Off Road 4x4 Driving Skills

At Wood Park Off-Road we cover a wide range of driving skills here are examples of the topics we cover.

Vehicle handling and control: Understand correct steering, braking and gear choice with an 4x4 vehicle off road.

Types of vehicle: Learn the differences between various off road 4x4 vehicles and how this affects its off road driving performance (e.g. LWB and SWB turning circles and ground clearance etc)

Side slopes: Maximum safe angles a 4x4 off road vehicle can safely traverse over a variety of terrains.

Cross axle: Recognise situations where your 4x4 vehicle may become cross axled and find an effective alternative.

Approach, departure and ramp angles: Understand what is possible with your off road 4x4 in it's physical capabilities with.

Hill Climbs: Learn how to make the best approach at hill climbs and what to do if your first attempt fails.

Hill Descent: Learn the techniques of a safe controlled descent with a off road 4x4 vehicle on all surfaces.

Recovery: Understand the potential dangers to allow you to perform a safe recovery of a 4x4 off road vehicle.

Self recovery: Learn to recover the vehicle if there is no one else around to help using items such as Sand ladders, high lift jacks and shoveling.

Vehicle preparation: Ensure sure your off road 4x4 vehicle won't let you down by carrying out effective vehicle preparation.

Ground assessment: Learn how to read the ground and identify any potential dangers before driving.

Winching: Practice how use a winch effectively with health and safely in mind.

Navigation: Gain basic navigation techniques such as map reading, compass and other skills to help you find your way off road.

Health and safety: all aspect of off road driving at wood park off road will make you aware of any health and safety concerns.

Off-road driving best practices: Learn how to enjoy driving off road 4x4 driving but also be considerate for the countryside and other countryside users (horses, walkers). "Please leave as you found"

Dynamics of a 4x4 off road vehicle: Learn about high/low ratio gears, 4wd variations, differential locks, free wheeling hubs, tyre types and pressures, manual & automatic, coils & leafs suspension, petrol & diesel, brakes.

4x4 Accessories: We can discuss and demonstrate various accessories to 4x4 off road driving such as sand ladders, winches, diff locks, turfer winches, fiddle brakes.