The DNR has developed a rider-based skills course designed to meet the statutory requirement contained in Iowa Code Section 321I.25. The DNR's goal is to make education certification courses more available to our riders who are 12-17 years of age, those required by statute to possess a certificate to ride on public land designated for off-highway use in Iowa. Because a volunteer instructor base is being used, the costs charged to the student will be $5 for administrative purposes and $20 to offset a portion of the expense of materials and course development. Students who successfully complete the course will receive their education certificate at the end of the class.

Participation is not restricted by age; everyone is welcome and encouraged to take this Skills Course. Anyone who is 11 or older is eligible to earn an education certificate. However, these riders will still be under the direct supervision requirement until they turn 12 and their certificates become effective.

The DNR ATV Education Program Skills Course is approximately 6 hours in length and is designed to be completed in one day, usually on a weekend. It is a program to teach ATV riders the principles and behaviors of safe and responsible ATV riding. The course consists of both discussion lessons and riding lessons. The discussion lessons provide discovery and discourse on the principles and practices of riding an ATV. The riding lessons provide students with hands-on practice of riding exercises and skill development under the supervision of a DNR-certified instructor.

The focus of the 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 ATVs, and promoting the practice of only riding in legal areas and with landowner permission.

A listing of available courses can be found by accessing iowadnr.gov/law/lawdb/viewcourse.html and clicking the all-terrain button. You may also receive course information, class offerings, and other information about the DNR ATV Education Program by contacting Rhonda Fowler, Education Coordinator, at 515-281-3208 or Rhonda.Fowler@dnr.iowa.gov.

The DNR will continue to recognize courses taught by ATV Safety Institute (ASI)-certified instructors. The ATV Safety Institute, a nonprofit operating division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA), was formed in 1988 to implement an expanded national program of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety education and awareness. The primary goal of ASI mirrors the DNR's goal to promote the safe and responsible use of ATVs, thereby reducing accidents and injuries that may result from the improper operation of ATVs. The primary difference between the two programs is the age and machine size restrictions enforced by ASI. To register for the ATV RiderCourse®, contact the ASI Enrollment Express hotline at (800) 887-2887. To speak with a national representative about ATV safety, call (800) 852-5344. For more information on the ASI ATV RiderCourse® and for interactive safety information, log onto www.atvsafety.org.