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Title / Ride a quad bike on flat terrain under close supervision
Level / 1 / Credits / 3
Purpose / People credited with this unit standard are able to prepare to ride a quad bike under close supervision and ride a quad bike on flat terrain under close supervision.
Classification / Agriculture > Agricultural Vehicles and Machinery
Available grade / Achieved
Explanatory notes
1This unit standard is intended for people with minimal or no prior experience in quad bike use. It is designed to assess the basic aspects of safe quad bike use in preparation for workplace training in quad bike use. It is specifically designed for use in schools or pre-entry type courses. Competence in this unit standard does not indicate that a person is ready to use a quad bike in the workplace.
2Definitions
A quad bike (previously known as an ATV) is a vehicle with handlebars and equipment that is principally designed for off-road use in a workplace and excludes racing quad bikes or quad bikes modified for other purposes. A quad bike has the following features – four wheels with low pressure tyres, engine capacity exceeding 90cc, gross weight of less than 1000kg. Most quad bikes have fixed rear axles and thumb operated throttle controls.
Close supervision refers to the operation of a quad bike under the active supervision of a supervisor who has the knowledge and experience to ensure that the rider is safe at all times. For assessment, this supervisor must pre-plan the route for the candidate.
3For the purposes of this unit standard, flat terrain is defined as class A and B land under the Land Use Capability Classification, which comprises slopes between 0-7º. More detail is available at
4Assessment
During assessment, manufacturer’s recommendations and legislative requirements for the minimum age of a person driving a quad bike must be complied with.
Candidates must be wearing a helmet suitable for the activity that either complies with the All Terrain Vehicle helmet standard (NZS 8600:2002) or is a motorcycle helmet approved by New Zealand government regulation.
Assessment should consider the candidate’s attitude and behaviour while operating a quad bike. Attitude and behaviour is defined as a willingness to comply with, and consistent awareness of, safety requirements and workplace procedures. Examples include; wearing a helmet, operating the vehicle in a manner which minimises risk to self and others, avoiding ‘no-go’ areas, not carrying inappropriate loads or passengers, and following instructions regarding care and maintenance of vehicles.
5Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to the – Land Transport Act 1998, Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, and their subsequent amendments.
6References
- NZ Transport Agency, Factsheet 19, All-terrain vehicles: registration, licensing and safety, available from
- Guidelines for theSafe Use of Quad Bikes should be consulted and complied with. These guidelines are available from
- ACC booklet: Quad Bike Safety: Tips on how to stay safe. Available from
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Prepare to ride a quad bike.
Evidence requirements
1.1Vehicle check is carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and any problems reported to supervisor.
Rangevehicle check covers – tyres, wheels, brakes, controls, lights, oil, fluids, fuel, freedom of movement of handlebars.
1.2Personal protective equipment is worn that is appropriate to the situation in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
1.3The pre-planned route is identified.
Outcome 2
Ride a quad bike on flat terrain under close supervision.
Evidence requirements
2.1Quad bike is controlled at speeds appropriate to the conditions, traction is maintained, and risk of damage to self, others, and property is minimised.
Rangesteering, braking, gear selection, reversing.
2.2Active riding techniques are demonstrated.
Rangeweight transfer, balance, body position, head and eye position.
2.3Quad bike is parked in a stable and safe manner.
Planned review date / 31 December 2016Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 21 June 2012 / N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0052
This CMR can be accessed at
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Primary Industry Training Organisation if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
Primary Industry Training OrganisationSSB Code 101558 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018