Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) youth ATV safety training includes both a classroom and field training component. The field test is conducted under the watchful eye of DNR certified volunteers and conservation officers.
The Cook County ATV Club reminds parents that an ATV Safety Training course is available in May for students, ages 11 – 15. Sign up now for a safe summer!
The course is part independent study and part field test. New this year is the ability to study for the written test online at www.offroaded.com/minnesota instead of with a CD. The good news is that this new online version is interactive and user-friendly and tech support is available. The bad news, said DNR certified Safety Instructor Chuck Silence, is that there is now a charge for the training. However, students can practice quizzes as often as they like before finalizing and paying the $29.50 fee.
Silence urges parents not to let the fee deter them. “Since the DNR enacted the law that all kids have to have ATV safety training, youth accidents have decreased. This training is critical,” he said.
A review of the online course and the written test will be Wednesday, May 18 at 3:45 p.m. in Room 107 at Cook County High School. Students must bring proof that they completed the online course.
After passing the test, students participate in a field test, Saturday, May 21 at the old Grand Marais airport site (by Devil Track Landing). Participants do not have to provide their own ATVs or helmets, those are provided by Steve’s Sports of Grand Marais and local ATV Club members.
There is also a $10 fee, payable to Community Education. The Cook County ATV Club provides scholarships to any youths who cannot pay the fee and Silence encourages parents to take advantage of that offer to offset the new DNR fee.
All students who successfully complete the safety training are also treated to a pizza party with the DNR and volunteer instructors.
“Just because you don’t own an ATV doesn’t mean your kid doesn’t need the training,” added Silence. “There are more ATVs in the state than snowmobiles— you want them to be prepared to ride just in case they have the chance at a neighbor or friend’s house.”
Call (218) 387-2000 for more information. Registration forms and payment should be returned to Community Education by May 13.
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