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 focused avalanche awareness.

Youth 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. The course is free; it includes a home study course manual, and a four-hour class with a written test and hands-on riding course. We offer courses across Idaho.

Education classes teach:

• safe riding
• proper machine sizing
• weight distribution
• responsible and ethical riding
• proper handling and shifting
• riding within your ability

What to bring to class:

• Parent (each student must bring one parent or legal guardian)
• Properly sized and registered off-highway vehicle or off-highway motorcycle
• Pencil
• Approved helmet, goggles or face shield, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and boots
• Snacks and water (optional)

ADDITIONAL CLASSES for 2010 are now being scheduled
to accommodate increasing demand for OHV Education.

Please contact the Education Specialist below that represents your region of the state

• for current registration information
• to submit your registration materials
• to let them know of your interest
  
  North Idaho: Scott Hildesheim
  Phone: (208)215.9550
  Fax: (208)769.1418
  Email: scott.hildesheim@idpr.idaho.gov
  
  Southwest Idaho: Jonathan Okerlund
  Phone: (208)921.6404
  Fax: (208)334.3741
  Email: jonathan.okerlund@idpr.idaho.gov
  
  Eastern Idaho: Patrick Carlson
  Phone: (208)520.5387
  Fax: (208)525.7123
  Email: patrick.carlson@idpr.idaho.gov
  

2010 Class Schedule
PRE-REGISTRATION FOR CLASS IS REQUIRED

Eastern Idaho

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

ATV Safety Institute - www.atvsafety.org

MSF Dirtbike school - www.dirtbikeschool.com

Introduction to Trail Riding (ITR) is the next level DirtBike School course designed to familiarize riders with riding off-road on actual trails. The ITR course builds on the knowledge developed in the CRE course and teaches more advanced riding skills.

Idaho Providers:

OPTIONS & SOLUTIONS, INC – Stephen May, (208) 683-2600, 16955 E. Humbolt Ave. BAYVIEW, ID 83803, newday@roadrunner.com

Join us for a walk down Idaho’s Adventure Trail

One of the keys to keeping trails and riding OHV recreation areas open, as well as getting new ones developed, is to encourage all riders and drivers to be on their best behavior during rides when recreating. Things like being courteous to other trail users, keeping their machines quiet, wearing all the proper safety gear, and staying on the trails goes a long way in helping to portray off-highway vehicle recreation as a legitimate and healthy family-oriented family and social activity.

One of the primary goals of the Motorized Trails OHV Education section is to help ensure that there are plenty of riding opportunities available for future generations. To achieve that goal we have a unique interactive educational program for youngsters and their parents regarding the safe and responsible operation of an off-highway vehicle.

Ten Primary Messages

The Adventure Trail addresses ten primary messages in large, colorful panels that border the “trail” inside and outside the trailer that travels to OHV events throughout the State. Each panel portrays a specific message in humorous drawings that feature spectacular scenery and lots of wildlife. As the kids (along with their parents who may learn a thing or two as well!) go through the trail, they work on a fun 10-question quiz. In addition, the participants may receive an Adventure Trail activity book, and an Adventure Trail CD-ROM when they’re done. The Adventure Trail activity book is a high-quality, 20-page publication that features all ten messages with an OHV storyline, puzzles, games, and coloring pages.

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 carry loaded firearms on their OHVs, nor are they 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 Opportuntities

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.

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