The Goodyear 4x4 Academy, situated at Klipbokkop Mountain Reserve near Worcester celebrates its 10th anniversary and took another step in formalising their training and aligning it with the new standards and requirements of SAQA (South African Qualification Authority).

The recently registered and much spoken about Unit Standards in 4x4 training (US 254135 and 254154), is registered at TETA (the Transport Education and Training Authority) and is resulting from the National Off-road Workgroup (NOW), a Department of Environment And Tourism (DEAT) initiative that wants to regulate the 4x4 industry.  The main focus being to standardize 4x4 training and to minimize negative impact on the environment.  

The Goodyear 4x4 Academy in assocition with Toyota, has always promoted 4x4 training as a way to create awareness of the environment and has recently founded the ENVIRO 4x4 Academy.  Instructors throughout the country can join us and become part of the process to become accredited 4x4 Instructors and offer accredited 4x4 training.

According to NOW's strategy, it must eventually become compulsory for a 4x4 driver to obtain a DCC (Driver Competency Certificate) before such a driver can access an environmentally sensitive area.  The  exact location of these sensitive areas has not been indicated.  Without the identification and proclamation of these areas, the suggested law can not be finalised, implemented and regulated.  The fact is that there is currently no regulation that require a 4x4 driver to have a DCC.

In preperation of the new legislation, 4x4 owners can now get accredited 4x4 training according to the new Unit Standards at Goodyear 4x4 Academy and its affiliates across the country.  As soon as the law is passed that requires the DCC, trainnees can complete the process of RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning).  Hereby proof can be presented of previous courses completed and/or experience obtained and an accredited training facility will issue that person with the formal qualification needed.

By building on many years' reputation and experience, the Academy makes professional and affordable options available to 4x4 training.  Although non-accredited training is offered, the subject content is still in line with the Unit Standards - an advantage when it comes to the RPL process.  Courses remain affordable (under R1000) with a minimal additional cost to RPL when necessary.  Alternatively accredited training can also be offered by request.