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Cars Drivers Licence (Class C)
Heavy Vehicle Training (MR - MC)
Multi-combination Vehicles
Q-Ride
Q-Ride Code of Conduct
QLD Transport's Code of Conduct
Motorcycle Safety Initiatives as at July 1 2009

IWDTC Q-RIDE MOTORBIKE TRAINING
AND ASSESSMENT
Q-RIDE Provider Number: 120W0902

What is Q-Ride?

Q-Ride is a competency based training and assessment scheme introduced in Queensland in August 2001 as an alternative to the riding test administered by Queensland Transport and the Queensland Police Service.

Q-RIDE learner rider courses are provided by Registered Service Providers (RSPs) who employ or who are accredited rider trainers. The accredited rider trainers are accredited by Queensland Transport (QT) and trained by the RSP in the delivery of their Q-Ride program.

Q-Ride is a competency-based training and assessment program that aims to ensure participants reach a demonstrated level of skill and proficiency as a motorbike rider. The program focuses on improving the quality of pre-licence rider training, with the aim of boosting education and awareness, and enhancing road safety.

Q-Ride & Motorbike Training
What is competency based training and assessment?
Competency based training places an emphasis on what a person can actually do on a motorbike as a result of previous training or experience. For example a dirt bike rider would generally have more skills, knowledge and experience than a rider just starting out. So competency based training and assessment caters for the broad range of riders that want to do Q-Ride under this system.
Competency based assessment involves your assessors collecting evidence and making judgments on whether competency has been achieved. This is done in a supportive, friendly manner. You won’t be thrown in the deep end, you’ll get time to practice the tasks before assessment occurs. If you don’t achieve competency you won’t fail a test as such but rather receive further training, practice and support before having another go at the assessment task. The Q-Ride competencies are outlined later in this information.
Six steps to Q-Ride
  1. Have the correct licence To participate in Q-Ride training and assessment, as a minimum you must hold a current class RE motorbike learner licence. If you wish to obtain a class R motorbike licence, you must have held a class RE provisional or open licence for at least one year.

  2. Choose Choose a Q-Ride registered service provider to provide your Q-Ride training and assessment.

  3. Enrol Contact your preferred service provider to enrol. The service provider will ask you to provide some information about your licence history to determine which class of motorbike you are eligible to learn to ride. For example, if you want to learn to ride a class R motorbike, you may need to know the date on which your class RE provisional or open licence was first issued. You can obtain this information by completing a Driver’s Record Information Request form (F2121) and presenting it at any Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre. You must pay a fee when you lodge the request. (see www.tmr.qld.gov.au for the latest fees)

  4. Learn to ride  Q-Ride training and assessment consists of a number of competency standards that your trainer will take you through.
When learning to ride a motorbike you must display an L-plate an and carry your class RE learner, provisional or open licence. Your licence must be shown to a police officer or any other authorised person if you are asked to do so.

  5. Certificate When you have demonstrated you are competent in all of the Q-Ride competencies, the Q-Ride registered service provider will issue you with a competency declaration (Q-Ride Certificate).

  6. Getting your licence Before you can ride unaccompanied on your motorbike, you must take your current licence and Q-Ride Certificate to a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre to apply for your motorbike licence. Although you will not be required to do a practical driving test, you must be eligible for the licence you are applying for.

Obtaining a motorbike licence
The first step you need to take before learning to ride a motorbike (class RE) is to obtain a learner licence for that class of vehicle. To be eligible for a motorbike (class RE) learner licence, you must have held a provisional or open licence for another class of vehicle for at least one year during the last five years.

This provides motorbike riders with at least two years on-road driving experience before riding solo, and a better understanding of how vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists interact to improve rider judgement and safety. Make the most of your time as a learner, so that you become a safe and capable driver.
MOTORBIKE LEARNER’S PERMIT
You MUST have a motorbike learner’s licence to start training. This involves answering 5 multiple choice questions and costs $18.60. Go to http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/ for details.
How do I apply for a motorbike learner licence?
Visit a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre, authorised Queensland Government Agency Program office or a licence-issuing police station.
To apply for a motorbike (class RE) learner licence
You must:
  • be at least 18 years
  • have held a provisional or open licence of another class for at least one year in the last five years
  • complete the Driver Licence Application/Renewal form (F3000)
  • show suitable evidence of identity and Queensland residency documents
  • pass an eyesight test, if required
  • declare that you are medically fit to learn to drive the class of motor vehicle
    (Note: If you have a medical condition that might affect your ability to drive or ride safely, you will be required to give a medical certificate from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive or ride safely)
  • pay the written road rules test fee and pass the test
  • pay the required learner licence fee (Note: Payment is only required if renewing at the same time otherwise a label will be placed on the back of your licence).
Note: You can prepare for your road rules test by visiting the practice road rules test page on the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.
Applying for a class R licence
To apply for a motorbike (class R) licence you must:
  • have held a motorbike (class RE) provisional or open licence for at least one year before you can learn to ride a class R motorbike
  • pay the practical driving test fee and book the test or complete Q-Ride training
  • complete the Driver Licence Application/Renewal form (F3000)
  • show your evidence of identity
  • pass an eyesight test, if required
  • declare that you are medically fit to drive the class of motor vehicle (Note: If you have a medical condition that might affect your ability to drive or ride safely, you will be required to give a medical certificate from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive or ride safely)
  • pass a practical driving test or have a Q-Ride Certificate for a class R motorbike
  • pay the licence fee (Note: This is only required if you are renewing your licence at the same time — otherwise a licence will be reprinted at no cost).
When learning to ride a motorbike
You must:
  • clearly display an L-plate on the rear of the motorbike that you are learning to ride. Alternatively you may wear a vest clearly displaying a capital 'L'. If you are not correctly displaying an L-plate, both you and the person supervising you to ride the vehicle will be fined
  • keep your learner licence with you at all times when you are learning to ride and show it to a police officer when asked to do so
  • obey any conditions stated on your learner licence
  • only learn to ride on a learner approved motorbike (LAM)
  • have a zero (0.00 per cent) blood or breath alcohol limit if you are under 25 years and a blood or breath alcohol limit below 0.05 per cent if you are 25 years or over (drink driving applies to motorbikes also, and offences carry penalties of monetary fines and disqualification periods)
  • not drive under the influence of drugs
  • only be supervised by a person who holds, and has held, an open licence for the class of motorbike you are learning to ride, for at least one year
  • you must not carry your supervisor as a pillion passenger on the motorbike. You may only carry a suitably licensed supervisor seated in the sidecar attached to the motorbike. If the motorbike does not have a sidecar, the supervisor may follow you at a safe distance on another motorbike or in another vehicle.
Note: Provisional licence holders must not supervise a learner licence holder to ride a motorbike. Only open licence holders are authorised to supervise a learner to ride.
Q-Ride learners are assessed to four units of competency:
1. Prepare motorbike for operation
2. Manoeuvre motorbike at low speed
3. Control motorbike at road speeds
4. Apply Roadcraft
IWDTC Q-Ride Costs & Courses
Training and assessment rates for IWDTC’s Q-RIDE are as follows:
  • On a IWDTC training motorbike = $80/h
  • On a learner’s own motorbike = $75/h
The training and assessment times vary from person to person. However as a rough guide:
ADVANCED RIDERS COURSE
The Advanced Rider’s Course takes approximately 5 hours to complete and starts at 7:00am Monday to Saturday. The general cost is $400.00.

Advanced riders usually have significant motorbike riding experience and have a high degree of competency in riding skills.
RETURNING RIDERS COURSE
The Returning Rider’s Course takes approximately 6 hours to complete and starts at 7:00am Monday to Saturday. The general cost is $480.00. (NB: If a returning rider completed the course in 5 hours, then the extra hour would not be charged)

Returning riders usually have had significant motorbike riding experience in the past but have had time away from the motorbike and need to get their skills back up to standard.
INTERMEDIATE RIDERS COURSE
The Intermediate Rider’s Course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and starts at 7:00am Monday to Saturday. The general cost is $560.00. The course can be done in 2 x 4 hour sessions. (NB: If an intermediate rider completed the course in less hours, then the extra time would not be charged)

Intermediate riders are usually moderately experienced, have basic riding skills and some confidence in managing traffic situations.
INTRODUCTORY RIDERS COURSE
The Introductory Rider’s Course takes somewhere between 8-24 hours to complete and starts at 7:00am Monday to Saturday. The course is usually done in 4 hour training and assessment sessions. The length of the course varies from person to person. It is a pay as you go course.

The Introductory Course caters for beginners of all skill, knowledge, experience and confidence levels. We are more than happy to conduct sessions one-on-one at the student’s request; however some students often find another learner to train with is a fun and supportive way to do the training.
Whatever the case, it’s not a one size fits all approach, everyone is different and all applicants must be assessed on all aspects of the Q-Ride Competency Standards. Some applicants will need extensive training prior to assessment, others may only require a little feedback here or there.
Are there fixed training and assessment times?
No. Because of the nature of competency based training and assessment, the time taken to complete the criteria will vary based on the learner rider’s knowledge, skill and experience level.
Availability
Monday to Saturday: sessions starting from 7am in the morning.
Enrolment Process
To enrol in IWDTC’s Q-RIDE Training and Assessment, learners must pay a deposit of $160.00 to IWDTC. This can be paid a number of ways:
IWDTC accepts, cash, credit card, EFT or cheque.
Via EFT Via Cheque
Bank Details:
Bank: National Australia Bank
Branch: Virginia
Account Name: Gladfred Pty Ltd
BSB: 084209
Account: 549549615
Please Post Cheque to:
Ian Watson’s Driver Training Centre
19 Blyth Road
Murrumba Downs Qld 4503
(If paying via EFT, please advise us by email of your payment drivertrainingcentre@gmail.com and the amount paid.)
NB: Training fees are required upfront for all training sessions.
Upon receipt of deposit, learners shall be given IWDTC’s Q-RIDE Training and Assessment Booklet and the RIDE ON DVD which must be watched prior to the training and assessment day.
The RIDE ON DVD can be:
  • picked up from the trainer; or
  • posted to you upon request.
Learners picking up the RIDE ON DVD should bring their licence with them to 19 Blyth Road, Murrumba Downs, as IWDTC office staff may request to check your eligibility for the program.
Learners should read the training and assessment booklet and complete the enrolment details as directed by IWDTC’s Q-RIDE Training and Assessment Booklet.
Cancellations and Rescheduling of Appointments
If you cannot attend a scheduled Q-RIDE Training and Assessment with IWDTC, you must give 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule, otherwise your deposit shall not be refunded. Please contact 3491 8088 or 0412 981 528 or your trainer direct to do so.
Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAM Scheme)
From 1 July 2009, the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAM Scheme) restricts class RE (restricted) motorcycle licence holders to a combined power-to-weight ratio and engine capacity restriction. The existing 250 millilitre (mL) engine capacity restriction does not apply since 1 July 2009.
The objectives of the LAMS scheme are to:
  • improve safety for novice motorcycle riders
  • achieve consistency between Queensland and the other eastern states (New South Wales, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and South Australia).
LAM Scheme capacity restrictions
The LAM Scheme restricts novice riders to motorcycles that comply with both of the following capacity restrictions:
  • power-to-weight ratio must not exceed 150 kW/t
  • engine capacity must not exceed 660 mL.
The power-to-weight ratio is a comparison of the engine output to the weight of the motorcycle. It is a measure of the motorcycle’s performance.
LAM Scheme list of approved motorcycles and scooters
To download the list of approved motorcycles and scooters go to:
http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Safety/Road/Motorbike/Learner_approved_motorcycle_scheme/
Under the new scheme, class RE licence holders will only be able to ride motorcycles that are LAM scheme approved.
What will happen to class RE licence holders who currently ride a prescribed motorcycle when the LAM scheme is introduced?
A transitional period will commence on the 1 July 2009. This transitional period will provide sufficient time for riders to either progress to a class R licence or change to a motorcycle that is LAM scheme approved.
What will happen to the existing class RE licence?
After the commencement of the LAM scheme the existing class RE licence will be redefined to incorporate the new requirements of the scheme. Therefore, if a person currently holds or subsequently obtains a class RE licence they will be required to comply with the requirements of the new scheme. That is, only ride a motorcycle that is LAM scheme approved.
Are there any existing 250 mL motorcycles that class RE licence holders will be prohibited from riding when the new scheme is introduced?
Yes. A LAM scheme would prohibit class RE licence holders from riding a number of 250mL prescribed motorcycles (generally known as race replicas). There are currently six existing 250 mL high-power race replica motorcycles that exceed the maximum 150kW/t power-to-weight ratio. These motorcycles are capable of high speed and rapid acceleration and are unsuitable for inexperienced riders.
These motorcycles are:
  • Aprilia RS250, Honda NSR250
  • Kawasaki KR250 (KR-1 and KR1s models)
  • Suzuki RGV250
  • Yamaha TZR250
Pillion passenger restrictions for learner riders
Class RE and R learner riders are prohibited from carrying pillion passengers (including their supervisor) when learning to ride a motorcycle on the road.

Carrying a pillion passenger requires more advanced riding skills and a thorough understanding of the balance and stability of the motorcycle on the road. The introduction of this restriction allows learner drivers to concentrate on learning and developing basic on-road riding skills.

A learner will still be required to be supervised by an appropriately licensed person when riding a motorcycle. If the motorcycle has a sidecar, the supervisor may accompany the learner by being safely seated in the sidecar.

Alternatively, the learner may ride under the direction of the supervisor following at a safe distance on another motorcycle or in another vehicle.
Requirement to display a P Plate
The holder of a Provisional P1 or P2 driver licence who obtains a class RE or R motorcycle licence will be required to display a P plate of the appropriate colour when riding a motorcycle (including mopeds).
P1 licence holders will display a red plate and P2 licence holders will display a green plate on either the rear of the bike or on the back of a vest worn by the rider.
A reference worth studying in preparation for Q-Ride:
http://www.motorbikesafety.qld.gov.au/
Enquiries and Bookings
Q-Ride Murrumba Downs
19 Blyth Road, Murrumba Downs. QLD 4503
Contact IWDTC’s head office on (07) 3491 8088 or mobile on 0412 981 528 or by email drivertrainingcentre@gmail.com to discuss your training needs.
Q-Ride Gympie
9 Watson Road, Gympie. Qld 4570
Contact Mark Phillips on (07) 5482 8317 or mobile on 0412 410 727 or by email roadskills@optusnet.com.au to discuss your training needs.
© 2009 Ian Watson's Driver Training Centre
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