ATV Safety Training

ATV safety training will enhance your understanding of basic ATV operation and safe riding techniques. When you know and understand safe riding techniques for ATV operation, you can utilize the training to avoid hazards. Riding safely requires you to take responsibility for your own actions, the riding environment, and the operation of the ATV. Look at riding as an activity requiring the interaction of three things: personal ability, ATV capabilities, and environmental or terrain conditions.

Frequently asked questions:

ATV Safety Training will enhance your understanding of basic ATV operation and safe riding techniques. When you know and understand safe riding techniques for ATV operation, you can utilize the training to avoid hazards. Riding safely requires you to take responsibility for your own actions, the riding environment, and the operation of the ATV. Look at riding as an activity requiring the interaction of three things: personal ability, ATV capabilities, and environmental or terrain conditions.

California Vehicle Code §38503 states no person under age 18 shall operate an ATV on public lands unless satisfying one of the following conditions:

• They are taking a prescribed safety training course under the direct supervision of a certified all-terrain vehicle safety instructor.
  
  
• They are in possession of an appropriate ATV safety certificate issued by this state or issued under the authority of another state.
  
  
• They are under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian, or an adult authorized by the parent or guardian, who is in possession of an appropriate ATV safety certificate issued by this state or issued under the authority of another state.
  
  
• In addition, riders under the age of 14 must either possess an ATV safety certificate or the adult supervising the rider must possess an ATV safety certificate. NOTE: No matter who possesses the ATV safety certificate, all riders age 14 and under must be supervised by an adult.
  
  
• Riders age 14-17 may ride without adult supervision, but must possess an ATV safety certificate.

• ATV safety training courses are offered at all SVRAs and various sites throughout California. Below is a list of the SVRA training sites:
  
  
  • Clay Pit SVRA, Oroville
  • Prairie City SVRA, Rancho Cordova
  • Carnegie SVRA, Tracy
  • Hollister Hills SVRA, Hollister
  • Hungry Valley SVRA, Gorman
  • Ocotillo Wells SVRA, Borrego Springs
  • Heber Dunes SVRA, Heber
    
    
• Courses are predominately scheduled on weekends. Contact ATV Safety Institute for available dates and locations.

The half-day class is conducted by certified ASI instructors and offers riders the opportunity to increase their understanding of basic ATV operation and safety riding techniques in a controlled environment under the direct supervision of a certified instructor.

Students practice safe riding techniques with hands-on exercises:

• Starting and stopping
• Turning (both gradual and quick)
• Negotiating hills
• Quick stops and swerving
• Riding over obstacles

The course also covers:

• Pre-ride inspections
• Recommended protective gear (DOT approved helmets, gloves, over-ankle boots, goggles, long pants, long-sleeve shirts or jackets, etc.)
• Environmental concerns
• Local laws

Each successful student receives an ATV RiderCourse^SM completion card immediately following the class and an ATV RiderCourse^SM Handbook which reinforces the safety information and riding techniques covered during the class. ATV safety training certificates are mailed to the successful students at a later date, while the ATV RiderCourse^SM completion card suffices until the certificate is received.

NOTE: A person in possession of an appropriate safety certificate issued under the authority of another state satisfies the condition for operation of an ATV in California.

• In most cases you must bring your own age and size appropriate ATV.
  
  
• Loaner ATVs may be available at some training sites. You must contact ATV Safety Institute in advance to make arrangements for loaner ATVs.

The ATV driver must be able to safely reach and operate all vehicle controls (CVC §§38304, 38304.1).

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued the following recommended guidelines for consumers to use when purchasing ATVs for youth:

Age 6 and older: Under 70cc
Age 12 and older: 70cc - 90cc
Age 16 and older: Over 90cc

Model year 2009 and future models:
ALWAYS Follow the Manufacturer's Minimum Age Recommendation Warning Label on the ATV.

[Note: Click on each image to view a larger version of the label.]