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North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department offers safety classes for off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders and snowmobile riders. Additional safety courses on general outdoor safety are occasionally held at a number of state parks across North Dakota. Please call the park to learn about what information and course they are currently offering or visit our events tab to learn more.

OHV Safety Classes

North Dakota law requires youth ages 12-16 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 parent's which includes designated OHV trails and ditches.

In order to become certified, the following guidelines must be met:

  • Attend a scheduled classroom or hands-on class in your area, or take the online certification course from home.
  • Be at least 12 years of age.
  • Successfully complete the safety certification test.

NOTE: Children who are 11, but turn 12 within 6 months of a class date, may take the safety certification test, but will not receive their certification card until they turn 12.

More Information available here: Youth Safety Class

Snowmobile Safety Class

North Dakota law requires youth ages 10 and older, who do not have a valid driver's license or permit, to take a safety certification class. In addition, those 10 and 11 also need to be directly supervised by a parent or guardian while on public lands. The certification is needed in order to legally operate a snowmobile on any public land which includes the state snowmobile trail system and ditches. In order to become certified, the following guidelines must be met:

  • Attend a scheduled classroom or hands-on class in your area, or take the online certification course from home.
  • Be at least 10 years of age.
  • Successfully complete the safety certification test.

Snowmobile safety certification classes are held throughout the winter months starting in October. There is a fee charged for those who wish to become certified. The classroom certification fee is $20. While the classes are aimed at certifying young riders, anyone who wishes to learn more about snowmobile safety (such as parents or children under 10) is encouraged to attend; no fee is charged.

More information available here: Youth Safety Class

Agency/Private Industry Safety Class

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department offers OHV and snowmobile safety classes upon request, depending on staff availability, to other government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector businesses.

The class is approximately 4 hours and prepares the rider with the knowledge, skill, and attitude to operate OHVs or snowmobiles in a safe and efficient manner. Class outcomes and objectives are similar to the youth class, but can be tailored to the specific needs of the agency/organization. Please call (701) 328-5357 for more information.