Seven Golden Off Road Driving Rules

1. Play chess

Forward thinking is the most golden of rules in off road driving. Never barge into any situation. Get out of the vehicle, assess the next step and the combinations of gears and power needed to tackle it, and make contingency plans in case Plan A fails, If in doubt, don’t do it at all!

2. Slow as possible, fast as necessary

Grip and momentum – it's your job to balance those two forces, so drive as slowly as you can, consistent with maintaining steady forward progress. Remember that it’s engine torque, not brute speed, that overcomes obstacles. Taking your time allows you to select a clear route ahead, and might avoid damage caused by colliding with an immovable object.

Usually expect to stay in low range and low gear, but you might need to take a run at a hill in a higher low range gear or, perhaps on flat sand, need to keep moving in high range to avoid bedding down.

3. Left foot down – on the floor

When you first learn to drive, you are warned against “riding the clutch”. It's particularly important not to slip the clutch off road, especially when going downhill under engine braking, because you could lose control.

4. Spare the brakes too

Control your speed off road by using the braking power of engine compression. In most cases lifting your foot off the accelerator will provide all the braking you need, so treat the brake pedal as a last resort. This is especially important on descent. The type of Jeep does have a bearing on this – it is easier to control a diesel manual Jeep without using the brakes than it is a petrol automatic. If you have to use the brakes, be light footed – dab, don’t stab! Remember that you’re not trying to stop, but stop the vehicle speeding up.

5. Thumbs up

Drive with your thumbs held up and away from the steering wheel, in case you hit an obstacle suddenly and put the wheel into a powerful spin. Thumbs have been badly bruised or even broken by wheel spokes. If the wheel does buck around in your hands, resist the temptation to make constant corrections. And remember that it is acceptable to cross your hands on the wheel off road if it helps you respond faster.

6. Read the ground

Get in the habit of memorising the terrain you see approaching through the windscreen. It takes practice, but eventually you’ll be taking mental snapshots and then driving them as a matter of course. If you’re not sure what’s ahead – get out and take a proper look.

7. Don’t go where you’re not wanted

Don’t get off roading a bad name by driving across land not intended for the purpose. Stick to areas where it is permitted. There are many purpose designed off road courses involving different types of terrain, ideal for learning the basics and for advanced driving too. If you do have permission to drive on a farm or estate, respect the countryside and do you best to leave it as you found it. “Tread lightly!” is the watchword.

So that's it. The masterclass is complete!