Introduction
Watto Training is a Q-Ride Registered Service Provider (182W0416).
Watto Training is not currently taking on any new students in this course.
Q: Where does training occur?
A: Lakeside Park, Kurwongbah QLD
Lakeside Park – located at the end of Lakeside Road, Kurwongbah Q 4503. Enter through the gates, drive to the crossroad and turn right. Follow the road all the way to the other side of the track and go to the yellow demountable building.
Lakeside Park has a dedicated training area that allows for safe learning away from cars, trucks, and other hazards. We can train you in a safe, controlled environment, where you can gain confidence and competence before going out onto the road.
Our trainers passionate about riding, and know how to teach you to ride the right way form the ground up in a patient, fun manner.
Q: What Q-Ride programs does WATTO TRAINING offer?
- Learner to RE
- Experienced Rider’s Course RE
- Refresher Training / Returning Riders
- Beginner’s Training / Skill and Confidence Building
- Upgrade Course RE to R
Package 1: Experienced or confident Riders $300 Bike Supplied
This is a course designed for experienced riders, and riders upgrading from an RE to an R licence, or possibly an experienced dirt bike rider who has the level of skills to achieve competency. It is a 5 hour training and assessment course completed in one day. Additional hours may be needed to achieve competency.
Package 2: Intermediate or Returning Rider $360 Bike Supplied
This is a course designed for riders returning to riding after a long period. It is a 6 hour training and assessment course completed in one day.
Package 3: Novice Rider $600 Bike Supplied
This is a course designed for a novice rider with little or no previous riding experience. It consists of training conducted over 2 days x 2.5 hour blocks and a final 5 hour training & assessment course on a separate day….
Returning Rider Training: $150 Bike Supplied
For returning or current riders requiring to upgrade skills, we only do a minimum 2.5 hr session @ $60 per hr, this is based on 1/2 hour of class room theory, 1 hour of off street manouvres and 1 hour of road ride….
Additional Hours or Training:
Addition hours are charged @ $60 per hour with Bike Supplied
What are the six steps to Q-Ride licence attainment?
Step 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.
Step 2: Choose
Choose a Q-Ride registered service provider to provide your Q-Ride training and assessment. We wouldn’t be so bold as to claim to be the best Q-Ride operation in town, it’s not about us, it’s actually all about you and your journey. That’s our focus. So whether you’re a beginner, a returning rider or an RE to R upgrade rider, you’re in safe hands.
Step 3: Enrol
Contact Watto Training to enrol. We 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)
Step 4: Learn to ride
Q-Ride training and assessment consists of a number of competency standards that we will take you through.
Prepare motorbike for operation
- Perform pre-ride safety check
- Initiate regular maintenance and routine service
- Mount/dismount motorbike
Manoeuvre motorbike at low speed
- Posture
- Starting/stopping motorbike
- Move off and stop
- Changing gears
- Perform low speed manoeuvres
Control motorbike at road speeds
- Carry out counter-steering manoeuvre
- Execute braking procedures
Apply Roadcraft
- Defensive riding principles
- Apply roadcraft
- Manage riding situations
Step 5: Certificate
When you have demonstrated you are competent in all of the Q-Ride competencies, Watto Training will issue you with a competency declaration (Q-Ride Certificate).
Step 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. (NB: grab the yellow driver/rider application and fill it out when you get there and tick the relevant box for your class of licence). DON’T lose your certificate – it is a legal document, look after it and get it to TMR asap. Further, DON’T leave it too long before you get it endorsed….if you leave it too long it can expire! Tip: Do your Q-Ride – get a competency certificate – get it endorsed at TMR!
What do I need before I start lessons?
That’s easy:
- Learner’s Licence
- Long pants
- Covered shoes
Q: What is Q-Ride?
A: 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 Transport Main Roads (TMR) 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: 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.
Q: What do I have to do to obtain a motorbike learner’s permit?
A: 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.
To get a motorcycle learner licence you must pass a written road rules (knowledge) test. The motorcycle knowledge test has 30 questions on topics ranging from road rules to risk management and hazard perception. You must answer 27 out of 30 questions correctly. (see www.tmr.qld.gov.au for the latest fees)
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.
Q: What do I do to upgrade from and RE licence to an R licence?
A: 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).
Q: What are my obligations when learning to ride a motorbike?
A: 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.
What are my payment options?
Option 1: Credit Card. (we have a portable eftpos machine)
Option 2: Cash.
Option 3: Bank Transfer.
Account Name: Watto Training Pty Ltd
BSB: 064 103
Account: 1025 8121
Option 4: We accept cheques.
Please Post Cheque to:
Watto Training
PO Box 436
Bulimba Q 4171
Q: What if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
A: If you cannot attend a scheduled Q-RIDE Training and Assessment with WATTO TRAINING, you must give 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule, otherwise your deposit shall not be refunded.
Q: What restrictions are there regarding pillion passengers?
A: 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.
Q: What are the requirements in regards to displaying a P Plate?
A: 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.
Q: What is the assessor looking for in a Q-Ride Assessment?
Examples:
Starting the Motorbike
Engine is started in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions:
- fuel tap position checked
- engine cut-off switch to ‘run’
- ignition on
- brake on, pull clutch in, neutral selected
- engine started
Stopping the Motorbike
Engine is stopped in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions:
- brake on
- engine turned off
Riding Posture
Riding posture appropriate to manoeuvre, motorbike type and style is used with regard to safety, comfort and fatigue minimisation and includes:
- riding with eyes level with the horizon, looking well ahead
- keeping shoulders relaxed
- keeping knees close together/in to the motorbike
- arms remaining slightly bent
- placing feet in the appropriate position
Changing Up Gears
Learner changes to a higher gear smoothly as specified by the motorbike manufacturer and includes:
– accelerating motorbike to appropriate speed for gear change
– set-up for gear change
– throttling off and pulling clutch in at the same time
– selecting higher gears
– throttling on and releasing clutch at the same time
Changing Down Gears
Learner changes to a lower gear smoothly as specified by the motorbike manufacturer and includes:
- reducing speed appropriate for gear change
- set-up for gear change
- throttling off and pulling clutch in at the same time
- selecting lower gears, throttle may be required
- releasing clutch gently
Braking Exercise (a)
Complete a controlled braking exercise to a predetermined place or line through:
- both brakes applied together to reduce speed but predominate use of front brake
- clutch released between each gear change when selecting lower gears (manual motorbikes only)
- selecting 1st gear before coming to a stop (manual motorbikes only)
- rear brake remains on after stopping
Braking Exercise (b)
Complete a controlled braking exercise on demand within the following specifications:
- braking to a stop from approximately 40 km/h, within a maximum distance of 18 metres including reaction time
- predominate use of front brake required but both brakes applied together
- turning throttle off
- controlling any skidding
- rear brake remains on after stopping
Counter-Steer
Learner to complete a counter steering exercise both to the left and right on demand within the following specifications:
- a speed of between 40 km/h to a maximum 50 km/h
- Approach lane does not exceed a width of 1 metre
- Counter steering by 1.5 metres within 10 metres
- Manoeuvre completed within a 1 metre wide lane
Slalom
Learner must execute manoeuvre through markers, with a minimum of 7 directional changes, marked between 5 – 6 or 8 – 10 metres and using counter steering to manoeuvre the motorbike.
Constant throttle and 2nd gear to be used (no levers)
Figure 8
The figure 8 manoeuvre is executed as close as practicable around 2 circles, a maximum of 5 metres in diameter, spaced 1.5 metres apart but within 2 metres of the outside diameter of the circles.
The learner will be required to complete 4 figure eights in a minimum time of 50 seconds to a maximum time of 80 seconds using appropriate gear (eg: first or second gear).
Use of rear brake is acceptable.
Slow ride
Learner to execute this manoeuvre:
- through a marked course 18 metres long by .75 metres wide
- keeping feet on footrests
- keeping motorbike wheels within marked course
- taking not less than 11 seconds to traverse the course
- using rear brake to control speed
Applying Roadcraft
Driving hazards are identified and/or anticipated and avoided through defensive driving and the application of roadcraft principles and includes:
- adopting a safe following distance
- adopting an appropriate road position with adequate safety margins
- applying the System of Vehicle Control
- obeying all traffic rules
- using scanning techniques to monitor traffic conditions and hazards
- mirrors and blind spots are checked before moving off or changing direction
- providing courtesy to other road users
Management of Riding Situations
Motorbike is operated in a safe, efficient manner by demonstrating:
- smooth take-offs, without stalling or engine over-speeding
- motorbike controls operated according to manufacturers’ recommendations without looking at them
- operation of motorbike transmission and engine through all gears appropriate to the road speed and engine load
- smooth gear changes
- engine speed is kept within manufacturer’s optimum range
- smooth hill starts without stalling, rolling back or lifting the front wheel
- motorbike limitations and not exceeding them
- a knowledge of motorbike dynamics
Q: I wish to book, what do I do next?
A: Contact WATTO TRAINING’s head office on 0412 986 419 or by email wattotraining@gmail.com to discuss your training needs.
Book Q-Ride Online
See all of the upcoming Q-Ride courses and book in online. The click on the highlighted dates for more information and to make a booking online. Alternatively you can call on 1300 UPSKILL or email info@wattotraining.com.
NB: Prices include GST.
Watto Training is not currently taking on any new students in this course.
Get Updated on New Course Dates
For more information or to register your interest, please contact us.