G'day everyone, Steve here.... still a very green 4WD driver in our club. In my day job, I do a lot of training and recently decided to try and cross over these skills with our club. I've started to help out with the DAP (Driver Awareness Program) Advisor team.
For those who might not be familiar, our Driver Awareness Program is essential for all new members. According to the club bylaws, every member must complete this free course before participating in club trips. This program is available at no cost to all financial members of the Queensland 4x4 Club.
The aim of the program is to ensure that all members have a common basic level of driver awareness and skill, promoting safety and enjoyment during club trips. This structured training ensures that all members are competent in 4WDing. Even if you've completed the training before, you're welcome to attend again to refresh or hone your skills in a controlled environment.
The DAP runs every month at a property in Numbinbah Valley (weather permitting) and spans a fun-filled day. The morning session covers theory, followed by a drive to practice the learned components. Topics covered include:
- 4WD Knowledge and Theory
- Stall Start Techniques
- Recovery Techniques
- 4WD Driving Skills
Dates for these courses are listed on our trip calendar. To register, log in to Member Jungle and add your name to the training session, or sign up on a trip sheet at a club meeting. For more information, contact the Club Training Coordinators.
While I realised I'm far from being an advisor who can sit with new drivers, there's more to the DAP than driving. At the moment, I'm just helping out around the camp, chatting with attendees, and working on other theory in the DAP guide.
Helping out at DAP is a great experience for many reasons:
- Meeting New Members: You get to meet and get to know new members of the club. It's a fantastic way to build camaraderie and share stories.
- Learning from Experienced Advisors: Hanging out with the other advisors for the day is great. They are knowledgeable and always ready to share tips and tricks.
- Teaching to Learn: Teaching is a great way to learn yourself. There's nothing like helping others to improve your own understanding.
- A Day Out in the Hinterland: It's a lovely day out in the hinterland, surrounded by nature and good company.
So, if you're interested at all, the DAP team needs your help. We need new advisors, and it's good for the team to have a wide selection of advisors to choose from.
Remember, DAP stands for Driver Awareness Program. If you've got the time and the interest, come along and see how you can contribute. It's a rewarding experience and a great way to give back to our 4WD community.