
RIIVEH305F
Operate and maintain a four wheel drive vehicle
Four-wheel drive vehicles are a core part of operations across resources, mining, construction, and field-based industries in Western Australia. This course covers the skills and knowledge needed to safely operate, maintain, and recover a four-wheel drive vehicle across a range of terrain types, in line with WHS legislation and industry requirements.

Duration
1 Day (6-8 hours)
Price
$280
Location
WA | Bayswater
Delivery
Face to Face
Course Overview

RIIVEH305F – Operate and Maintain a Four Wheel Drive Vehicle gives participants the practical skills and knowledge to safely and confidently operate a four-wheel drive vehicle in operational and supervisory roles across resources, mining, infrastructure, construction, and field-based environments. The course covers 4WD-specific terminology and vehicle features, environmental planning, pre-departure checks, on-road and off-road driving techniques across a range of terrain types, vehicle recovery procedures, and routine maintenance and minor repairs.
This unit is designed for those working in supervisory and technical specialist roles who are required to operate 4WD vehicles in demanding or remote conditions, including where independent recovery may be required. It is particularly relevant to workers operating across WA's regional and remote areas where access to roadside assistance is limited.
Training is delivered by experienced industry trainers at our facility or on-site across Western Australia. Participants will need access to a four-wheel drive vehicle for practical training — please contact us when enrolling to discuss vehicle requirements.
Course Details
Certification
Participants who successfully complete all training and assessment requirements will be issued a Statement of Attainment for RIIVEH305F – Operate and Maintain a Four Wheel Drive Vehicle by Paratus Training (RTO 45274).
Course Outline
WHS laws, legislation, and workplace procedures for operating a four-wheel drive vehicle
4WD-specific terminology, vehicle features, and differences between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles
Purpose and use of front wheel hubs, high and low range, diff locks, and recovery attachment points
Tyre selection, pressure management, and identifying hazards associated with incorrect vehicle use
Planning for minimal environmental impact — land management principles, compliance, and consideration for other land users
Pre-departure checks — under bonnet, under body, external and internal items, navigation, weather, and vehicle loading
On-road and off-road driving techniques — accelerator control, braking, gear and range selection across a range of terrain types
Identifying when to engage four-wheel drive and managing terrain-specific driving risks
Vehicle recovery — identifying equipment, assessing risks, conducting safe recovery, and minimising environmental impact
Post-recovery checks and reporting
Routine maintenance and minor repairs including fluid checks, tyre changes, and identifying defects during and after trips
Completing written vehicle performance reports
Prerequisites and Entry Requirements
There are no formal prerequisite units required for this course.
All participants must:
Hold a current driver's licence (Class C or above) applicable for the vehicle being driven
Have access to a four-wheel drive vehicle for practical training, or contact us to discuss vehicle availability prior to enrolment
Be physically able to perform pre-departure checks, handle recovery gear, and operate a 4WD vehicle in demanding conditions
Hold a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Bring a pen
Wear appropriate PPE and clothing suitable for outdoor practical training: steel-capped boots or enclosed footwear, long pants, and a hi-vis long sleeve shirt. If you do not have a hi-vis shirt, Paratus Training can provide a hi-vis vest
Please let us know before enrolment if you have any medical conditions, injuries, or physical limitations that may affect your ability to take part in practical training.
Course Dates
Who needs this training?
New to industry
If your role requires you to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle in the field — particularly across remote or off-road terrain — and you don't yet hold a formal qualification for this work, this course gives you the skills and knowledge to operate, maintain, and recover a 4WD safely and in line with industry requirements.
Renewal due
There is no legislated expiry date for this unit, however many employers in resources, mining, construction, and field-based industries require current 4WD competency as a condition of site access or remote travel. If it has been some time since your last training, this course gets you back up to date with current techniques and requirements.
Team training
If your workforce regularly operates 4WD vehicles across remote or regional WA, we can come to you. On-site delivery is available across Western Australia and can be conducted in terrain that reflects the actual conditions your team works in. Contact us to discuss group bookings and scheduling options.
Related Courses
4WD operations competency is often one of several tickets required for workers deployed to remote or off-road environments. The courses below are worth checking if you are rounding out your operational licences or preparing for work away from standard site conditions.
Frequently asked questions
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Western Australia
Paratus Training delivers high-risk licence and workplace safety training to some of WA's leading operators.
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