Registration for North Dakota Parks and Recreation’s (NDPRD) Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) youth safety courses located across the state are now open. NDPRD offers the hands-on courses in an effort to increase OHV safety awareness and prevent accidents.
Youth ages 12-15 are eligible for the free, in-person OHV certification courses that occur from June 4 through July 27. Class enrollment is limited, therefore interested participants are encouraged to register soon online.
Youth-sized ATVs will be provided for the course, but students must wear long sleeves, long pants, over-ankle boots, gloves, and their helmet, if they have one. A free helmet will be provided at the beginning of the course for students to keep. Students should also complete the introductory online course on the NDPRD website prior to the in-person training.
North Dakota law requires youth ages 12-15 who do not have a valid driver's license or learner’s permit to take a safety certification class. The certification is needed in order to legally operate OHVs on land other than their parents’, which includes designated OHV trails and ditches.
Children who are 11 but turn 12 within six months of a class date may take the safety certification test but will not receive their certification card until they turn 12.
While the classes are aimed at certifying young riders, anyone who wishes to learn more about OHV safety (such as parents or children under 12) is encouraged to attend; no fee is charged.
Alternatively, an OHV course can be completed online for a fee. Further information and a practice quiz are available on the NDPRD website at www.parkrec.nd.gov.
The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is to enrich generations through experiences that connect people and places.