South Africans: Your SADC "card" licence covers most Southern
African countries. Further north you will need an International Drivers Licence
obtainable from the AA. Make sure your licence covers your trailer also.
Overseas Visitors: You need an International Licence but should also carry your
home countries licence.
NEVER HAND OVER ORIGINALS IF YOU CAN AVOID IT - take issue
on this point demanding Number, Rank & Name - nothing works better
SIMPLE DRIVING HINTS FOR "TOWNIES"
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If you are new to 4x4's take a driving course for them - there are a number of excellent facilities throughout South Africa - contact The 4 Wheel Drive Club of Southern Africa for guidance in this regard
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Get to know every special component and understand their uses
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Understand where all the different controls are and how to use them - this might sound stupid but a UK expatriate in Tanzania once drove a Land Rover in low range for 1200 kms before finding out there was a high range also - this is a TRUE STORY (Ag! Shame! - poor Soutie)
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Learn how to work components like air jacks, winches, locking hubs, differential locks, air compressors, high-lift jacks, etc before having to use them in the field
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Find out how to do a reasonable number of repairs in the field and what parts you should carry with you - your workshop manager can tell you what breaks often - vehicle failures often follow a pattern
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If you go into the bush on your own make sure you understand how to take care of your vehicle and yourself
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Make sure your vehicle is properly prepared for the trip
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Don't drive into the bush without GPS, Maps, compass etc - even experienced people can get lost in unfamiliar surroundings
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If you travel with your wife please let her learn how to use the vehicle also - she might turn out an even better driver than you are
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If you get lost the sun comes up in the East and goes down in the West - a good starting point
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Only fools take chances with fuel supplies
DRIVING OFF ROAD
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Know your driving limitations and the limitations of the vehicle you are driving
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Never drive through water if you don't know what is underneath or how deep it is - I drive slowly and create a wave in front of me - this works with my vehicle - never "charge" at water
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Never drive downhill in the bush if you don't know you can get up again from one side or the other
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If you leave your vehicle anywhere to walk don't leave it where it can get burnt out by a grass fire
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Contrary to Manufacturer's Advertising 4x4's:-
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Cannot climb mountains
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Fly
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"Walk on water"
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Climb vertically
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Negotiate sinking sand etc
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When stuck in a "dambo" (bog/marsh/swamp) it normally is not a bright idea to winch yourself forward - rather go back and find another way around
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Don't hoot at elephants - some will charge your vehicle
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Traveling diagonally can cause you to roll over in the dunes or steep slopes
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Engage the right gear when going down steep descents - the engine should be able to hold the vehicle at all times
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Don't wait to get stuck before selecting low range or 4 wheel drive - pre-select and tackle the conditions in the proper gear
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The best way to get stuck is to spin your wheels - applies in mud and sand and steep slopes - develop a feel for the ground beneath you
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Spinning wheels "buggers" tyres and breaks halfshafts (sideshafts) quite easily
- Do not drive with your thumbs between the steering wheel spokes - you could break a thumb
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Never proceed if you cannot retrace your steps - this is guaranteed disaster - check the route ahead if in doubt
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Don't "fly" change between High and Low ranges unless you are truly expert at it and it is permitted by the manufacturer
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Be kind to your suspension if you want to last the course
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Think before you act - this will save you plenty of hassles
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Drive your 4x4 as you would your town car - it will last a lot longer and not break on you
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In the bush your 4x4 is your best friend - treat him as such
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Speed at your peril - you will break springs, shock and amass some quite amazing fines you don't need