Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Education
"Be prepared and educate yourself before you take to the trail."
Your safety, and the safety of those you choose to recreate with is paramount. For that reason, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation offers a variety of education opportunities statewide for ATVs, motorbikes and snowmobiles. Funded by Idaho registration program dollars, courses are free and include ATV safety and Snowmobile based avalanche awareness.
2011/2012 WINTER SNOWMOBILE BASED AVALANCHE AWARENESS CLASSES HAVE ENDED. NEXT WINTER'S CLASSES WILL BE POSTED IN FALL OF 2012.
OHV Education
Your safety is our number one concern. Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation encourages anyone who will be operating off-highway vehicles to complete the Idaho State Parks and Recreation Responsible Riders OHV education course before operating on public lands, roads or trails.
Option one:
Participate in IDPR’s Responsible Riders free course; it includes a home study student reference guide, and a four-hour hands-on rider active riding class. A written test is administered before the rider active hands-on portion that reviews the student reference guide and must be passed with a 70% to participate in the riding portion. We offer courses across Idaho.
The Responsible Rider courses teach:
- safe riding
- proper machine sizing
- weight distribution
- responsible and ethical riding
- proper handling and shifting
- riding within your ability
- understanding the machines capabilities
- rules of the road
What to bring to class:
- Parent (each student must bring one parent or legal guardian)
- Properly sized and registered off-highway vehicle
- Pencil
- DOT approved helmet, goggles or face shield, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and boots
- Snacks and water (optional)
Option two:
Complete the online OHV training offered through Fresh Air Education at Online ATV Safety Course. The online OHV education course fee is $30 per student which includes unlimited attempts at the final exam and must be passed only once. The certification covers All-terrain Vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) and Utility Type Vehicles (UTVs). Once the test has been passed, you will have the opportunity to print out a skills day voucher that will enable you to participate in an IDPR skills test; you will need to schedule the skills test (ten – fifteen minutes) and complete the test before receiving your Idaho OHV Education Certificate. To schedule your skills test please contact your region OHV Trainer.
South Idaho – Jonathan Okerlund (208) 921-6404 or jonathan.okerlund@idpr.idaho.gov
North Idaho – Scott Hildesheim (208) 215-9550 or scott.hildesheim@idpr.idaho.gov
East Idaho – Rich Gummersall (208) 514-2414 or richard.gummersall@idpr.idaho.gov
We strongly suggest that students thoroughly study the material prior to taking the test. If you take the test and fail, you will need to pay for and take the test again.
What to bring to the skills test:
- Parent (each student must bring one parent or legal guardian)
- Properly sized and registered off-highway vehicle
- DOT approved helmet, goggles or face shield, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and boots
- Snacks and water (optional)
2012 IDPR Responsible Riders OHV Classes Schedule
Click to view or print the Class Schedule for your region of the state.
North Idaho
East Idaho
Southwest Idaho
Please contact the Education Specialist below that represents your region of the state
North Idaho: Scott Hildesheim
Fax: (208)769.1418
/ Email:
scott.hildesheim@idpr.idaho.gov Eastern Idaho: Email: ohveducation@idpr.idaho.gov
Fax: (208) 525-7123
Southwest Idaho: Jonathan Okerlund
Fax: (208)334.3741 /
Email: jonathan.okerlund@idpr.idaho.gov
Classes added:
Magic Mountain Safety Fair Sponsored by Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Department--ATV & Motorbike classes will be offered May 26th and 27th starting at 09:00 am
Click below to register.
Use our new on-line registration form (see link above)
or download course registration here:
ATV / Motorcycle Safety Course Registration Form
For additional information about OHV education opportunities, or to register, please contact IDPR's OHV Education Program at: (208) 514-2414 or E-mail: ohveducation@idpr.state.id.us
Other OHV Education Providers:
Currently IDPR recognizes OHV education certificates issued from Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation or any "state issued" certification card. The state card must posses the state or state department logo on the certificate.
The Adventure Trail
Join us for a walk down Idaho’s Adventure Trail.
Click here to find out more about our Adventure Trailer and riding Simulator.
To request the Adventure Trail trailer for a specific event please complete the OHV Mobile Education request form and e-mail it to ohveducation@idpr.idaho.gov
Hunting and OHVs
OHVs are a convenient form of transportation to hunting areas. However, with the increased number of registered OHVs used during hunting seasons, it is vital for hunters to know and obey OHV laws and rules for their own safety and the safety of others. Hunters must also ride ethically on designated roads and trails to protect their riding privilege, big game, and critical wildlife habitat. Request a brochure.
The following tips will help ensure a safe hunt, reduce OHV impacts, protect big game and habitat, and improve the Idaho hunting and recreation experience:
- Hunters should think of their OHV as a means of getting near their hunting area, and should begin hunting only after they have parked their machine on a designated trail or parking area.
- Hunters are not allowed to shoot from OHVs.
- Know vehicle use regulations for your hunting area. Contact the local Bureau of Land Management Field Office or USDA Forest Service Ranger District for travel management information before the hunt.
- Stay on roads and trails designated for OHV use. Do not contribute to resource damage, stress to big game, or habitat destruction by creating illegal travel paths that others may follow.
Vehicle Registration and Idaho Residents
All OHVs must display a current OHV registration sticker (Snowmobile or ATV/Motorbike) when operated or transported on public lands or roads.
Vehicle Registration and Out-of-State Residents
It is not necessary for nonresidents to purchase a motorbike sticker unless they operate more than 30 consecutive days in Idaho.
OHV Safety, Rules and Ethics
Basic OHV Laws and Rules:
- Wear your helmet: For riders and passengers under age 18, it's the law, but we advise everyone to wear a helmet. It can save your life. Properly worn, a helmet won't reduce vision or hearing. Gloves, long sleeve shirt and sturdy pants, and over the ankle boots are also highly recommended.
- Protect Your Privilege - Ride only in areas designated as open to OHVs
- Ride on the right side of the road and in single file
- Be alert to oncoming traffic, especially on blind curves or in dips and crests of hills
- It is illegal to drive an OHV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- A brightly colored "whip flag" must be attached to OHVs when riding in sand dune areas.
- Lights must be used between sunset and sunrise
- Be sure your brakes will control and stop your OHV
- Mufflers with an approved spark arrestor are required on all OHVs
The brochure, "Off-Highway Vehicles in Idaho", outlines the basic responsibilities of Idaho’s OHV riders. The brochure covers registration, equipment, and operation requirements, courtesy and ethics, safety tips, riding areas, and contact information. Request a copy of the brochure by mail.
To review the rules associated with OHVs in Idaho, you can access Title 67 of the Idaho Code online.
Does Your ATV Fit You As A Rider?
Follow the Fit Guidelines.
It’s important that your ATV fits you like a glove. But how do you know if you’re riding a machine that’s too big or small? Check the following guidelines!
Clearance between ATV seat and inseam while standing up on footpegs.
To stand up and properly absorb shocks through the legs while riding on rough terrain, you have to have the right clearance between your seat and inseam. Proper clearance also keeps the seat from hitting you during a ride, possibly throwing you over the handlebars. You’ll need three to six inches clearance between the ATV seat and inseam while standing up on footpegs. (The maximum will be controlled by the reference point below.)
Upper Legs.
The upper portion of your leg, from about the top of your knee to your hip, should be about horizontal. This helps you control your ATV. A little above or below horizontal shouldn’t be a problem, but huge differences (knees significantly below or above the hips) should be checked by an adult. If your knees are quite a bit above the hips, turn the handlebars in both directions and check for contact with knees or legs.
Foot Length.
Check and see if you can brake correctly. Lock the heel of your right shoe against the footpeg or in the proper position on the running board. Your toe should be able to depress the footbrake with a simple downward rotation of your foot. Check if you have any contact with the engine or exhaust protrusions. You should be able to use the brakes consistently without hesitation. (The same rule applies to the ATV’s left side, where the gearshift is located.)
Grip Reach.
To steer and balance correctly, sit normally on your ATV with your hands on the handlebars. Your elbows should have a distinct angle between your upper arm and forearm. If your elbows are straight out, you won’t be able to turn the handlebars. (Make sure you aren’t leaning forward to compensate for a short reach.) If your elbows are at less than right angles, you are too large for the ATV and steering and maintaining balance will be difficult.
Throttle Reach.
To control your speed and handling, check your throttle reach. With your right hand in the normal operating position, check to see if your thumb can easily operate the throttle. Turn the handlebars to the extreme left and right positions. Check again for any interference with easy operation.
Brake Reach.
Make sure you have good stopping control. Place your hands in the normal operating position, with fingers straight out. Check to see if the first joint (from the tip) of your middle finger extends beyond the brake lever. If not, your hand is too small to effectively grasp the lever in an emergency. Make sure your thumb also reaches the engine stop switch. Squeeze the brake lever a few times to be sure you can comfortably use the controls.
Volunteer Opportunities
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation needs experienced riders to teach riding skills and ethics to young people. If you’re interested in volunteering your time in your community, please contact us at (208) 514-2414 or via e-mail at ohveducation@idpr.state.id.us. You may also complete an instructor application form and mail it in to 5657 Warm Springs Ave. Boise, ID 83716 or fax it to (208) 334-3741 attention: OHV Education. Read about the OHV Instructor Program and the Ambassador Program.
Where to Ride
Properly registered OHVs may be operated on public lands or roads that are designated as open to OHV use by sign or map. It is illegal to operate your OHV on private land without the owner's permission.
OHV Links
ATV Safety Institute
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Watch helpful videos about safe riding, hunting, vehicle regulations and more.