Course overview The pre-learner course is a training and assessment program designed to help learner licence applicants gain basic riding knowledge and motorcycle handling skills in a safe environment before riding on the road. The objectives of the course are to ensure learner riders have the knowledge and skills to manage, under supervision, the routine riding situations they will encounter while learning to ride, to instil appropriate riding attitudes and a safety mindset, and to minimise the likelihood of harm due to inadequate riding knowledge or skills. The course forms part of an integrated training and assessment program, encompassing a theory assessment and further training at the restricted (RE) and unrestricted (R) licence stages. The course is designed for people who have no on-road riding experience. The course curriculum provides a balanced program, presented in a logical and progressive manner, with the sequence, structure and timing of modules designed to support knowledge and skill acquisition. The curriculum relies on the system of specifying the value, purpose and direction of training, emphasising and repeating critical elements, the use of key learning phrases, and ‘overlearning’ to enhance knowledge retention and reinforce skills.

The course is competency based, with each competency element assessed as competent or not yet competent; participants will only successfully complete the course if they demonstrate all competencies. The course adopts a blended approach to learning including theory based teaching, demonstrations, coaching and practice through doing. Individualised feedback is provided throughout the course allowing participants to learn through experience. This interaction also facilitates self-reflection and the use of higher order thinking, which has been shown to positively influence on-road behaviour and attitudes to road safety. Basic course structure The course structure and module plan present the course over two days; the course may be delivered in an alternative structure over more than two days, such as over four mornings, providing the sequencing of modules is preserved and equivalent breaks are provided.