PNL 4WDriving was established in October 1991 by Phillip and Ngarie (Nyrie) Butterfield, built on the belief that with the right training, confidence, and practical skills, people should be able to take their 4WD wherever they choose—safely and responsibly—across Victoria and beyond.

Lifelong camping and hiking enthusiasts, Phillip and Nyrie spent their early years exploring Australia’s bush tracks and remote roads. More than once, those adventures ended at a “Road Closed” sign, followed by the challenge of navigating back through difficult terrain. After one too many of these experiences, they purchased their first 4WD in Sydney and drove it back to Wagga Wagga via the Blue Mountains—ironically without ever needing to engage four-wheel drive.

Keen to truly understand their vehicle, they joined the Wagga Wagga 4WD Club. Through club trips and hands-on experience, they developed strong technical skills and a deep respect for safe and responsible four-wheel driving. Before long, senior club members were recommending that new drivers travel with Phil or Nyrie to help them through challenging sections. Without realising it at the time, their role as instructors had already begun.

After moving to Sydney—and later to Melbourne—the same pattern continued. In every club they joined, Phil and Nyrie were regularly asked to mentor new members and help them gain confidence behind the wheel.

Following Phillip’s retirement from the Army, the business was formally established in Victoria. In April 2000, PNL 4WDriving became a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), delivering nationally accredited four-wheel drive training and related courses. The company is proudly Parks Victoria accredited, recognised as a Quality Tourism Operator, and a member of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council.

Phillip retired from the business in 2012, with Nyrie continuing to manage and lead PNL 4WDriving today.

Alongside our core four-wheel drive training programs, we deliver a wide range of specialist courses including chainsaw operation, remote area first aid, caravan and trailer towing, and nationally recognised qualifications such as Certificate III and IV in Tourism and Outdoor Leadership, as well as Certificate IV in Training and Assessment—allowing us to train and assess future 4WD instructors right here in Victoria.

Always evolving to meet the needs of modern learners, PNL 4WDriving now offers both traditional two-day, face-to-face 4WD courses and a blended learning option, combining online theory with practical, hands-on training in Victorian conditions.

Today, supported by a long-standing team of highly experienced instructors, PNL 4WDriving continues to go from strength to strength and has earned its reputation as the “Go-To” provider for professional four-wheel drive training in Victoria.

The goal of PNL 4WDriving is to teach SAFE, ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY 4WDriving to all.

We are a company that excels in personal commitment and training in the field of 4WDriving.

PNL 4WDriving training courses will give you confidence in yourself and your vehicle and knowledge that will enable you to take your vehicle safely to places that you would really like to experience, without endangering yourself, your friends or your vehicle.

PNL4WDriving was established by Ngarie and Phillip Butterfield in 1991 as a family business in Melbourne, Australia. The company provides training courses and consultation, for people who are interested in 4WDriving, in Melbourne and all other states in Australia. The company is a Registered Training Organisation accredited by the Australian National Training Authority delivering Nationally Accredited 4WDriver training.

The nature of PNL4WDriving instruction ensures each participant gets appropriate individual training. The instruction used gives the participant the impression of a holiday atmosphere, whilst we actually use the most advanced form of teaching (generative learning) which is fun.

PNL 4WDriving is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #20810). We are registered by ASQA (Australian Skills and Quality Authority) who is based in Canberra and because PNL 4WDriving teaches interstate we need to be Federally registered. The subjects we teach are designed by industry and educational input and come under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) in the form of training packages.

These packages are broken down into units of competency (subjects) and PNL 4WDriving specialises in teaching all the 4WDrive units/subjects from each package. As a private provider registered by ASQA we offer Nationally Recognised Qualifications the same as any TAFE or University.

Parks Victoria and Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP)

As a Licensed Tour Operator (LTO #1069) Parks Victoria and DELWP ensure you that PNL 4WDriving has the appropriate permits, skills, insurance and risk management procedures to use public land for your training, protecting our natural assets from impact and overuse. Parks Victoria administers National and State parks, DELWP administer State Forests and other Crown Land.

ATAP

What is the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP)? The Australian Tourism Accreditation Program is a business development program that is based on Quality Assurance principles. It has been developed by aligning the six state and territory based tourism accreditation programs;

• Better Business Accreditation Program Victoria
• National Tourism Accreditation Program Western Australia
• National Tourism Accreditation Program Tasmania
• National Tourism Accreditation Program South Australia
• National Tourism Accreditation Program ACT
• Northern Territory Tourism Accreditation Program

The Program addresses many of the issues that are covered in the development of a business plan but focuses on those key elements that are part of the day to day function of any tourism operation.

This is achieved by the development of professional management systems that will lead to reliability, consistency and predictability in the operation of the business which in turn results in improved customer service and satisfaction.

It encourages businesses to:

• Plan how their business will function
• Check that customer expectations are being met.

In turn, Accreditation will provide clients and industry colleagues with an assurance that participating businesses are committed to professionalism both in business operations and delivery of service.

Trust the Tick (Better Business)

Why Choose Accredited Operators? Leading Australian tourism operators display the accreditation tick. They’ve met specific criteria ensuring they are committed to exceeding your expectations with great customer service and the highest standards of business practice.

The distinctive “tick” logo displayed by accredited tourism businesses provides you with an assurance that the tourism business has a proven commitment to the highest quality of service. All businesses accredited through the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program meet the Australian Tourism Accreditation Standard, ensuring:

• Quality
• Reliability
• Professionalism
• Accuracy in Advertising
• Environmental Practices
• Adherence to a Code of Ethics

Accreditation will provide clients and industry colleagues with an assurance that participating businesses are committed to professionalism both in business operations and delivery of service.

Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP) is a national program issuing the Better Business tick. When selecting a business with the accreditation logo you are entitled to expect:

• Professional customer service
• Accuracy in advertising
• Sound environmental practices
• Compliance with health and safety standards
• An appropriately licensed operator
• A commitment to providing quality services to you

Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC)

The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak policy council for the Victorian tourism industry, which represents key industry associations, operators and government agencies, providing one united industry voice.

• Central Australian Tourism
• Marysville Tourist Association
• Ballarat Tourist Association
• Mansfield Tourist Association
• Narbethong Progress Association
• Industry Councils; Sport and Outdoor Recreation, Transport, Forestry
• Cross Country Jeep Club
• Ballarat & District 4WDrive Club
• ALDECC
• National Transport Hall of Fame – Alice Springs

Here’s a list of just a few of our valued clients:

• Aboriginal Affairs
• Acciona Energy
• Alpine Resorts Coordinating
• Council (ARCC)
• ALS Global
• Australian National University (ANU)
• Austral
• Australian Ecosystems
• Banyule City Council
• Brett Lane & Associates (BL&A)
• Bushfire Cooperative Research  Council (CRC)
• Chilsholm Institue of TAFE
• Country Fire Authority (CFA)
• Deakin University
• Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP)