Off-Road Familiarisation is the foundation course of the Afro Offroad training pathway. This course is designed to introduce drivers to off-road driving principles, vehicle behaviour, and correct driver inputs in a calm, controlled, and structured environment.
It is the first formal training step for drivers who want to understand how their vehicle behaves off-road and how to drive it with confidence, control, and mechanical sympathy.
What Off-Road Familiarisation Is
Off-Road Familiarisation is a structured instructor-led training session focused on building understanding before difficulty.
During this course, an Afro Offroad instructor will:
- Explain how a 4×4 vehicle behaves off-road
- Introduce correct use of high range and low range
- Coach calm throttle, braking, and steering inputs
- Guide drivers through basic obstacles deliberately and safely
- Build confidence through understanding rather than momentum
This course focuses on learning how to drive off-road, not testing limits.
What Off-Road Familiarisation Is NOT
Off-Road Familiarisation is not:
- A guided drive or social trail
- An advanced driving course
- A recovery or winching course
- A high-speed or high-difficulty session
There is no pressure to complete obstacles and no expectation of prior off-road experience.
What’s Included
- Instructor-led practical training
- Explanation of basic 4×4 drivetrain operation
- Guidance on:
- High range vs low range usage
- Throttle control
- Braking techniques off-road
- Steering inputs and vehicle balance
- Vision and seating position
- Basic line choice and approach angles
- Controlled exposure to introductory obstacles
What’s Not Included
- Recovery training or recovery practice
- Winching instruction
- Advanced traction systems or technology deep dives
- Vehicle modification or setup advice
- Load calculations or technical theory
Drivers interested in recovery or advanced techniques should progress to Advanced Driver Training or Mastering Recovery.
Duration & Format
- Scheduled: Every 1st Sunday of the month
- Duration: Approximately half a day
- Format: Instructor-led practical training
- Vehicle: Driver’s own vehicle
- Group size: Controlled to ensure individual attention
- Lunch and beverages: Included
The pace is intentionally measured to allow drivers to ask questions, stop, reassess, and build confidence progressively.
Who Off-Road Familiarisation Is For
Off-Road Familiarisation is ideal for:
- New off-road drivers
- Drivers unfamiliar with their vehicle off-road
- Drivers who have relied on electronics or momentum in the past
- Drivers wanting a solid foundation before advancing
No prior off-road training is required.
Who Should Consider a Different Course
Drivers who already understand basic vehicle behaviour and want to focus on terrain-specific techniques should consider:
- Advanced Driver Training
- One-on-One Driver Training
Pricing
R500.00 for the Driver, R350 for the Co-Driver and R250 per passenger