Understanding the new 4×4 Training Process

As you are aware, the face, methods and quality of 4×4 driver training has changed significantly since the beginning of 2010. To be able to conduct and present 4×4 driver training against unit standards  254135 and 254154, the training institution must be a registered training provider with TETA  and the facilitators and assessors must be qualified to facilitate and assess against the relevant unit standards.

After moderation of the training process and assessments, students who are found to be  competent, against the relevant registered unit standards, will be issued with a certificate of competence by the accredited Training Provider and a statement of result by the SETA (named TETA)

As you might have read in the media and in the correspondence of organisations as “NOW” (National Offroad Work Group) and “AAWDC” (Association of All Wheel Drive Cubs”, the target date for government to identify and publish the so-called “sensitive” areas initiative, where you will need this “DCC” (Driver Competency Certificate) is 2014. Now this may seem far in the future, but most people are going to wait to the last minute to get their “DCC’s). As you know yourselves, 99% of 4×4 trails in South Africa and our neighbouring countries are in so-called sensitive areas. The reason being that the routes are either in National or Private Game Reserves, in Mountains areas where erosion is a factor, in Desert areas, along Coastlines or in World Heritage declared areas.

This process has been implemented and are in the process of finalization towards 2014. There’s not going to be more discussions on it, the process and results has been decided on already and all new prospect 4×4 drivers should be trained according to the new process.

As you should be aware there is no need for drivers/people who has done a proper 4×4 course or has gained relevant experience by driving 4×4 trails and do 4×4 overland trips, to do the complete new course, according to the registered unit standards. If you can submit evidence (certificates) and information on trips that you have done (photo’s or video’s), you can apply to be assessed under the “RPL” (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.

We acknowledge and appreciate the fact that you spent time, money and effort on 4×4 & off-road training. This proves a positive attitude towards training and self-development. We will evaluate your prior learning and experience and take it into consideration when calculating your notional hours of learning. It might for example mean that you only have to do the practical tests, to determine whether you are able to apply the correct driving techniques.

This is not a new system invented by someone who want to make a quick buck, but a system lobbied for  by all the 4×4 drivers and enthusiasts, who has contributed via , clubs, forums and organizations such as “NOW” and “AAWDC” to get a proper, quality and standardised controlled training process in place. Furthermore this process must convince government and environmentalists, that we can regulate ourselves and drive and behave properly and civilized, to ensure that we can drive and enjoy our treasured 4×4 destinations in and around our beautiful country. However the trainers are going to make a quick buck, once you realized that you’ve waited to long and you are not allowed into a destination, because you don’t have the new “DCC” card. You might then end up paying a lot more to get your “DCC” on very short notice, together with thousands of other 4×4 drivers in the same situation.

To familiarized yourself of who African Offroad Academy is and why they are being considered the only competent, accredited  and qualified training provider at present in South Africa, go and visit their website at: www.africanoffroad.co.za

As a member of African Offroad Academy, Just 4×4 Adventures in Bloemfontein are a 24/7 training institution, meaning that we do training every day, except Sundays. Full training is now a multiple day process, meaning that typically you will receive the theoretical training on a Friday night. (18:00 to 22:00) Then you will do practical training for a full day (Saturday). You will receive a task where you will have to go and do some research on your specific 4×4 vehicle as well as 4×4 related subjects and then complete this task. You will then make an appointment with the 4×4 Assessor where you will hand in your written task and do your practical driving tests.

If the Assessor finds the candidate to be competent, he will submit the results to an African Offroad Academy Moderator who will moderate the process and give the results to TETA, who will issue your “DCC” certificate. So unfortunately your friend,  who are a 4×4 instructor, can’t help you to get the “DCC” without going through the process. African Offroad Academy also have the internal policy that the instructor and assessor can’t be the same person and instruction and assessment can’t take place on the same day.

Cost of training for the formal 4×4 Driver Competency Certificate is R1350-00. Costs however may vary depending on whether training is done for individuals or clubs. Club discounts do exist. “RPL” students costs depends on the level of experience and notional hours of learning they have clocked. It will however be less than formal training.

For more information or bookings, contact:

For 4×4 Vehicles and Car Insurance also view:

Protect yourself when on driving on safari Out-In Africa

“Guide to safety and driving on safari / driving in the nature reserve”

Road Safety for foreigners travelling in South Africa

4×4 Vehicle Safety and Driving off-road

High performance shock absorber could reduce accident risk for 4×4 vehicles