Q-Ride Quality Assurance

Definitions

Term	Definition
AOP Regulation	Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Accreditation and Other Provisions) Regulation 2015
Business Rules	Business rules for providing Q-Ride training
Code of conduct	Code of Conduct for Queensland Accredited Rider Trainers (2022)
Critical non-compliance	Critical non-compliance indicates business activity or training delivery which significantly compromises public or road safety and/or scheme outcomes, or which indicates serious disregard for regulatory or TMR requirements
Driver Licensing Regulation	Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Driver Licensing) Regulation 2021
Eligible person	A person who has met the pre-requisites to undertake Q-Ride training (learner rider)
Learner rider	A person who is undertaking rider training within the Q-Ride scheme
Minor non-compliance	A minor non-compliance is typically administrative in nature, and presents low or no risk to the assurance provided by the Q-Ride RSP approval.
Major non-compliance	A major non-compliance indicates a failing in the Q-Ride RSP’s governance systems, practices, or controls, or other activity not aligned with regulatory or TMR requirements, which compromises the assurance provided by the Q-Ride RSP approval and/or public or road safety.
Q-Ride curriculum	The Q-Ride training curriculum (Pre-Learner Training Manual, Restricted RE Training Manual, Unrestricted R Rider Training Manual), as provided to approval holder by TMR.
Q-Ride scheme	Administered by TMR for students to progress through the motorcycle graduated licensing scheme in Queensland
Q-Ride training courses	Includes three Q-Ride motorcycle training courses: Pre-Learner, Restricted (RE) and Unrestricted (R), that form a standardised competency-based training and assessment program in Queensland's motorcycle licensing system
Q-Ride RSP	An accredited Q-Ride Registered Service Provider with approval to deliver Q-Ride rider training
Rider trainer	Accredited rider trainer (per the AOP Regulation)
TMR	Department of Transport and Main Roads
TORUM Act	Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995

Q-Ride Quality Assurance

In Queensland, individuals seeking to obtain or upgrade their motorcycle licence must complete the appropriate Q-Ride training course. TMR approves the registration of individuals or entities as Q-Ride RSPs and accredits rider trainers to deliver the Q-Ride courses under the AOP Regulation and TORUM Act.

Q-Ride RSPs are responsible for complying with TMR’s requirements pertaining to the delivery of the Q-Ride scheme. Accredited Rider Trainers (rider trainers) are responsible for the delivery of the Q-Ride training courses, either as a Q-Ride RSP or as an employee of a Q-Ride RSP.

Schedule 2, Part 2, Section 8 of the AOP Regulation prescribes that TMR may audit Q-Ride RSPs’ compliance with the Business Rules. Quality assurance within the Q-Ride Scheme are the activities TMR undertakes, in accordance with Schedule 2, Part 2, Section 8, to ensure Q-Ride RSPs adhere to the Business Rules and deliver training and assessment to the required standard consistently.

Scope

Quality assurance applies to Q-Ride RSPs approved by TMR under the AOP Regulation to deliver the Q-Ride curriculum to eligible learner motorbike riders for the purpose of obtaining a motorcycle licence in Queensland.

Objectives

The objectives of quality assurance within the Q-Ride Scheme are to outline the:

risk‑based assurance approach used to determine evaluation frequency, scope, and focus of quality assurance activities to assess Q‑Ride RSP compliance with the Business Rules
evaluation program framework, including the types of evaluations, the risk‑adjusted evaluation cycle, and the methods used to monitor compliance
approach to managing evaluation outcomes, including identifying and addressing non‑compliance, applying proportional response, and escalating serious or repeated issues.

Risk-based Approach

TMR uses a risk-based approach to assess Q Ride RSP compliance with the AOP Regulation and TMR Business Rules. This approach ensures quality assurance activities are targeted, proportionate and aligned with areas of highest potential impact on scheme integrity and road safety.

Regular monitoring and risk assessment activity informs the frequency, focus, and type of evaluation activity undertaken.

TMR’s approach to quality assurance in Q-Ride is three-fold:

clear and consistent information is provided to scheme participants to articulate TMR requirements and expectations
areas of identified risk are addressed through measured evidence-based quality assurance activities
response to identified issues is timely, reasonable and proportionate to support safe industry outcomes.

Risk assessments are informed by:

regulatory, contractual, policy or scheme requirements
complaints, concerns and other intelligence received
defined and documented definitions of non-compliance, with clearly articulated consequences and/or penalties for non-compliance
previous audit activity and findings, including any documented history of non-compliance
identified risk associated with not auditing.

Evaluation Program

Purpose of Evaluations

Quality assurance evaluations are conducted to confirm and maintain confidence that the RSP has implemented effective governance systems and training practice to ensure compliance with TMR Business Rules, aligned with regulatory and legislative obligations.

Evaluations may include:

analysis of relevant documented materials including governance and internal process documentation, training records
on-site visits and observations of training delivery.

Evaluation Cycle/Schedule

TMR applies a minimum audit cycle of three (3) years for all RSP. Each RSP will undergo at least one audit within every three year period.

Audit frequency may increase where an RSP is assessed as presenting elevated risk to the scheme and/or road safety. Risk levels are continuously monitored and audit schedules may be adjusted accordingly.

Q-Ride RSPs are subject to a discretionary three year evaluation cycle, influenced by regular monitoring and risk assessments. Within this cycle, RSPs may be subject to more frequent evaluation activities, as deemed appropriate.

The types of quality assurance evaluations include:

TYPE	DETAIL	INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME
Entry Evaluation	Initial review of practice to confirm obligations are understood and met. Sets engagement tone. TARGET: New Q-Ride RSPs	Within 3 months of approval as a Q-Ride RSP
Quality Assurance Evaluation	Scheduled full governance evaluation based on risk profile to measure activity alignment with Business Rules and regulatory requirements. TARGET: Q-Ride RSPs	3-year cycle (risk-adjusted)
Desktop Evaluation	Assurance evaluation for low-risk activity Records-based review to validate corrective actions. TARGET: Low-risk Q-Ride RSPs with/without corrective action plan submission.	As required
Follow-up Evaluation Review (following Corrective Action)	Follow-up activity to verify implementation of corrective actions. May be on-site or desktop based. TARGET: Q-Ride RSPs following corrective action.	Within 1 month of submitted corrective action
Triggered Evaluation	Complaint/intel-driven, proportional to risk. May be planned or unannounced. May be on-site or desktop based. TARGET: Q-Ride RSPs	Within 1 month of verified complaint/intelligence

Evaluation Outcomes

General Principles

TMR’s assurance evaluation approach aims to support and maintain safe industry outcomes and compliance through education and proportional intervention.

Evaluation findings are documented through reports outlining:

Scope and elements of the evaluation
Any identified non-compliance, including the category or level of non-compliance
Evaluation outcome
Required RSP actions to meet scheme or evaluation requirements

When non-conformance is identified, we respond with a range of tools to encourage, assist, or enforce compliance with legislation, including Business Rules and Code of Conduct. These tools and measures may be used individually or in combination, to respond in a way that is risk-based and proportionate.

When TMR decide what action to take, our response will be based on the level of risk, the behaviour of the provider, and any other matters relevant to the decision.

Outcome Categories

The evaluation outcome is determined by whether non-compliance is identified and the severity of that non-compliance. TMR applies a risk-based decision-making approach to managing non-compliance to ensure that any action taken is proportionate to the risk.

Evaluation outcomes include:

No Further Action

Where an RSP demonstrates satisfactory governance and performance with no non-compliance is identified. Indicates that the Q-Ride RSP is operating in accordance with the Business Rules and legislative requirements.

TMR records the evaluation findings, issues an outcome report to the RSP and no further follow-up is required.

Education

Where minor non-compliance is identified, which is assessed as low or tolerable risk.

TMR will communicate the non-compliance to the Q-Ride RSP. The Q-Ride RSP is responsible for identifying the root cause(s) of the issues, and determining the appropriate actions to remediate the non-compliance(s).

This outcome emphasises improvement through guidance rather than intervention, as the risk level does not require formal corrective action.

A follow-up desktop or quality assurance evaluation may be undertaken to confirm remedial work is implemented and sustained.

Corrective Action

Where non-compliance is identified and TMR requires verification that effective mitigations have been implemented.

Identified non-compliance may be categorised as minor, major or critical. TMR response to non-compliance is guided by a measured assessment of the potential impact on road safety or the integrity of the scheme.

Decisions on treatment of non-compliance are supported by clear and documented evidence, aimed at identifying root causes and implementing mitigation measures to support improved practice and avoid a recurrence.

TMR will communicate the non-compliance to the Q-Ride RSP. The Q-Ride RSP will be required to submit a corrective action plan, identifying the root cause(s), appropriate mitigations and timeframes. The proposed remedial work must be acknowledged by TMR prior to implementation by the RSP. Remedial work is implemented to address root causes and ensure sustained compliance.

A desktop or quality assurance evaluation may be undertaken to confirm remedial work is implemented and sustained.

Failure to satisfactorily address non-compliance, and/or a history of repeated non-compliance may result in classification of the non-compliance as more significant, with a proportionate response. Where non-compliance is significant, repeated, or presents an unreasonable road safety risk, TMR may take action to suspend an approval and/or accreditation under the TORUM Act.

Propose to Cancel, Suspend, or Amend an Approval or Accreditation

Where non-compliance is significant, repeated, or presents an unreasonable road safety risk, TMR may take action to cancel, suspend or amend a Q-Ride RSP approval and/or rider trainer accreditation under section 18 of the TORUM Act.

TMR will issue a written notice to the Q-Ride RSP and/or rider trainer detailing:

the proposed action
grounds for the proposed action
facts and circumstances forming the basis for the grounds
invite the Q-Ride RSP to show cause why the proposed action should not be taken.

TMR will consider any response from the Q-Ride RSP and/or rider trainer and make a final decision. Where the Q-Ride RSP approval is not cancelled, suspended or amended, corrective action or education will occur.

Note - TMR may immediately suspend a Q-Ride RSP and/or rider trainer if it is considered in the public interest and there is an imminent or unreasonable risk.

Under Section 65 of TORUM a decision to cancel, suspend or amend an approval or accreditation is a reviewable decision.

Additional materials

This information should be read in conjunction with:

Last updated: 14 February 2026