I4WDTA – An Intro

Back in March of this year we were given the exclusive privilege of attending the I4WDTA’s Training for Certification (TFC) in Uwharrie, NC. We were also the first “media” outlet of any kind that’s been allowed to sit in on this rigorous 4 day event. Over the next few weeks we’ll describe and share with you everything we had the privilege of experiencing, but for now, lets get to it.

So you’re probably asking yourself “what is the I4WDTA and why should I care?” The simple answer is the I4WDTA is the International 4-Wheel Drive Trainers Association, and you should care if you’re a member of the 4-wheel drive community.

Mission Statement of the I4WDTA:

The mission of the I4WDTA® is to promote environmentally responsible, safe, and skilled 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) use by educating and certifying 4WD instructors that have a proven ability to transfer knowledge and skills to 4WD users through the most up to date training curriculum.

Now to better help you understand this mission statement, let me give you a little background. The I4WDTA was founded by Bill Burke (yes the bandanna wearing dude behind the wheel of a Land Rover) with the goal of creating an organization that could create and influence the standards of 4-wheel drive training in a manner similar in style to other professional associations such as the American Medical Association. The goal of the organization was to “certify” other trainers that have proven their ability to impart their knowledge and skills to students and to generate interest in safe 4-wheel drive operations.

Today the I4WDTA offers professional development, networking opportunities, testing and certification services, equipment testing and evaluation, standards-based curriculum, training program and facility evaluation and certification, and off highway training policy to the OHV and equipment industry, the OHV enthusiast community of interest, and to its members.  I4WDTA members represent 4WD education programs on 6 Continents World-wide, across the spectrum of training and education to individual consumers, corporate industry, armed forces, government agencies, non-governmental agencies, and private volunteer organizations.

So how do you become a member of this elite club? You survive the TFC where candidates are tested and vetted by some of the best 4-wheel drive instructors in the industry. We don’t want to give away all of the details, but over the next few weeks we’ll cover the in-depth classroom instruction and field tests were candidates are forced to use their skills to solve some of the most complex recovery situations we’ve ever seen. Keep an eye out for all of the details, and if we miss anything, you’ll be able to pick the brains of these guys in person at Expo East!