Driver Training
The Nissan Patrol 4WD Club provides free driver training to its members (including spouse/partner). There is no additional charge for the training, as it is included in your membership fee. Driver Training is generally held on the weekend following a
General Meeting, but check the calendar for dates. A comprehensive range of topics are covered in our Driver Training Course some of which include, but are not limited to;
- The theory of 4WDing
- Club History
- Convoy procedures
- Campsite etiquette
- The 4WD code of ethics
- Vehicle set-up
- Practical driving over a variety of terrain and obstacles
- Stall Starts
- Track building
- Choosing your path
- Basic recovery techniques
It is a condition of Club Membership that you complete the Club Driver Training Course (regardless of prior 4WD experience)
before you are permitted to drive on a Club trip. Special exemption may be granted
by the Club’s Committee in exceptional circumstances. The Driver Training Course is conducted on our own land near Goulburn, where a range of purpose built tracks and drives around the local area expose participants to a variety of
terrains and track surfaces. Our Club Shop is also at Driver Training selling top quality recovery gear, 4WD essentials and Club merchandise at very reasonable prices. The land also has facilities to conduct other educational functions,
such as courses in GPS operation and first aid. Check out the calendar for the next course date.
Own a Soft-Roader?
Please note that whilst the Club is open to any vehicle, you must have a 4WD with Low-Range gearing in order to safely complete the Driver Training Course. “Soft Roaders” (e.g. Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV-4, Honda CR-V etc) are not suitable for the Driver
Training Course (Hint: borrow a friend’s 4WD). The ability to take Soft-Roaders on Club Trips is at the sole discretion of the Trip Leader.
Advanced Driver Training
The Club’s Driver Training Course also provides Advanced Driver Training weekends where members are instructed and shown the proper techniques and skills for driving over more difficult terrain, as well as improving on basic vehicle recovery skills and
knowledge. These weekends are usually held only once a year and are always attract a large number of keen members.
Advanced Recovery Training
The Club’s Driver Trainers also undertake Advanced Recovery Training weekends. Using an old stripped out Nissan Patrol the Driver Trainers can safely and easily demonstrate and teach members the correct methods to safely recover vehicles that end up in
the more precarious positions like vehicle rollovers and difficult side angle recoveries. Member participation in all aspects of the recoveries is strongly encouraged at these weekends.
Sand Driver Training
The Club runs occasional sand driver training days at Stockton Beach. Learn how to safely negotiate dunes, drive on a beach and carry out recoveries in the sand. Check the calendar for the next sand driving course. PLEASE NOTE: due to the lower ground
clearance of both the newer model Nissan Pathfinders and Nissan Navaras and the severe damage that they incur when driving in the sand dunes, these vehicles are NOT permitted to take part in Sand Driver Training unless suitable aftermarket
bash/scrub plates are fitted to the front under-half of the vehicle, specifically to protect the radiator and its immediate surrounds.
Driver Training Videos
Driver Training in the Media
The Nissan Patrol 4WD Club is proud to have been host for articles in both 4WD Action Magazine entitled “Higher Learning”, and 4×4 Australia Magazine with the story ‘Dirty Learning’. Click the images below to read the full stories.
