If you are negotiating a difficult part of the track, ask a passenger to get out and direct you from the front. Simple hand signals will help you steer away from rocks, ruts, or the edge above a deep hole!
If you are part of a group of vehicles, keep well spaced out to minimise the risk of all getting stuck together, should ground conditions become bad. If the vehicle in front gets stuck, they will want some space behind to reverse out of their predicament.

Don't forget at all times to tread lightly on public and private land. Stay on established tracks where you have a right to drive, leaving scarcely a trace of passing.

If the bank or hill looks in any way difficult from the driver's seat, get out and survey on foot first. While on foot, check for undulations - holes or humps that could send you off course or, worse still, sideways.

Know where you are driving to once you've reached the top. The downward hill the other side could be more treacherous than the side you are climbing. Consider an alternative route up and over for safety's sake. Trying to turn a vehicle around on the top of a hill can be very dangerous.

It is vital that you drive up a hill or steep bank squarely, taking the shortest, straightest route up and onto the top, especially in wet weather conditions. When the ground is wet, always use an existing track in preference to a wet, grassy climb. Should you fail to reach the top, for whatever reason, it would be far safer to reverse back down the hill or bank with the wheels located in existing ruts, acting as tramlines to guide you back.

One problem when driving up a steep hill is that the steering becomes very light, as all the weight is transferred to the back axle. Even the smallest undulation in the ground can throw you off your chosen route.

Select the appropriate gear - usually second, but sometimes third - within low ratio (making sure that the centre diff lock is engaged if fitted) to take you up onto the top of the hill or bank. If driving an automatic, select second or third and use only enough pressure on the accelerator to keep the engine running without stalling while climbing. Pick as high a gear as possible to minimise likely wheel spin. Spinning wheels do absolutely nothing for traction and are more likely to clog tyre treads with mud, making the climb even more difficult.

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(c)Goodwinch Limited 2006