Track Classification is designed to help four wheel drivers select tracks that are best suited to their own ability and the ability of their vehicle. The system is based on using simple images and titles to indicate the difficulty of a track.
– Four Wheel Drive Victoria

Easy
Overview Description: All Wheel Drive and High Range 4WD. Novice Drivers.
Expected terrain and track conditions: Mostly unsealed roads with no obstacles and minor gradients.
Vehicle Suitability: All Wheel Drive and High Range 4WD. Can be low clearance with single range and road tyres.
Recovery Equipment: –
Driver Training / Experience: Suitable for novice drivers.

Medium
Overview Description: Mainly High Range 4WD but Low Range required. Some 4WD experience recommended.

Expected terrain and track conditions: Tracks with some steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. May have shallow water crossings.
Vehicle Suitability: Suitable for medium clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain or road tyres.
Recovery Equipment: –
Driver Training / Experience: Recommended that drivers have experience or 4WD training. Recommended to be done in groups of vehicles.

Difficult
Overview Description: Significant Low Range 4WD with standard 4WD ground clearance. Should have 4WD driver training.
Expected terrain and track conditions: Tracks with frequent steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. Possible water crossings.
Vehicle Suitability: Suitable for medium to high clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain tyres.

Recovery Equipment: Recovery Equipment required
Driver Training / Experience: Recommended for drivers with reasonable experience or 4WD training. To be done in groups of vehicles.

Very Difficult
Overview Description: Low Range 4WD with High ground clearance. Experienced Drivers.
Expected terrain and track conditions: Tracks with frequent very steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. May have difficult river crossings.
Vehicle Suitability: Suitable for high clearance vehicles with dual range and tyres suitable for the terrain (Mud Terrain Tyres).
Recovery Equipment: Winch/Recovery Equipment required
Driver Training / Experience: Drivers with extensive experience and advanced training should only attempt as there are several technical challenges. Recommended to be done in groups of four or more vehicles.

This program is in its early stages and can be seen in some parts of Victoria, such as Bunyip. Expect to see more signs notifying you of track classifications
The Track Classification program is currently in its early stages. Keep an eye out at major tracks throughout 2008 for Track Classifications signs. [1]

Expect to see more areas classified during the coming months.

Seasonal Road Closures
Remember the Seasonal Road Closures: Seasonal Road Closures 2008 (PF)

[1] 4WD Recreational Track Classification [Four Wheel Drive Victoria]
[2] Seasonal Road Closures 2008 (PF) [Four Wheel Drive Victoria]

The number of driven wheels You may not know this, but the average 4x4 is really only two wheel drive. Jack one rear wheel and one front wheel off the ground, and you will note that the wheels in the air are the ones to spin, not the ones on the ground. Even if your vehicle has a rear limited slip differential, the same scenario applies. So, what can be done to help in this situation? Well, this is the reason a lot of four wheel drivers fit diff locks. A diff lock fitted to just the rear diff, means that if you have three wheels in the air, the one rear wheel on the ground is enough to continue forward motion. The wheel in the air will spin at exactly the same rate as the one on the ground.