Wednesday, July 06, 2005

International 4-Wheel Drive Trainers Assocation

One of my favorite 4x4 writers is Jim Allen. I hand out his book Four-Wheeler's Bible in my Basic "Getting Started" Off-Road Driving Clinic. This is a 200 plus page book and is a bit more expensive then other options I have. It is in full color and has lots and lots of pictures. Jim updated the book in 2002, so it is quite current on the latest vehicles, technology and trail tools.

When I receive my copy of Off-Road Adventures Magazine, the first article I read is Jim Allen's "Four Wheel Finesse". (By the way, Off-Road Adventures Magazine is a free quality magazine published by 4 Wheel Parts Wholesales. You can pick up a copy in one of their stores or get on the mailing list. Go to their web site to signup at
www.4wheelparts.com/4wp/customer/login_sub.asp?subType=am).

In the July 2005 issue Jim has a survey of Off-Road Driving Schools in the United States on page 47. Jim makes a good case for attending a Off-Road school. Naturally I fully agree with him! He argues that you will save money in the long run by avoiding making mistakes that damage your vehicle and avoiding purchases of the wrong tools and vehicle upgrades. Jim touches likely on the idea that training may help prevent hurting yourself. Badlands Off-Road and a number of other quality organizations are reviewed by Jim. Check out his article on line if you do not have the magazine copy at www.oramagazine.com/pastIssues/0507-issue/050703t-finesse.html

He also raises the issue of who trains the trainer and how do you know you are receiving quality training? I believe the answer is the International 4 Wheel Drive Trainers Association. I joined I4WDTA and took the certification test in March. The test was a full day with a written test and a field test. In the field I was evaluated on my skills and knowledge. I also was evaluated on my ability to provide instruction to a student. The written test just "kicked my butt". But I passed! I4WDA encourages its members to continue to learn and sets several levels of instructor classification to strive for. I4WDTA was formed late in 2004. As a new organization, it has a quite a bit of work ahead to roll out training standards. In time, I believe that the public will demand certification of trainers and look for the I4WDTA seal.