Safe and Responsible fDriver Training

Why 4x4 Driver Training?

Your 4x4 vehicle is most probably one of your most expensive assets that you have. Without proper off-road driver training, you have a high probability of damaging your vehicle (as well as nature) while driving off-road. We will train you on the safe and responsible aspects of driving in off-road conditions in order for you to minimise the probability of damaging it.

You do not drive your 4x4 vehicle on an off-road trail in a lecture room or on the website. We, therefore, believe that the best way to become competent as a responsible eco-friendly off-road driver is to learn 4x4 driving in a practical manner. The courses are facilitated in the veld and Bonsai Technologies personnel practically demonstrate all theory using training aids and their own vehicles. You will spend most of the time in and around your vehicle practising off-road driving skills. This will ensure that you know your vehicle well, that you know its abilities and shortcomings (as well as your own) and how to use it in a responsible manner.

We make maximum use of natural obstacles on the trails that we select for the courses, as you will encounter natural obstacles on your 4x4 trips. We only use man-made obstacles in cases where no natural obstacles are available.

driving at an angle
guidance over an obstacle

During the introduction and basic courses you will learn how to drive an off-road trail with confidence. It is done on a trail with a grading of up to 4. You will also learn the applicable recovery techniques. On the advanced course (currently under development) you will learn how to drive a trail up to a grading of 5. We are the first to classify our courses according to trail grading. Most of the trails in South Africa are graded, which makes it easier for you to select a trail and to determine whether you and your vehicle are competent to drive that specific trail.

During the courses we will try our utmost to prevent your vehicle from being damaged. We also select the trails we use in such a manner that it has the lowest possibility of causing damage to your vehicle. But, as with any motoring activity, there is always the possibility that paint can be scratched and/or undercarriage or body panels damaged. We strongly recommend that you ensure that your vehicle insurance is in place before you attend the course.

The focus of this course is to familiarise yourself with the off-road capabilities of your vehicle and provide you with an introduction to 4x4 driving techniques.

The course is facilitated over a period of one day.

The prerequisites for the course are a valid South African drivers license and your own 4x4 vehicle.

Course Details
  • Current South African legislation
  • Know your vehicle
  • Identification of recovery and safety equipment
  • Off-road communication (hand signals and verbal)
  • Actual driving of obstacles (maximum a grade 3 obstacle)
  • Identification of correct lines through obstacle

  • Tariffs
  • R1 475.00 per person (handbook, attendance certificate, coffee/tea and light lunch included)
  • R975.00 for husband/wife/life partner also doing the course with his/her partner (handbook, attendance certificate, coffee/tea and light lunch included)
  • R140.00 per person accompanying the learner (coffee/tea and light lunch included)
  • Entrance fees at the main gate of the venue
  • grade 3 obstacle

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    Why Join Our fUnique Off-Road Lifestyle

    We Strive To Provide Once-In-A-Lifetime 4x4 Off-Road And Overlanding Experiences

    quote - Highly recommended for 4x4 & nature lovers
    EXCLUSIVITY

    The tours and weekend trips allow you access to remote areas in national parks and reserves that are not frequented by many visitors.

    OFF-ROAD GUIDES

    A qualified 4x4 guide will assist with off-road aspects when necessary.

    PHOTOGRAPHY

    The surrounding wilderness, the remoteness and the seclusion of traveling through rarely seen areas are fantastic for unique photographs.

    TRAIL GUIDES

    A qualified 4x4 And Overlanding Adventure Guide - Overnight Camping will guide the tour or overlanding trip and a qualified field guide will guide when it is necessary. The guides will provide the necessary interpretation en-route and also ensure your safety.

    INSTINCTIVE

    As a proud owner-run 4x4 tour operator, Bonsai Technologies is able to identify your needs for any particular 4x4 trip and to offer guided and self-guided trips to fit those needs.

    Learn what your 4x4 can do off-road - driver training
    PRACTICAL

    We believe that the best way to become competent as a responsible eco-friendly off-road driver is to learn 4x4 driving in a practical manner.

    DEMONSTRATIVE

    The courses are facilitated in the veld and Bonsai Technologies personnel practically demonstrate all theory using training aids and their own vehicles.

    INTERACTIVE

    You will spend most of the time in and around your vehicle practising off-road driving skills.

    ENLIGHTENING

    Doing the driving yourself will ensure that you know your vehicle and your own abilities and shortcomings.

    "AU NATUREL"

    We make maximum use of natural obstacles on the trails that we select for the courses, as you will encounter natural obstacles on your off-road trips.

    bonsai-sa 4x4 adventures & tours - scenic
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