Sales of ATVs, whether quads or two-seater quads, have been exploding for several years. Driving these vehicles may seem easy, but beneath their toy appearance, these vehicles hide surprises that can sometimes be very unpleasant and even lead to serious accidents.
For this reason, the Fédération québécoise des quads quads (FQCQ) has decided to present its driving course.
“Driving lessons are legally required for 16 to 17 year olds,” explains the association’s funding coordinator for driving lessons, Geneviève Bélanger. Only we, the association, can offer these courses. Because we are a sports association, we also need to ensure the safety of our members on the trail. »
Driving one of these vehicles has several aspects.
“Among the courses we offer is the course for a single-seater vehicle to which a seat has been added to allow the transport of a second person. According to the law, this course is also mandatory. Installing this seat jeopardizes the safety of the vehicle by changing the aerodynamics. »
“It’s legal on the trail. However, there are some additions to the regulations regarding the use of this type of equipment. By law, every driver and owner of a vehicle converted in this way must complete a passenger driving course. »
“You also have to take a pillion passenger with you on trails when going up or down a gradient of more than 17%. It is strictly regulated and checked on site by our trail agents. »
Beyond the requirement to complete a driving course for various legal situations, many amateurs choose to take a driving course to improve their skills.
POPULAR COURSE
“Apart from the compulsory driving course for certain situations on paths, the association offers on average between 1,500 and 1,800 driving courses, including for people who are not obliged to do so,” explains the general director of the FQCQ, Yohan Perron.
“We are in discussions with the government and several other stakeholders in this area to potentially make the course compulsory for everyone.” As these vehicles increasingly travel on country roads, training people would be important. Most fatal accidents occur on these trails and not on the hiking trails. »
The coordinator presented this example to us.
“Last year we had a person in their 60s who came to take the driving course at the urgent invitation of their little one. It was unnecessary for him since he had been driving off-road vehicles for 35 years. He told us after class that despite all this experience, he realized he didn't have the right method for mountain biking. »
It is important to remember that these vehicles can easily tip over.
“In the driving course we teach weight-shifting techniques and more, specifically to avoid rollovers. We also explain how to perform emergency braking and overcome obstacles. The course is really very comprehensive. »
THE COMPETENCE OF THE FQCQ
After belonging to an external organization for a long time, the leaders of the federation decided to create their own course.
“Our master lecturers have the necessary specialist knowledge to teach this course we have created,” explains the Director General. We therefore followed the recommendations of the Ministry of Transport in order to respond to the various articles of the law and also to create a representative route. We are doing a second tour to re-qualify our teachers for our course. Unfortunately, there are still people who offer courses but have nothing to do with us. »
“Their training is not recognized by the trail agents. It may well be that the Sûreté du Québec will do the same. The association's main mission is to ensure safety on the trails and among quad riders. With this in mind, we ask quad riders to follow the courses recognized by the association. »
Several companies whose employees may use off-road vehicles near cities or in remote areas rely on the association to train their employees. These vehicles are becoming ever larger and more powerful. You need to know their behavior and capabilities in the various situations you may encounter while traveling on trails or elsewhere.
The training lasts four to six hours and costs $110, including taxes. There are courses all over Quebec.
To find out more, write to the email address [email protected] or call 514 252-3050 ext 2229 or 1 888 252-3554 ext 2229.