Is this GROUPON special worth it?

[Linky]

Hi Guys

Groupon has this special at the moment.

http://www.groupon.co.za/deals/johannes ... 258&a=1912" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.topgearsa.co.za/offroad-training.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Does anyone know about this course, iv never heard about the Top Gear driving academy.. doesn't really look affiliated to Top Gear either :problem:

I am a relatively new Hilux Driver, and don't have that much off-road experience and have always wanted to do a course.
Iv read comments before the Gerotek only really covers the basics, that's its fun, but not a whole lot to learn.


Would anyone here recommend taking advantage of this Groupon if im an offroad newbie????

[Hilux 1]

well it def sounds like a deal. I know it costs about R 1500 and you get a certificate.

[Hoppy]

Don't see any acreditation on there site, maybe Thys can investigate?

[Linky]

I also see I have to use my own car... and I don't want to damage my poor baby. she is in good nick
Iv emailed them to ask how much to use one of their Hilux's :)

[ThysdJ]

Let me start off by saying that ANY training is better than no training. The groupon deal sounds very attractive, but nowhere on TopGear's site do they make mention of the fact that they are actually providing TETA accredited training through an Accredited Training Service Provider. They do mention that they train according to the Unit Standards, and that they are in the process of getting their Instructors and Assessors accredited.

Before you spend money on expensive training you need to be 100% sure that the training is done by a TETA accredited Training Service Provider (TSP), of which there are 2 in RSA at the moment that I am aware of. African Offroad Academy, and 4x4 Offroad Academy. If TopGear is not associated with either of these two TSP's their training is not accredited, despite the fact that they claim to do their training according to the approved US254135.

If you do non accredited training you will have to be re-assessed once the need arrises to formalise your qualification, which will lead to further expenses.

The training is usually not very hard on vehicles, and mostly of a theoretical nature on the Level 1 US254135. The real test comes with the Advanced US254154 where the focus is on practical driving exercises. If they are a careful training outfit, they will never allow any client's vehicle to be in a situation where damage could occur. Well, at least that is what we do.

Go for it, but be aware that you MIGHT require retraining if TopGear does not present accredited training.

[Linky]

Let me start off by saying that ANY training is better than no training. The groupon deal sounds very attractive, but nowhere on TopGear's site do they make mention of the fact that they are actually providing TETA accredited training through an Accredited Training Service Provider. They do mention that they train according to the Unit Standards, and that they are in the process of getting their Instructors and Assessors accredited.

Before you spend money on expensive training you need to be 100% sure that the training is done by a TETA accredited Training Service Provider (TSP), of which there are 2 in RSA at the moment that I am aware of. African Offroad Academy, and 4x4 Offroad Academy. If TopGear is not associated with either of these two TSP's their training is not accredited, despite the fact that they claim to do their training according to the approved US254135.

If you do non accredited training you will have to be re-assessed once the need arrises to formalise your qualification, which will lead to further expenses.

The training is usually not very hard on vehicles, and mostly of a theoretical nature on the Level 1 US254135. The real test comes with the Advanced US254154 where the focus is on practical driving exercises. If they are a careful training outfit, they will never allow any client's vehicle to be in a situation where damage could occur. Well, at least that is what we do.

Go for it, but be aware that you MIGHT require retraining if TopGear does not present accredited training.

Thanks Thys


Id rather do it properly!
I will call them and ask them these questions :)

If the saving wasn't an option, where would you recommend I go for training, knowing that I will get it done properly... ?
Do you do training courses? If so roughly how much? .. do you have a link where I can get more info? (Nevermind.. I saw your banner ... ill go check the website)

[Linky]

They are not TETA accredited for Offroad courses... only for normal driving courses.

So I guess that answers my question , also no option to use any of their vehicles. I guess if you are going to do something... do it properly.

Thys.. Im gonna send you an email to get more info about what you offer :)

[ThysdJ]

[Scorpion]

I recently did my training with Tinus and can certainly recommend him. He is very thorough and you will learn a lot (even if you are an experienced 4x4'er. I'm now waiting for the next advanced course!

[ThysdJ]

I recently did my training with Tinus and can certainly recommend him. He is very thorough and you will learn a lot (even if you are an experienced 4x4'er. I'm now waiting for the next advanced course!

Kom doen daai saam met ons in die kaap

Using the tapatalk typo generator. / Op die tapatalk spelfout genereerder.

[Scorpion]

Kom doen daai saam met ons in die kaap

Using the tapatalk typo generator. / Op die tapatalk spelfout genereerder.

Gaan jy my jou trok leen?

[Hoppy]

Jy kan sy Forkie leen , ek dink die Lux is out of bounds :|

[Scorpion]

Jy kan sy Forkie leen , ek dink die Lux is out of bounds :|

Nee, nee, nee! Tinus het ons mooi geleer van environmental impact enol - ek kan nie met 'n skoon gewete die hele Wes Kaap vol olie loop mors nie...

[Hoppy]

Jy's op dun ys, Thys het blou bloed in sy are!

[ThysdJ]

Jy kan sy Forkie leen , ek dink die Lux is out of bounds :|

Nee, nee, nee! Tinus het ons mooi geleer van environmental impact enol - ek kan nie met 'n skoon gewete die hele Wes Kaap vol olie loop mors nie...

Nee wat jy kan maar kom ou tjom..... Daai Fordjie lek minder olie as my Hilux.. En besides die eienaar van Klein Tafelberg is 'n Land Rover man.. so wat kon besoedel raak is laaankal besoedel..

[Rebel 4x4]

Certificates in this case would not bother me. Its just the experience that count. Who cares if you get a piece of paper. Where you going to mount it, in your cab....?

[GI Jane]

Certificates in this case would not bother me. Its just the experience that count. Who cares if you get a piece of paper. Where you going to mount it, in your cab....?

Experience does count, I agree, but having some theory behind you, also helps to avoid silly and sometimes costly mistakes. There is lots of talk about regulating offroad driving, and unless you have that piece of paper down the line, you could find yourself quite restricted...
The advantage of off-road training for those with no or little experience, is that training is done in a relatively controlled environment, with experienced drivers. In my opinion a very good starting point... After that the skies the limit... The advantage of training for some of those experienced off roaders with bad habits, is they can maybe unlearn some of their bad habits and help to improve the reputation of 4x4 drivers all round...

[Umpalumpa]

Eish...
Still newbie to the forum and I have been catching up on the pillow talk here.
I have just entered a course through Safari 4x4 in PTA EAST and they take you for the day to Diggers Hole and also a 4hr theory session.
Does anyone know if this is an "ok'erige" course?
The price seemed relatively good and that was all I could find in the PTA/Centurion region.
I am all for training and being comfortable with such a large investment "My trok", but I also (should have asked here first ) want to get value for my money and quality training as well.

Dankie manne en manninne

[ATH]

Hi,

Late entry here ... any training is good as said but Groupon finds some really interesting service suppliers - I have had two really memorable incidents and one of them was with a chap (un-named) that drove in the Top Gear festival etc. and, as a first intro to 4 x 4 training, not a great start.

I did a 4 x 4 day course through Halfway Toyota (Gerald OBrein) and what a stunning day. Looking to further this to the 2 day accredited course.

[ChrisF]

Eish...
Still newbie to the forum and I have been catching up on the pillow talk here.
I have just entered a course through Safari 4x4 in PTA EAST and they take you for the day to Diggers Hole and also a 4hr theory session.
Does anyone know if this is an "ok'erige" course?
The price seemed relatively good and that was all I could find in the PTA/Centurion region.
I am all for training and being comfortable with such a large investment "My trok", but I also (should have asked here first ) want to get value for my money and quality training as well.

Dankie manne en manninne

Give Herman a call as well :

herman@angeloffroad.co.za
Manufacturer of Pofadder (c) kinetic recovery rope kits ,Extreme offroad trailers, Custom build bumpers and modifications, Winches, maxxis tires, Lightforce, recovery points

herman@specialisedsecurity.co.za
: CCTV-Gates-automation-electrified fencing-garage doors-biometrics
+27824453301 [leave a message or mail me]
+258 84 1029555 [moz no]

[Umpalumpa]

I was over enthusiastic again and already booked and paid before I did my homework.
I will however report back on my experience.
Might as well do it and see how it goes......