Operators of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) in the state of Iowa (resident as well as nonresident) who are ages 12 through 17 are required to have taken, and passed, an ATV education course and have an education certificate in their possession when riding on public land, public ice, and designated riding areas, if these areas are signed open to ATV use. This also applies to nonresident riders.
ATV Education Course & Certificate
The focus of the DNR ATV Education Program is to provide an education course that reduces the rate of accidents, injuries, property damage, and fatalities. It also promotes 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.
Online Course Access
The DNR has collaborated with Fresh Air Educators to make an online certification offering available for the ATV Education Program. State-specific information regarding riding opportunities, laws, and regulations is a component of the course.
Curriculum & Course Fees
This is a managed course which features interactive exercises for students as well as narrated content to assist with different learning styles. The study guide is free to all users, as well as Chapter 1 of the course.
In order to progress past Chapter 1, students will be required to register for the course. The course fee is $34.95, which includes the $5 DNR fee for the education certificate. Students must pass a chapter quiz in order to progress to the next chapter and must pass a final exam with 80% accuracy to earn their certificate. There is no riding component for this course.
Topics covered by the course include, but are not limited to:
- parts of the machine and how they work
- riding positions and when to use them
- safety gear
- personal responsibility, and
- conservation principles.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to download their ATV Education Certificate and be ready to hit the trails. Students must be 12 or older to earn their ATV education certificate through ATVCourse.com.