The following age restrictions apply to persons operating a snowmobile on public land, public ice, designated riding trails or designated riding areas in Iowa:

• Persons under 12 must be accompanied by a qualified person riding on the same snowmobile.
• Persons 12 to 15 must have a valid education certificate and be under the direct supervision of a qualified person.
• Persons 16 to 17 may operate unsupervised but must have a valid education certificate.
• Persons 18 and older may operate without an education certificate if their privilege to operate a motor vehicle has not been barred or revoked.

The focus of the DNR Snowmobile Education Program is to provide an education course that reduces the rate of accidents, injuries, property damage, and fatalities, while at the same time promoting the development of environmental stewards by educating our students about environmental concerns, energy conservation and proper maintenance of snowmobiles, and promoting the practice of only riding in legal areas and with landowner permission.

Students can attend an instructor-led session, complete a home-study course or take a certification course online. Students must complete a written exam with a minimum score of 80% to receive an education certificate.

1. To find an Instructor-led course, go to www.iowadnr.gov/training.
2. To request a home-study packet,  call 515-281-5918 or go to webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov.
3. To register for the online certification course, please go to http://www.snowmobilecourse.com/usa/iowa/

For information about classes or the Snowmobile Education Program, please contact Rhonda Fowler at 515-281-3208 or Rhonda.Fowler@dnr.iowa.gov.