Driving in Convoy

Driving in Convoy

Travelling in convoy is an important part of Christchurch 4WD Club trips. It helps keep the group together, improves safety and makes travelling on narrow 4WD tracks more practical.

On public roads, all drivers must obey the New Zealand Road Code. Leave enough space for other traffic to pass safely and do not drive in a way that pressures others.

Once off-road, the convoy needs to work as one group. Many 4WD tracks are narrow and only wide enough for one vehicle, so keeping the convoy together is important.

Before the Trip

At the driver briefing, the Trip Leader will:

  • Confirm the trip plan.
  • Nominate the Lead Vehicle and Tail-End Charlie.
  • Advise the UHF radio channel.
  • Confirm the convoy order.
  • Explain any important hazards or instructions.

The Trip Leader may also check that all vehicles have a current Warrant of Fitness and Registration.

Convoy Rules

  • Keep up with the vehicle in front of you.
  • Do not deliberately sit back at your own preferred speed if it stretches the convoy.
  • Keep the vehicle behind you in sight. If they disappear, slow down or stop where safe until they catch up.
  • Wait at intersections and turn-offs until the following vehicle has seen which way to go.
  • Keep your place in the convoy. Do not overtake unless instructed by the Trip Leader.
  • Allow the vehicle ahead to fully clear an obstacle before you proceed.
  • If you stop for photos or any other reason, advise the Lead Vehicle and Tail-End Charlie by radio, pull safely off the track, let following vehicles pass, and rejoin in front of Tail-End Charlie.
  • Report any mechanical problems to the Trip Leader as soon as possible.
  • Tell the Trip Leader if you intend to leave the convoy early.
  • On public roads, leave enough space for other traffic to pass safely.
  • The Trip Leader has the final say.

Why Convoy Pace Matters

A convoy works best when everyone keeps a steady, reasonable pace.

If one vehicle drops too far behind, the convoy stretches out. This can cause delays, missed turns, poor radio communication and unnecessary stops. It also makes it harder for the Trip Leader and Tail-End Charlie to manage the group.

Drive to the conditions, but remember you are part of a convoy, not travelling alone.

Gate Procedure

Many of our trips cross private farmland. Leave every gate exactly as you found it.

The standard gate procedure is:

  1. The vehicle immediately behind the Lead Vehicle stops and opens the gate.
  2. The convoy continues through the gate.
  3. The gate-opening vehicle drives through and pulls clear of the track.
  4. The rest of the convoy passes.
  5. Tail-End Charlie stops clear of the gate and waits.
  6. The gate-opening vehicle closes the gate.
  7. The gate-opening vehicle rejoins immediately in front of Tail-End Charlie.
  8. Gate duty then passes to the new vehicle immediately behind the Lead Vehicle.

If the track is too narrow to pull over safely, the Lead Vehicle and Tail-End Charlie will manage the gate instead.

Recoveries

If a recovery is required, only the person coordinating the recovery gives directions.

Stay well clear of winch ropes, recovery straps and recovery equipment unless you are directly involved.

Remember

Good convoy driving is simple:

Keep up, look after the vehicle behind you, communicate clearly, and follow the Trip Leader’s instructions.