Elements and Performance Criteria
- Plan for four wheel driving.
- Determine structural and handling differences between a conventional two wheel drive and a four wheel drive vehicle.
- Identify the purpose and use of front wheel hubs where appropriate, recovery points and mounting features.
- Identify factors affecting tyre size, fitment, rating, and pressure.
- Identify hazards associated with incorrect use of vehicle features or equipment.
- Select equipment and check working condition according to manufacturer's recommendations and organisational policies and procedures.
- Access relevant sources to interpret weather and environmental information and determine activity plan.
- Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues.
- Perform pre-departure checks.
- Perform routine pre-departure checks and take action to correct any deficiency.
- Apply safe vehicle loading practices and secure personal items according to organisational policies and procedures.
- Advise passengers of safety precautions to be taken when traversing rough terrain according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- Drive in a variety of terrain types.
- Survey track to identify hazards, asses risk and select routes that minimise damage to the environment.
- Apply smooth accelerator control strategies over a range of terrain types.
- Apply recommended braking techniques for hard top surfaces and off road conditions.
- Identify situations where the engagement of four wheel drive is required.
- Engage 4W drive and front hubs or centre differential lock where required.
- Use appropriate range, gear, speed, driving and braking technique to negotiate a range of terrain types while maintaining control of vehicle at all times.
- Perform a stop and reverse on a moderate incline.
- Recover a vehicle.
- Identify risks associated with vehicle recovery and develop and implement strategies to minimise risks according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- Identify recovery points and prepare vehicles for recovery.
- Apply recommended mounting strategy on the four wheel drive vehicle and use of rated recovery equipment.
- Apply techniques for joining recovery or snatch strap.
- Coordinate safe recovery of a four wheel drive vehicle using a single snatch strap.
- Perform post recovery checks and repairs.
- Apply techniques for arresting the snatch strap in case of breakage during recovery
- Perform maintenance and minor repairs.
- Access maintenance equipment and conduct routine maintenance and repair tasks.
- Check, where necessary, brakes and undercarriage after negotiating varying terrain.
- Demonstrate safe use of a jack to support a four wheel drive vehicle on uneven ground, according to organisational policies and procedure and manufacturer's specifications.
- Complete vehicle performance reports and notify designated personnel.
- Evaluate four wheel driving activity.