Agencies
Services
Snowmobile Safety Education
Requirements
Snowmobile safety education requirements vary by operator age. View snowmobile operation laws and requirements by age below.
Snowmobile Operation by Age
No person under 10 years of age may operate a snowmobile, other than machines designed for use by small children primarily as a toy and used only on private property and not on any public use trail (625 ILCS 40/5-3).
Persons at least 10 and less than 12 years of age may operate a snowmobile only if they are accompanied on the snowmobile by a parent, guardian, or a person at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian (625 ILCS 40/5-3).
Persons at least 12 and less than 16 years of age may operate a snowmobile only if:
- They possess a valid snowmobile safety certificate accepted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or…
- They are accompanied on the snowmobile by a parent, guardian, or a person at least 16 years of age designated by a parent or guardian
In order to operate a snowmobile on a highway (where allowed), persons at least 12 and less than 16 years of age must:
- Possess a valid snowmobile safety certificate accepted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and...
- Be under the immediate supervision of a parent, gaurdian or person at least 18 years of age designated by the parent or gaurdian
Persons 16 years old and older are not required to possess a snowmobile safety certificate to operate a snowmobile in Illinois.
However, in order to operate a snowmobile on a public highway (where allowed), you must:
- possess a valid motor vehicle driver's license...or
- possess a snowmobile safety certificate
All snowmobile operators are encouraged to take a snowmobile safety course to become familiar with safe snowmobile operation and laws. If you intend to operate a snowmobile in another state, check that state's snowmobile safety certification requirements.
Course Options
Illinois offers instructor-led and online snowmobile safety education courses. Learn more about your course options and register by course type below.
COURSE INFORMATION
Instructor-led snowmobile safety courses are taught in-person with certified volunteer snowmobile safety instructors. Students will learn the snowmobile safety education curriculum through lectures, demonstrations, group discussions and practical exercises. Most courses include a visit from an Illinois Conservation Police Officer to discuss Illinois snowmobiling regulations. Students passing the 50-question multiple choice test (80% passing score) and displaying the necessary maturity to snowmobile independently will receive an Illinois snowmobile safety certificate.
COURSE LENGTH
8-plus hours, typically taught over 1 day (varies by instructor). Students must attend the entire course to be eligible for certification.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Students must be at least 11 years old to complete the test for certification. 11 year olds that pass the course will receive their certificate in the mail upon their 12th birthday month. The course curriculum and test are written at a 6th-grade reading level.
COST
Free
REGISTRATION
Registration is required unless otherwise noted. Click "Register Now" to view and register for a "Snowmobiling" class.
COURSE INFORMATION
Students 11 years old and older may complete an approved online snowmobile safety education course and earn snowmobile safety certification entirely online. The online course requires students to complete online units, quizzes, and a test. Upon successful completion of the online course and test, the student will receive an Illinois snowmobile safety certificate.
COURSE LENGTH
The online course length varies by student and course type but is typically completed in 4-6 hours at the students pace (progress is saved so it can be completed over multiple days).
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Students 11 years or older who successfully complete an approved online snowmobile safety education course receive Illinois snowmobile safety certification entirely online.
COST
$34.95
REGISTRATION
Students may register and complete an approved online snowmobile safety education course at any time (see approved courses below).
Approved Online Snowmobile Safety Courses
Snowmobile Safety Certificates
Snowmobile safety certificates are valid for life. Those required by law to have a snowmobile safety certificate must present their snowmobile safety certification card to law enforcement upon request. Electronic display of a snowmobile safety certification card is accepted by Illinois Conservation Police Officers.
If your Illinois snowmobile safety certification card was lost or destroyed, you can search for your record and replace it online below.
Reciprocity
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recognizes snowmobile safety certificates issued by another state or a province of Canada.
Additional Resources
Contact your regional Volunteer Services Coordinator if you have questions about snowmobile safety education or if you are interested in becoming a certified volunteer instructor.