Learn how to 4×4 on a full-day advanced driving course at Land Rover Experience in Kyalami.
Not heading into the bush these holidays, to one of Southern Africa’s exciting 4×4 destinations? Neither am I, primarily because I don’t own a 4×4. But in my mind, that shouldn’t stop you from having an off-road adventure. So I looked for a way to do that… in the middle of Joburg, and found a full-day advanced 4×4-driving course at Land Rover Experience Kyalami.
The last section of the course inside the Jaguar Land Rover complex takes drivers along the Jukskei, where your ability to plot a good route is tested.
You can pick the vehicle you want for the day (I went for the Defender – I still like ‘em old school) and, after some intensive driving theory, are led through a series of obstacles, mostly natural, along the Jukskei River. Each is more challenging than the last, and the level of detail and instruction I got along the way was impressive.
When it comes to 4x4ing there’s a lot of misinformation out there, and throughout the day we picked this apart, testing our abilities to find the right lines, make the right decisions and use the full potential of our vehicles to get through tough terrain that’s close to a real adventure destination. Environmental consideration is a big priority too, as it should be with all 4x4ing.
Many 4×4 owners think that having an off-road vehicle means you have a licence to drive over everything. That’s not 4x4ing. Using your nut to figure out a route that doesn’t damage the terrain or your vehicle is infinitely more challenging (and ego boosting) – now that’s 4x4ing, and it’s hella exciting.
Do it: It costs from R2934 for the full-day advanced course, with lunch and refreshments. At the end you receive an advanced driving certificate – some insurance companies will knock a chunk off your premiums on presentation of the certificate.
Contact: 0114651883, 4x4experience.co.za
