may require.
Combined Courses
You can combine any or all the above courses depending on your specific needs. This may reduce slightly the face to face training times and costs, please contact us to obtain a quotation.
On-site accommodation
Bunk style (in the training centre) $40 per bunk bed per night; or camp in our fully serviced campground by arrangement
Off-site accommodation
Motel rooms are available in Braidwood from $140 per night
Meals
By arrangement – we have a commercial kitchen and dining room on-site, and can provide breakfast, lunch and dinner to order
4WD hire
We can assist with arranging hire of a suitable 4WD for training at $200 per day plus GST.
Customised courses
If you have specific training needs, or wish to include additional topics or driving techniques that are not normally covered in the units of competency, we would be happy to customise the course to suit your requirements.
For a quote, or to discuss your particular needs, please contact Vic Widman on 02 9913 1395 or at: info@greatdividetours.com.au.
To see our RTO policies and procedures, including policies relating to privacy, access and equity, fees and refunds, and complaints and appeals, please download our Student Handbook.
Student Handbook - Accredited training programs
If you do not need a statement of attainment to verify your competency, you may prefer to undertake one of the non-accredited courses we offer. Please see the side menu bar for the full range of courses available.
Accredited Courses
To prepare for the course all attendees will receive via email extensive pre reading notes on the course/s they have chosen to attend. Also, on the actual day of face to face training they will receive a copy of the CSIRO publication 4WD Driving Skills, written by Vic Widman, Principal trainer and Managing Director of Great Divide Tours.
All nationally recognised training fees are GST exempt.
There is no guarantee that a learner will successfully complete a training product offered by Great Divide Tours nor does it guarantee that the learner will obtain a particular employment outcome which is outside the scope of the RTO. The accredited training provided by Great Divide Tours must meet the requirements of clause 1.1 and 1.2 of the company’s Quality Assurance Manual.
Students must provide the following:
Hold a Drivers Licence Provisional or full licence
A USI (Unique Student Identifier) available from https://www.usi.gov.au/students/create-usi
A 4WD – 1 - 2 students per vehicle is preferred
