Trip and Track Difficulty

Trip Ratings

Trip rating standards are covered in the Four Wheel Drive Victoria Trip Leader Guidelines.

It’s important to rate the trip as accurately as possible so that members know what to expect on a trip.  Please rate the trip to the highest expected standard and be prepared en-route to make changes to suit weather or track conditions.

It should be noted that four wheel driving is unpredictable by it’s very nature and variation from the expected degree of difficulty is very possible.

Scenic / Social

Sealed roads and some good unsealed roads or tracks. No four wheel driving experience required. Road tyres are acceptable.

Easy

Little or no Four Wheel Driving experience required. Road tyres are acceptable. Front and rear recovery points at Trip Leader’s discretion.

Expected track classification to be encountered – Green

Medium

Low range may be needed with a snatch strap recovery possible. All terrain tyres preferred. Front and rear recovery points (rated), basic recovery gear (snatch strap, 2 rate shackles and gloves), and appropriate driver training.

Expected track classification to be encountered – Green and Blue.

Hard

Steep terrain or rutted tracks. Snatch strap and / or winching recovery may be required. All terrain tyres acceptable, mud terrain tyres preferred, road tyres are not
acceptable. Front and rear recovery points (rated), basic recovery gear (snatch strap, 2 rated shackles and gloves), and appropriate driver training. Winch and full recovery gear is preferred.

Expected track classification to be encountered – mostly Blue & Black

Extreme

Very steep, deeply rutted tracks or rock hopping will be encountered. Front and rear recovery points (rated), full recovery gear (snatch strap, rated shackles, tree trunk
protector, winch extension, drag chain and gloves), and appropriate driver training. Winching will be expected and an electric or motorised winch is compulsory on all vehicles. Mud terrain or swamper style tyres essential.

Warning: Vehicle damage may occur.

Expected track classification to be encountered – Black & Double Black.

 

Track Classification

Track classification ratings are covered on the Four Wheel Drive Victoria Track Classification Page.

A track grading system was developed to assist in advising trip leaders and participants on 4WD trips of the type of tracks that they can expect to encounter. Many tracks are rated according to this scale and sign-posted accordingly

Easy Medium Difficult Very Difficult
Overall Description All Wheel Drive and High Range 4WD. Novice Drivers Mainly High range 4WD but Low range required. Some 4WD experience recommended. Significant Low range 4WD with standard 4WD ground clearance. Should have 4WD driver training. Low range 4WD with High ground clearance. Experienced Drivers
Advisory Sign Easy Sign - Green Circle Medium Sign - Blue Square Difficult Sign - Black Diamond Very Difficult Sign - Double Black Diamond
Expected terrain and track conditions Mostly unsealed roads with no obstacles and minor gradients. Tracks with some steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. May have shallow water crossings. Tracks with frequent steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. Possible water crossings. Tracks with frequent very steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. May have difficult river crossings.
Vehicle suitability All wheel Drive and High Range 4WD. Can be low clearance with single range and road tyres. Suitable for medium clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain or road tyres. Suitable for medium to high clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain tyres. Suitable for high clearance vehicles with dual range and tyres suitable for the terrain. (Mud Terrain tyres).
Recovery equipment Recovery equipment required. Winch / Recovery equipment required.
Driver Training / Experience Suitable for novice drivers. Recommended that drivers have experience or 4WD training. Recommended to be done in groups of vehicles. Recommended for drivers with reasonable experience or 4WD training. To be done in groups of vehicles. Drivers with extensive experience and advanced training should only attempt as there are several technical challenges. Recommended to be done in groups of four or more vehicles.
Weather May be difficult in wet conditions. Will be more difficult in wet conditions. Will be more difficult in wet conditions. Will be more difficult in wet conditions.