1) To certify expert 4-wheel drive instructors who, based on stringent written and field testing, have met the I4WDTA requirements to become Certified Trainers to train others in safe 4-wheel drive techniques, vehicle safety, trail etiquette and environmental awareness.

2) To establish a mechanism by which a cadre of 4-wheel drive instructors can help self-regulate the 4-wheel drive training industry with guidelines and recommendations.

3) To foster networking and generate basic outlines for training curriculum to ensure thorough teaching programs and comprehensive skills’ development.

Terra del Sol Safari March 5,6, &7, 2010

The weather held off until Sunday morning the 7th.. Tom Severin, Gary Plover and Frenchie La Chance were set up by 9:00 AM just as the rains started to come down. By 10:00 the light rains came down heavy and were turning most people to pack up and head for the pavement. They had about 8 people who stayed for the whole safety clinic. Due to the rain they stayed under shelter where they could show the people the proper way to winch safely. The class was about 1½ hours. The feeling was the people were very appreciative of the class.

About I4WDTA^®

The Need for the I4WDTA and Professional Standards

Various interest groups challenge the right to use roads on public lands for 4-wheel drive expeditions. Having a nationally recognized professional Association certifying trainers in safe 4-wheel drive driving techniques and environmental awareness can be a very powerful argument in the future that these trails must remain open to properly trained drivers, much as highways are available to properly licensed drivers.

Certification is required in other disciplines and, in the future will most probably be required in 4-wheel drive training. For example, the U.S. Park Service, in some locations, requires river guides be trained in wilderness First-Aid techniques in order to guide river expeditions. In time, the same may well happen in the 4-wheel drive training industry; trainers may have to be certified and each driver may be required to have training.

I4WDTA follows the pattern already established by the medical profession. Recognizing that the U.S. government wanted guides on federal lands to be trained in wilderness medical techniques, the medical profession decided to regulate itself by establishing training programs, and therefore standards, in wilderness medicine. I4WDTA embraces self-regulation in the 4-wheel drive training industry by establishing a rigorous certification program that will promote driving safety, enhance environmental awareness, and increase everyone's enjoyment of the back-country roads.

The point to be made is we have a choice -- self-imposed standards and self-regulation, or the heavy hand of government.

Why should a 4WD trainer become certified by the I4WDTA?

Certification confirms the highest level of qualification that verifies a specific level of knowledge, skill and ability.

Certification provides members' opportunities for networking, sharing, learning, growth, and building alliances. Each I4WDTA Member Trainer will always have their own training style, but membership allows us to understand these individual styles and help us to be more well-rounded trainers.

One of the I4WDTA goals is to become accredited by the U.S. government. This will give Certified I4WDTA Member Trainers a voice to promote standards and policies and to influence the industry, government, and policymakers.

If one wants to be a responsible 4-wheel drive trainer, promoting safety, protecting the environment, and helping to ensure that back county roads remain open for responsible 4-wheel drive use, for future generations, now is the time to become part of the I4WDTA. Assure your clients and prospective clients that, as an I4WDTA Certified Trainer, you have met the highest quality industry standards.