Driver Training
It was Sunday, 28th August, and
I, along with many willing members, participated in the Driver Training
Proficiency Course at the Driver Training Centre at Werribee. The group was
predominately female but this was not obvious as the day progressed.
We gathered early in the meeting centre to
learn how the course would be structured. Introductions were made all round
and our Driver Training Unit instructors appreciated their new fluorescent
jackets which made their presence and location obvious at all times.
Like all other participants, I spent
numerous moments staring “up the hill”. The trainees were split into two
groups. My group commenced in the sand box and we easily mastered this tricky
area. The others started by tackling “the hill”.
We progressed to the wet uneven track area
and each and everyone learned the skill of “driving through the brake” to send
power to the wheels needing most traction. Two trips through accompanied by my
great driving mentor Barry Walker and I was able to drive this section solo.
The feeling of achievement was fabulous.
We then covered the log crossing, rocky
terrain areas, walking the track to assess vehicle paths, climbing and
descending tracks. At all times the instructors imparted both sensible and
practical skills to all of us.
We adjourned to the meeting centre for
lunch and further classes. Ian Hastie, Barry W, Ian Salmon, Alberto and
Graeme Cope then demonstrated the safe handling of many items of everyday
equipment from shackles, snatch strap linking, chain saws, winches, etc. At
all times the most vital lesson we learned was that before engaging the gears
of the vehicle to attempt anything, always engage the brain !
The groups swapped over
and eventually we tackled “the hill”. We learned a lot here - stall stops,
stall starts, reversing. Three trips up and down and then one trip up and over
the top. GREAT ! But then we had to drive down ! This was a fantastic
experience, not just as a driver, but just great to watch.
We then went down to the river and learned
about river crossings and “dropping water” before we tackled the river itself.
It wasn’t deep enough to require an engine blind but the bow wave was big
enough to see.
Once we had all
undertaken the river loop we headed off for a run around the property, crossing
the river many times, climbing and descending time and again. It was a great
finish to a great day’s training.
I came away from my driver training with a
new found respect for the capabilities of my vehicle, a Pajero.
I cannot thank the instructors enough for
their commitment to imparting knowledge to myself and the participants, their
manner and encouragement were exemplary. Everyone on my course had a fantastic
time and an indication of the success of the course was that many partners of
participants expressed the desire to redo training at this fantastic venue.
I am doubly proud because, with the great
support I received, I passed !
Carol Reed (963) - “Proficiency Driver
Trained”.
PS: Carol and some of the other ladies and
gents who attended this training session were able to put their training to the
test a couple of weeks later on Tony’s Walhalla trip. There were muddy tracks,
slippery tracks, rain, snow, steep ascents and descents, dust, chainsaw
“demonstrations” – the lot.