Scouts Australia has a 4WD Training Program which falls within the Adventurous Activities Training Framework

4WD Training and appointments are required when the following activities are conducted:

1. Where a single 4WD vehicle is required, for a single or multiple days, as activity transport or activity support with adults and or youth in the vehicle, then the driver must be an Adult Member with a Trained Participant ~ Four Wheel Drive appointment.
2. Where a single 4WD vehicle is required, for a single day 4WD tour or 4WD specific activity with adults and or youth in vehicle, then the driver must be an Adult Member with a Trained Participant — Four Wheel Drive appointment and a Guide is required to approve the activity, and supervise either directly or indirectly.
3. Where multiple 4WD vehicles are required, for a single or multiple day 4WD tour, 4WD specific activity, or activity support with any youth in the vehicles, then the drivers must be Adult Members with a Trained Participant ~ Four Wheel Drive appointment, and a Guide is required to lead the activity directly.
4. Where the 4WD activity is conducted for Rovers only (no other youth members), then the drivers must have a Trained Participant ~ Four Wheel Drive appointment. A Guide appointment is required to approve the activity, and supervise either directly if multiple vehicles are involved or indirectly if there is only one vehicle involved. The driver must be an Assistant Guide appointment or above where situations described in section 6.) below apply.
5. Where the 4WD activity is conducted for Adult Members only (NO youth members), then drivers without training will be permitted, but the activity must be led by a Guide, include specific briefing and risk management practices to cater for the untrained driver skill levels, and be restricted to a maximum of two untrained drivers to each Guide or Assistant Guide.
6. Drivers must be an appointed Assistant Guide appointments or above when locations for the activity extend into regional or remote areas (defined as locations where mobile phone reception is unreliable or non-existent), or where (as identified in the risk assessment) it is “Likely” or “Almost Certain” that vehicles will require recovery, and where a Guide is not directly supervising or leading the activity.

Trip Leaders must hold a Certificate of Proficiency.

Trip Leaders must have completed the Activity Leader qualification requirements including the Activity Leader Basic 4WD Level 1 training course or an approved equivalent.

Trip Leaders must produce a Log Book showing experience in areas to be undertaken. For example alpine, desert and preferably have training to an advanced level [Activity Leader Advanced 4D Level 2] for hard trips.

Trip Leaders must be able to assess the suitability of vehicles and drivers for the trip.

It’s recommended that an assistant Trip Leader has similar qualifications.

Contact the bc.4wd@sa.scouts.com.au for help if you don’t have a qualified Trip Leader willing to run your activity.

There must be at least two or more vehicles on every trip.

All vehicles should have suitable tyres and basic recovery gear [shovel, recovery strap].

One or more vehicles should carry a hand winch [2.5T capacity] and accessories.

On challenging trips, one or more vehicles should have a power winch [3.6T capacity] with experienced operators.

For trips to alpine resorts, and other trips where snow is possible, vehicles must carry one pair of wheel chains.

On trips involving non-resort snow driving, two pairs of wheel chains should be carried, plus equipment for an unplanned overnight stay.

Consider passenger comfort when allocating seats. Leave spare seats to allow for a disabled vehicle.

All occupants must be seated in legally approved seats with seat belts fastened – not in trailers or the back of utilities.

Avoid sideways facing seats especially for younger passengers.

Youth members must not travel in vehicles driven by learner drivers.