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The driving company
Home
Off Road EVOC
Civilian Off Road
Winching & Recovery
Instructors
FAQ
Contact Us
POST Certification
NFPA Operator
Fun Videos
Free Adventures
Driving Under Pressure
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Frequently Asked Questions about our off road training

How do I register for a class?

 On the Off Road EVOC page and the Civilian Off Road page there is a PayPal button where you can pay via credit card.  For agency people, you can contact us to reserve a spot in the class and the agency can pay later. 

agencies Contact Us to reserve a spot and pay later

How much does a course cost?

1-Day Basic Off Road Course: $330 for Hollister Hills SVRA

 1-Day Basic Off Road Course: $495 for San Diego / Oceano Dunes

1-day Winching / Recovery Course: $330 for Hollister Hills SVRA

1-day Winching / Recovery Course: $495 for San Diego / Oceano Dunes


2-Day Courses: $660 for Hollister Hills SVRA

2-Day Courses: $1,069 for San Diego / Oceano Dunes


4-day Instructor Course: $1,280 for Hollister Hills SVRA

4-day Instructor Course $2,139 San Diego / Oceano Dunes (Discounted price from POST Catalogue) 



How do I pay?

  

On the Off Road EVOC page and the Civilian Off Road page there is a PayPal button where you can pay via credit card.  For agency people, you can contact us to reserve a spot in the class and the agency can pay later.

Refund policy:  Agency EVOC classes:   100% refund if cancelled within 30 days, or we can move you to another date.  Most classes have a waiting list, so if we fill your spot we will process 100% refund regardless of when you cancel.  

 Civilian Classes: 100% refund with 5 days notice since all these classes have a waiting list allowing us to easily fill your spot. We can also move you to another available date.

Agencies Contact us to reserve a spot and pay later

Where do we meet for our off road training course?

For Hollister Hills SVRA  

The meeting place is the main entrance to Hollister Hills SVRA at 7800 Cienega Rd in Hollister, California. Set your trip odometer to zero as soon as you turn on to Cienega from Union, then drive 4.9 miles to the main entrance to the park.   Turn right just after the sign that says Welcome To Hollister Hills (NOT the barn that has Hollister Hills painted on it and NOT Mudstone Ranch Day Use Area). Do not turn into any of the day use areas. Do not simply follow your GPS. This will put you in the driveway of the resident ranger rather than the main office area. Look for the sign! Just prior to the pay booth, there is a large open area on your right.  An instructor in a green shirt or tan jacket will greet you. We will be there 30 min prior to start time.  If you are there earlier than that, just wait in this area.  The actual classroom will be the Hollister Hills Off Road Association (HHORA) Building, so you can park near that.  This is the blue building way off to your right of the office area. You do not have to wait in line for the kiosk! Here is a map link: https://goo.gl/maps/gzFohZ1fNWBT6MK37


For San Diego

Meet on the first day at the San Diego Sheriff's Dept EVOC Facility: 

7361 Otay Mesa Rd, San Diego, CA 92154

https://goo.gl/maps/xQbHWrrmq6N3Ws8x9

Note that your GPS may say this is San Ysidro Elementary School.  It is not!


For the San Diego Students: if you get separated from the group on the way to lunch, here is the meeting spot:

https://goo.gl/maps/uDRwikKGPkpvZZ1X7

Restaurant Vallarta 2335 Roll Dr #11, San Diego, CA 92154


For San Diego Students: if you get separated from the group or you are told to meet at the beach training staging area, go to Tijuana River Valley Campground:

https://goo.gl/maps/NHqH3Re6XYbqr9qF8

What time does class start and end?

  • All Courses start at 8:30 am and end at 5:30 pm. On the 4-day instructor courses, we try to get you on the road home by 4 pm of the last day. We compensate for that by adding a little time on to each of the other days.  WE START ON TIME!  



Do you provide vehicles?

  

  • For Agencies: You need to train the in the offroad vehicle you will be using in the course of your duties, so bring an agency vehicle. If you need an extra offroad vehicle or cannot bring an agency vehicle, we have vehicles that are stock SUVs and pickups for rent at $100 per person per day. If you are going to be using a Type III rig in the course of your duties, you should bring that type of vehicle. Training in a rented Toyota Tacoma, for example, will not help you learn to drive a Type III. Make sure you have more than ¾ tank of gas when you arrive.  You will need a 4WD vehicle.  AWD cannot do the obstacle course or the trails we use.  We do not have fire rigs available.
  • For Civilians: Bring your offroad vehicle in good working order. Make sure you have more than ¾ tank of gas when you arrive. We do not provide rental vehicles for civilian classes.  You will need a 4WD vehicle.  AWD cannot do the obstacle course or the trails we use.


  • For agency personnel who are flying in, you will need a rental car at the airport to get you around town and to the training area where we will put you in one of our offroad vehicles. Vehicle rental is $100 per person per day.

I need to stay overnight. What do you recommend?

Hollister:

Here are the best places to stay in town. The Ridgemark Golf and Resort is the most popular, and it is within the allowable nightly rate for agencies.


 Ridgemark Golf and Resort
3800 Airline Hwy, Hollister, CA 95023 

 http://www.ridgemarkgolfclub.com/lodging/ 

 

Fairfield Inn and Suites Hollister

390 Gateway Dr

Hollister, CA 95023

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mryho-fairfield-inn-and-suites-hollister


Hollister Inn
152 San Felipe Road, Hollister, California 95023 

http://www.hollisterinn.com/


San Diego

There are a number of options near the training facility, but some of the neighborhoods are not safe.  We are still working on lodging recommendations-  this is a new venue for us.  If you find a place you would like to stay, email us and we will check on the neighborhood for you. Check back here for recommendations. We will post when we find something. 

What should I bring with me to the class?

  • Wear sturdy boots or shoes with good tread on them.  We also recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen.  Wear clothing you do not mind getting dusty and dirty!  Offroad driving is not clean!
  • We do not provide lunch for 1-day classes, so bring a lunch and snacks with you.
  • For the multi-day agency classes, we will provide lunch.  
  • We will have coolers with water available at all courses, and we are known to bring cookies!
  •  If you are coming to the Winching & Recovery Course, we have everything  you will need, so you do not need to bring anything.  This way, you will know exactly what to buy.  If you already have gear, we will show you how to use it.  

Are there any prerequisites for this course?

  • No.  For those attending the 4-day Off Road EVOC Instructor course, it is helpful to have some off road or EVOC experience, but not necessary.
  • It is helpful to read the 4x4 Basics Workbook prior to class.  You can read it online by clicking the link below. You will be given a printed copy at the start of class.

click here to read 4x4 basics workbook

Will my vehicle get damaged?

 After off road training thousands of students since 2003, only two vehicles have sustained very minor damage - each one because the driver did not follow specific instructor direction. Although nobody can guarantee no damage will occur, our emphasis on Mechanical Sympathy will help you learn how to properly drive off road without damaging your vehicle. You will not be driving like the horrible drivers on the TV commercials who abuse their 4x4s!  

What Types of offroad vehicles can be driven in this course?

  

You will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle. All Wheel Drive will not be sufficient for many of the obstacles we will be driving over.  Every person who has brought an AWD has not been able to drive this course.  Also, stock Ford Explorers and Ford Expeditions are not recommended. These vehicles have very little clearance, and poor axle articulation making them susceptible to getting stuck or damaged. If you have a specialty vehicle like a 4WD Van, or a Mercedes Sprinter Van email us before you come to make sure we can accommodate your needs. We typically add an instructor just for that vehicle since it has certain limitations. No special tires are needed.


For agencies: We train all types of off road vehicles; Jeeps, Pickups, Type III Fire Rigs, Type VI Fire Rigs, 6WD Crash Rigs.  Off Road certified tenders are possible, but call us first.  


We do not train UTV (side-by-side), ATV. These vehicles are the cause of many injuries, and our insurance will not cover this type of training. 

For civilian off road training classes, can I have a guest ride with me if they are not driving?

  

Due to the nature of an off road training class, every person is considered a participant when it comes to our insurance, so the usual rate per person applies to all people present. If this other person is someone who would be going with you on your offroad adventures later, we highly recommend they participate in the class. When you are offroad, you will frequently run across situations where you will need a spotter - someone outside the vehicle to guide you over obstacles that cannot be seen from the driver's seat. For this reason, your spotter should get the same off road training. If they save you from even one damage-producing obstacle, they have more than paid for their tuition! Teen drivers are welcome as long as they have a driver's license.  Due to the nature of the terrain and the potential dangers involved, we cannot accommodate children.  

Can I bring my kids?

Due to our insurance restrictions, children under 16 are not allowed.  

Do I tip the instructors?

Our instructors are paid professionals, not tip employees.  Tips are not accepted.  

Can I bring my dog?

Only certified service dogs are allowed.  No family pets.  

Are your classes POST Certified?

Yes, our class are POST Certified for agencies.  For our civilian friends - this means you will be receiving training reviewed, approved, and certified by the State of California- something no other training company can offer.  We just cannot enter you into the state computer system reserved for agency personnel.

POST Certification Information

Are your courses NFPA certified?

We often get asked about Driver Operator 1A and 1B certification. Click the link below for detailed information.

NFPA and Driver Operator 1A & 1B Certification

Can you do custom dates or private courses at Hollister?

Yes! We will do custom off road training dates for groups of 8 students or more. Use the Contact Page to inquire.

Contact about custom dates

I am flying in for this off road training. What airport do I use?

Holister

 San Jose Airport (SJC) is the nearest airport, which is about a 1 hour drive from the off road training area.  Even if you are ​renting a 4WD from The Driving Company for use during class, you will need a rental car to get from the airport and for use around town. 


Ocotillo Wells

 San Diego Airport (SAN) is the nearest airport, which is about a 2 hour drive from the off road training area.  Even if you are ​renting a 4WD from The Driving Company for use during class, you will need a rental car to get from the airport and for use around town.  

Do you conduct off road training in other locations?

 The Driving Company can conduct off road training in your area if you have a location we can use.  We have trained on location at Camp Pendleton, Fort Hunter Liggett, Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow, Pinnacles National Park, Camp Parks, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Frank Raines OHV Park to name a few.   Carnegie OHV Park near Livermore, CA is closed for 4x4 training for the time being.  Dave Storton  conducted a 2-phase training project over 2 months in Tajikistan, so anything is possible! Use the contact page to inquire.  We can also incorporate defensive driving and on road EVOC in any 2-day course.

We can come to you - contact us

What agencies have you trained?

This is not a complete list, but these are several of the agencies for whom we conducted off road training, many on an ongoing basis.  We also started teaching open civilian classes in 2017.  If we trained your agency offroad or on road and you are not on this list, let us know!


  

Alameda County Fire Department

Alameda County Sheriff

Arapahoe County Sheriff

Arroyo Grande Fire Department

Aptos Fire Department 

Atascadero Fire Department

Bella Winery

Berkeley Fire Department

Benicia Fire Department

Bishop Fire Department

Bonita Fire Department

Border Security Tajikistan

Calaveras County SheriffCal Fire

California State Fire Marshal

California Dept of Food and Agriculture 

California Department of Fish and Game

California Department of Water Resources

California Department of Cannabis Control

California Department of Conservation 

California Mountains Recreation Authority 

California State Parks 

Camp Parks Fire Department

Camp Pendleton Fire Department

Carlsbad Fire Department

Casper Police Department (Wyoming)

Central Fire Aptos

Chino Valley Fire District

City of Santa Maria

Clark County (WA) Sheriff

Construction Safety Academy

Contra Costa County

Converse County Sheriff (Wyoming)

Coos County Sheriff’s Department

Cyberhawk

Dixon Fire Dept.

Drug Control Agency Tajikistan

East Bay Regional Parks

El Centro Fire Department

El Dorado Hills Fire Department

El Segundo Fire Department

Embassy Security for the U.S. Ambassador Tajikistan

Fairfield Fire Department

Forestville Fire Protection District

Fort Hunter Liggett Fire Department

Fort Hunter Liggett Security Activity

Fremont Fire Department

Glendale Fire Department

Graniterock Construction

Hanford Fire Department

Hollister Fire Department

Imperial County Sheriff

Inyo County Search & Rescue

June Lake Fire

Kern County Sheriff's Department

Lakeside Fire Dept

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory 

Livermore / Pleasanton Fire Department

Los Angeles County D.A. Investigators

Los Angeles Fire Department

Los Angeles Police Department

Los Alamos, Fire (New Mexico)

Marine Corp Logistic Base Barstow

Mammoth Fire

Mariposa County Sheriff

Maui Fire Department

Mid Peninsula Open Space District

Milpitas Fire Department

Ministry of Security Tajikistan

Ministry of the Interior

Montecito Fire Department 

Monterey County Sheriff

Moraga Orinda Fire District 

Natrona County Sheriff (Wyoming)

Napa Fire Department

National Park Service

Oceano Fire Department 

Ontario Fire Department

Pacifica Police Department 

Pala Tribe Fire Department

PFC Group

PG&E

Piedmont Fire Department

Pinnacles National Monument 

Pismo Fire Department 

Pleasanton Police Department

Plumas County Sheriff

Poway Fire Department

Russian River Fire Department

Sacramento City Fire Department

Sacramento County Sheriff 

Sacramento Metro Fire Department

San Diego County Sheriff

San Diego County Search & Rescue

San Diego Fire / Lifeguard

San Diego Police Department

San Jose Park Rangers

San Jose Police Department 

San Luis Ambulance 

San Miguel Fire Department

San Ramon Valley Fire Department

Santa Barbara County Fire 

Santa Clara County Fire Department

Santa Clara County Park Rangers

Santa Clara Valley Open Space

Santa Clara Valley Water District

Santa Fe County Fire (New Mexico)

Santa Monica PD

Save Mount Diablo

Sonoma County Parks

Sonoma County Sheriff

Sonoma Fire Department

South Placer Fire Department 

Stanislaus County Sheriff' Department

UC Berkeley U.S. Forest Service

USGS

United State Embassy Security Tajikistan

United State Geological Survey (USGS)

United States Army

United States Forrest Service

United States Marine Corps

University of California Berkeley Seismological Lab

USA Conservation

Vacaville Fire Department

Vallejo Fire Department

Vista Fire Department

Waterloo Fire Department

White Mountain Fire Protection District

Winters Fire Department

Woodside Fire Department

Wheeler Crest Fire Department

Yocha Dehe Fire Department


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