Skip to main content
Governor JB Pritzker Illinois.gov Contact IDNR DNR A to Z

Snowmobile Safety Education

Who Must Take The Course?

On October 2, 1975, Illinois law passed that requires persons at least  twelve (12) years of age and less than sixteen (16) years of age may operate a snowmobile only if:

  1. they have in possession a valid Snowmobile Safety Education Certificate of Competency issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Safety Education Section OR
  2. they are accompanied on the snowmobile by a parent or guardian or person at least sixteen years of age designated by a parent or guardian.

No person under ten (10) years of age may operate a snowmobile. Age ten (10) years and less than twelve (12) years of age may operate under a parent or guardian's direct control.

How To Take The Course

Instructor-led Classes

The traditional, and preferred, method of Illinois snowmobile safety is completed with an Illinois Volunteer Safety Instructor.  The traditional class is at minimum 8 hours of in-person instruction and demonstration.  Students are required to pass a written exam to complete the course.   The traditional Illinois Snowmobile Safety Course is free; students will only encounter a cost if there is extra activity provided that the student may choose to participate in.

The curriculum and materials used in the Illinois Snowmobile Safety Education Course are designed for students at a sixth-grade reading level.  During a traditional in-person course students can expect to participate in the following and more: 

  • proper snowmobile operation and safety
  • snowmobilling history
  • required safety equipment
  • snowmobile maintenance and repair
  • first aid and emergency measures
  • registration and titling
  • Illinois snowmobile laws and regulations

The program is primarily designed to train young people twelve (12) and older.  Students under the age of eleven (11) may participate in the class but cannot take the exam to receive certification until they are eleven (11) years old.

Students between the age of eleven (11) and twelve (12) years old will receive their certificate upon their twelfth (12th) birthday.

Individuals may participate in any scheduled class throughout Illinois.  Persons twelve (12) and over, passing the course by completing the minimum eight (8) hours of instruction, passing the written exam, and displaying the necessary skills to snowmobile independently will receive an Illinois Snowmobile Safety Certificate.  To find a traditional in-person course check our website for Class Schedules.

 

Online Certification

This option is provided by authorized outside providers that do charge for the online course and certification.  At the end of the course the student will still be required to pass an exam.  Student certification will be mailed by the course provider.

Illinois Online Snowmobile Safety Authorized Providers

http://www.snowmobilecourse.com/usa/illinois/ ($34.95) or 

http://www.snowmobile-ed.com/illinois/ ($34.95)

Additional Links: