Driver Training Day

2nd April

A most enjoyable day compliments of a great team of guys doing the training. Of course, it was a small challenge presented to them with the X Trail and not knowing the capabilities of this vehicle. However all went well on the day, not quite up with the big guns on the track but surprisingly capable when taking the advice of the trainers and following same.

Also a nice sociable time was had getting to know a few members of the club and they even gave us a 4WD Club sticker. Thank you.

By Leona & Don Sheraton

Well after being a Club Member for seven months, I was finally able to do my Driver Awareness Training. The fractured knee had finally healed (sort of).

We met at the Service Station at Blacksoil at 6.30 am, which was a real feat for me for two reasons. One being I am not a morning person, and I only got home at 2.30 am after a night shift at work. Everyone else was bright although Janita did agree that it was just too early for her too!

Dave Peebles squeezed himself into the rear seat of the duel cab Navara (think his legs were round his neck) and we headed off to the property somewhere past Gatton. I never was good at directions!
Through the gate and on to the Private property we went. Then there was the first hill to ascend. I got half way up and the Navara could go no further!! ‘Have you got it in Low Ratio’? asks Dave. ‘Yes I think so’ I say. Nope it wasn’t. Lesson 1 learnt, make sure you know which gear you should have it in. That extra gear stick is good to hang the rubbish bag on though.

Onward, upward and downward we went finally arriving at the ‘picnic’ site. OK now we must put the tarpaulin over the supports to shade us from the sun. But, where is the Tarp??? Oh dear it was left behind, by???? I feel a fine coming on!! So being a resourceful lot an alternative was devised.
Time for morning tea! ‘Morning Tea’ it was still breakfast time!! Oh well must make the best of it.
Now the first talk was from Ian on how to use the Porta-Loo. (He has a wealth of knowledge). That covered, it was time to get into the vehicles and start the learning. With Dave now in the front seat (legs now outstretched) I had to stall on a hill without touching the clutch. Yeah right! That’s not how I was taught to drive. Oh well that went reasonably well after I was threatened with the knee wacker if I touched the clutch again. Thanks Dave!

Then we went on with the next lessons, with different instructors. I think it was something to do with nerves!! Theirs not ours! We careered down the hill with no brakes to give us the feel of what happens if we have not got our vehicle under control. We were recovered from the side of a hill with a snatch strap and in turn recovered the next vehicle. And made numerous treks up and down the hills to get the feel of our vehicles and hone are capabilities.

We went for a drive around the property to put our newly learnt skills to the test, which was great.
We then had a talk about the safety equipment used in Four Wheel Driving, which was very interesting as you can spend a lot of unnecessary money on things you don ’t need.

Lunchtime had arrived and we all ate well and had a great chat. Then we had the big drive out of the property, which in itself was a learning experience.

I had a really great day and my thanks must go to the instructors for their time and patience. I learnt a lot about the capabilities of my vehicle and myself and with the guidance of these dedicated instructors I am sure I will have a great and safe time in the wilderness in my Four Wheel Drive.

Thanks guys.

By Judi Morgan