There’s learning to drive the first time around… then there’s learning to drive a 4×4 Jeep SUV off-road. Even the most hardcore off-roading enthusiasts had to start somewhere, right? Starting with a solid foundation in performance and safety will help you hit the trails confidently — with the knowledge you need to protect passengers and your beloved Jeep.
You can learn a lot online about what you need to know before off-roading, such as:
- Your Jeep’s differentials and transfer case for traction
- Your Jeep’s approach angles and its ground clearance
- The ideal tire pressure for off-roading
- How to prepare and inspect your Jeep before heading out
But, as useful as articles and videos are, they’re no substitute for lessons from an experienced instructor — and they definitely aren’t a substitute for practicing in real life. Read on to explore a few different options when it comes to where to learn to drive your Jeep SUV.
Jeep Adventure Academy
You knew that getting a Jeep SUV would grant you entrance into the Jeep Club, but you may not have known that owning a 4×4 Jeep also qualifies you for the Jeep Adventure Academy.
According to the website, classes cover important areas like:
- Four-wheel drive system essentials
- Trail rules and etiquette
- Winching
- Getting a feel for terrain
- Staying safe while off-roading
- Prepping your vehicle
- Recovering your vehicle
There are trips located all around the country, including Texas, the Midwest, California and New England among others. Most classes take the form of one-day sessions. A good way to stay up to date on deadlines and events is to visit the Jeep Adventure Academy’s Facebook page.
Enroll in Another 4×4 Off-Road School
Maybe there are no Jeep Adventure Academy classes near you, or no openings on a date that works for you. There are other schools of instruction located all around the U.S. with a variety of classes.
One 4×4 expert lists some clinics worth considering, depending on where you live, your schedule and the capabilities you’re trying to learn. These include sessions outside of Los Angeles, in the Catskill Mountains, Pennsylvania and Nevada, to name a few.
The takeaway here is there are training opportunities all over the country — each with different areas of specialty, as well as pricing and dates. If you’re a total beginner you may benefit more from an intensive, multi-day course that covers a handful of skills. If you’re looking to supplement some existing experience and know-how, there may be a course that covers your desired areas of improvement.
Start on Beginner Off-Road Trails Near You
Once you have the basics down, another way to keep learning is visiting beginner trails with an experienced friend or instructor who can show you the ropes in a safe environment. Again, safety is key here. Make sure your off-roading companion is qualified to take the lead.
The Wrangler Forum is one example of a great resource for finding local trails, wherever you live in the U.S. There are separate local forums for each region or state containing recommendations on beginner trails, conditions, etiquette and more. You can ask questions to other 4×4 owners directly and learn from others’ advice before visiting a certain spot yourself.
Figuring out where to learn your 4×4 Jeep SUV isn’t quite as simple as it was learning to drive the first time, but rest assured there are plenty of resources out there for drivers looking to learn the ropes of off-roading. There are official Jeep Adventure Academy classes, as well as many private off-roading schools around the country. There’s also lots of useful intel online about beginner trails.
