| Mitsubishi 4WD Club Driver Training Course |
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Eureka 4WD Training
Pre-Requisite SROODR002A & SRODRV001B Drive & Recover a 4WD Vehicle
DTP Course
SRODRV001A Drive & Recover a 4WD Vehicle Well it seems I can’t win. After much pre-planning and thinking to myself that for once I am pretty organised (no mystery trip here) I received a call from the DTP saying they need to shift our course from mid June to the end of May which, at the time, was only two weeks away!! At this stage I was considering cancelling, but many thanks to Paul R who helped out and did a heap of ringing around to the members involved (many of whom were wandering around the paradise we call the Kimberley) and got the feedback we required. As it turned out, only two of the original 13 couldn’t make the amended date, so the course was still on, pending the DTP could organise advisors and instructors at short notice – which they did.
So the 11 of us (in 10 vehicles) trundled off to the Collins St Centre for an afternoon of theory. Despite a large variance in the experience of the club members attending, the common denominator was an enthusiasm to learn. The afternoon was, I think all that attended will agree, pretty good fun. Our instructors (Wayne and Sally) were very good and provided many a laugh. Along the way I think we all picked up at least a new trick or idea or two, regardless of our previous experience (funny there was no mention of establishing a bead with petrol and lighted matches!!).
We did cover such things as sand, rock and snow driving, care of the environment, water crossings, safe recovery and protocols to be observed. Along the way we also picked up some terminology (hopefully will remember what it means and how to apply it) such as approach, departure and ramp over angles, articulation, cross slope and centre of gravity. Whilst there were a few anxious moments regarding the exam at the end, everyone passed with flying colours and special mention should go to Paul who, despite there being no questions on computers or electronic navigation gadgets, achieved 100%.
It was an early start on the Sunday, meeting at the Ampol roadhouse in Gnangara. In between coffees and breakfast we conducted pre-departure checks on the vehicles under observation from the advisors and assessors, who fired questions at us to confirm our understanding of the process. With the first competency signed off in the log book, every one headed east and then north into the plantation for the first of the driving tests, the mud hole. Unfortunately, or fortunately which ever way you want to look at it, the mud was pretty much dried up after the recent sunshine. Apparently the week before it was full of water (this sounds like a bit lie the proverbial fisherman story – use should have seen the one I caught last week). I think the two biggest challenges here were; one - to remove the obstacles (put into the pit as part of the exercise) without slipping in the mud; and two – for Chris to fit the F250 through the channel. Both were accomplished and we moved onto the log walk and tyre changing.
From here we moved a short distance and stopped for any early lunch under the shade of some large trees on the edge of the sandpit. By this stage it was fairly warm and after the tyre changing episode everyone was thankful of the shade and a cold drink.
After a leisurely lunch, reduced tyre pressure was the order for the day and we moved into the sandpit. This is basically what the name implies. A large sand bowl with many tracks leading over the rim where we practiced and were assessed on the riggers of sand driving and other skills such as stall starts and cross slopes navigation.
There was also an obstacle course set up, which provided much laughter and merriment for the peanut gallery that gathered to watch as we each attempted to navigate the short but challenging course under guidance of our advisors. The rules of the game were such that you were only allowed to move 2 obstacles on the track. Without wanting to delve into to much detail we all made it across, some taking a bit longer than others. For me, and those that attended the Sawyers Valley trip, it was a case of déjà vu as I came to rest perched high and dry atop a log!! Thanks to the combined efforts of my course mates, it wasn’t too long before I could get a wheel or two back onto terra firma and managed to proceed. There was also a demonstration on what happens when a recovery goes wrong. In this case a snatch strap was deliberately set up to fail and the resultant shackle that went flying back into the Niva bonnet (specially prepared for the demo and as was pointed out by the advisors - what else are they good for anyway?) made quite an impression on both the bonnet and the students (click here for video). Assessment of safe recovery techniques was then carried out before we headed back out of the sand pit to the lunch area. Here we had afternoon tea whilst the instructors prepared our certificates and log books which were then handed out. We were advised to keep the log books in our glove boxes as there are places over east that will only permit entry to those who can prove they have completed the course (something to bear in mind if you are considering travelling that way). We then said our goodbyes and departed back onto the bitumen via Sydney Rd.
All in all, I think the course was a good experience. It is aimed at the entry level (we are already enquiring about an advanced course), so it is really suitable for those just entering the arena. Having said that there is always something to learn and I believe that everyone who did the course got something out of it. It is an adult learning environment where you are encouraged to get in there and have a go. It is not too strenuous and you end up with a Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation.
I would recommend the course to any members of the club, particularly those new to four wheel driving. It was great to do it exclusively with other club members as the peanut gallery were in full force, which may not have been the case with strangers present. If you’re thinking about it - as Nike say - Just do it. Individually or as a club outing you will enjoy it.
Wes |
