"My staff often have to drive off the highway to work - is there anything I should know?"
If your organisation has to conduct business off-tarmac, using 4x4 or 6x6 vehicles, then it is vital to ensure that your drivers really know what they are doing. Few employers are aware that it is a legal requirement to provide training for drivers who have to take their vehicles off-tarmac for business purposes (PUWER: the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998). It is, of course, plain common sense too, as a trained driver will ensure that his or her vehicle will not be damaged unnecessarily or become 'stuck' away from the tarmac, out of reach of recovery services. ONWARD provide comprehensive cost-effective training: it can often only take half a day to get your drivers up to speed off road. Our training is carried out to LANTRA standards: the highest there are for civilian drivers. For more information on what we can do for you, just visit our ENQUIRY FORM and we'll be pleased to help.
"I've just bought a new 4x4, but I'm not sure what everything does"
All those glossy pictures in the brochure make driving off-road look a doddle: just set the terrain response switch and away you go.... However, if you don't understand what is going on under the bonnet, or how the environment dictates what you can and can't do, you could be in for big trouble. Many people get a nasty surprise when they find that their 'invincible' 4x4 actually isn't - even when still on tarmac! By increasing your awareness of the vehicle's capabilities and equipment, together with your own limitations, you can drive much more safely on and off road. Ask us how - just go to the ENQUIRY FORM
"How do I know where I can drive off road?"
So many drivers venturing off road for pleasure are surprised when confronted by an angry farmer or landowner demanding to know what they are doing. The mere presence of a 'byway' on a map does not mean it is actually open to public use. The law relating to common land prohibits ANY vehicle from going more than a few yards from the highway. If in doubt about where you can and can't go, just call our FreePhone 0808 120 1123and we'll do our best to advise.
We strongly recommend that you always drive off road
* with a companion vehicle
* ensure that both vehicles are in tip-top condition
* pay attention to weather and environmental conditions
* carry the proper equipment, including a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
"My family is so much safer now I have a 4x4"
But how much safer? Many people buying a 4x4 suddenly feel invincible: nothing can happen to them out on the road, can it? Sadly, they are usually wrong: 4x4 vehicles have a higher centre of gravity, which means they can roll over much more easily than a car. Although they can grip the road much better in poor conditions, their stopping distance is generally no better, and sometimes worse than, a car. On snow or ice they will, in untrained hands, become heavyweight lethal weapons, even at slow speeds. Finally that high driving position makes it very difficult for drivers to see around the periphery of the vehicle, especially when reversing or manoeuvring. ONWARD offer familiarisation courses, often no more than half a day, to ensure that you are as safe as can be. Just fill in our ENQUIRY FORM for more details.
"Is that right? My 4x4 pickup has a different speed limit to other 4x4's?"
Pickup drivers are often amazed to be handed a fixed penalty notice for speeding. After all, they are driving a 'car' on a car licence - what's the problem? The answer lies in understanding their vehicle: the maximum speed at which pickup type vehicles may travel is governed by their Road Fund Licence category and the gross vehicle weight. If you need help just call our FreePhone 0808 120 1123
"I use my 4x4 with a trailer for work - do I have to have a tachograph?"
The rules are many and various, and subject to change. To find out what we understand to be the current position, please take a look at our LEGISLATION page. As a general rule, however, if your 4x4 and trailer combination exceeds a MAM of 3500Kg, AND you are 'carrying goods', then you need a tachograph. Currently those caught without a tachograph fitted or working face a £200 'on the spot' fine, and VOSA are enforcing this.
If the combination MAM is below 3500Kg, or you are not 'carrying goods' - for instance, you might be a tree surgeon, carrying only tools and equipment, then you will not.
"What training can you offer?"
ONWARD's in-depth training involves:
* a complete safety overview * vehicle and driver preparation * understanding the vehicle, its controls and equipment * driving on all types of surface in all conditions * 'reading' the ground and route-finding * self-rescue procedures, winching, jacking and towing * wading, and dealing with difficult surfaces * assisting other vehicles * towing and loading * returning to the highway
Health and Safety matters are comprehensively covered, as are the requirements of the Highway Regulations. Trainees are given comprehensive information on Law and Practice.
Additionally, in these times of ecological sensibilities, it is more important than ever that drivers who have to venture off-tarmac perform their tasks with the absolute minimum of damage to the environment, either physically or by unnecessary emissions, and our training is built around this.
If your organisation has to conduct business off-tarmac, using 4x4 or 6x6 vehicles, then it is vital to ensure that your drivers really know what they are doing. Few employers are aware that it is a legal requirement to provide training for drivers who have to take their vehicles off-tarmac for business purposes (PUWER: the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998). It is, of course, plain common sense too, as a trained driver will ensure that his or her vehicle will not be damaged unnecessarily or become 'stuck' away from the tarmac, out of reach of recovery services. ONWARD provide comprehensive cost-effective training: it can often only take half a day to get your drivers up to speed off road. Our training is carried out to LANTRA standards: the highest there are for civilian drivers. For more information on what we can do for you, just visit our 
off-road look a doddle: just set the terrain response switch and away you go.... 
when confronted by an angry farmer or landowner demanding to know what they are doing. The mere presence of a 'byway' on a map does not mean it is actually open to public use. The law relating to common land prohibits ANY vehicle from going more than a few yards from the highway. If in doubt about where you can and can't go, just call our FreePhone 0808 120 1123 and we'll do our best to advise.
ly no better, and sometimes worse than, a car. On snow or ice they will, in untrained hands, become heavyweight lethal weapons, even at slow speeds. Finally that high driving position makes it very difficult for drivers to see around the periphery of the vehicle, especially when reversing or manoeuvring.
a 'car' on a car licence - what's the problem? The answer lies in understanding their vehicle: the maximum speed at which pickup type vehicles may travel is governed by their Road Fund Licence category and the gross vehicle weight.
