The short answer
Practise mode changes, tire pressures, hill starts on gentle slopes and reading terrain on your own, on easy ground. Practise recovery and spotting with a friend. Take an instructor for steep descents, side slopes, rocks, deep water and winching. Look for small groups, a clear safety briefing and an instructor who is willing to explain.
Alone or with a friend
- Switching 2H, 4H and 4L
- Lowering and raising pressure
- Gentle hill starts
- Reading simple terrain
- Using straps on easy ground
With an instructor
- Steep descents
- Side slopes
- Rock crawling
- Deep water
- Winching
What to practise yourself
- Mode changes in a safe place, see 2WD and the 2L kit and low-range use
- Airing down and up, see tire pressures
- Hill starts on a gentle slope, see hill climbs and hill starts
- Walking an obstacle and choosing a line
What needs an instructor
- Steep descents and climbs
- Side slopes and off-camber ground
- Rock crawling and ledges
- Water crossings, see river crossings
- Winching and recovery, see winching basics
Choosing a course in India
- Ask about the instructor's experience and who they have trained
- Choose small groups, so you get time at the wheel
- Ask about the safety briefing and what happens if the car is damaged
- Check insurance and any waiver you are asked to sign
- Check whether the course uses your car or theirs, and whether the Jimny is covered
No course provider is named here. Check recent reviews and ask for references before you pay.
Pick a skill
Tap a skill to see how to learn it.
Tap a skill (6 to try)
Learn Switching modes
- Learn it
- -
- Details
- -
Common mistakes
- Learning steep slopes alone. Mistakes cost more.
- Skipping the briefing. It covers the risks.
- Choosing on price. Check experience.
- Ignoring insurance. Check cover.
- Practising on hard ground. Start easy.
A final word. General technique, not a substitute for training or your owner's manual. Practise on easy ground first, with a spotter, and stop if you are unsure.