What is the ATV Safety Program?
The All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Program promotes safe and responsible ATV operation through hands-on training. It helps youth build lifelong safety habits and respect for outdoor recreation, and includes the opportunity to receive a Minnesota ATV Safety Education Course certification.
All ATV safety activities are supervised by adults.
Age group
Grades K and up, with ATV certification options for youth in grades 4 and up who are at least 10 years old
Youth outcomes
Depending on the program offered, youth will learn how to:
- Understand Minnesota ATV laws and regulations
- Demonstrate safe and responsible ATV operation
- Learn lifelong safety habits that promote healthy decision-making
- Develop awareness and respect for outdoor recreation environments
Program information
The 4-H ATV Safety Program provides three program options. All programs will cover choosing the right protective equipment, making safe and responsible outdoor recreation decisions, and how to interact responsibly with the environment.
Outdoor ATV Skills Day Camp
Outdoor ATV Skills Day Camp consists of non-riding age-appropriate ATV Safety lessons, TREAD Lightly! and Leave No Trace Principles, and outdoor safety sessions in first aid, weather safety, and trail awareness. This program can be offered for grades Kindergarten and older.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ATV Certification Course
For youth in 4th grade and 10 years old or older, youth can receive their DNR ATV certificate. There is online course work to complete prior to the certification course.
ATV Add-on to Tractor Certification
The ATV Safety Program will also be partnering with the U of M Extension Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to add ATV to current tractor certification courses for youth 14 and older to lead educational sessions at FarmFest, Farm Safety Days, or other safety events for all ages.
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ATV information
- ATV Safety Institute (free online courses)
- 4-H choose your outdoor adventure
- ATV Association of Minnesota groups, newsletters, and regulations
- Minnesota Offroad Magazine
- Tread Lightly tips for responsible interaction with the environment
The 4-H ATV Safety Program supports Minnesota Health Standards 1 and 8 by helping youth promote their own and others' health, safety and wellbeing, and by providing them the opportunity to develop and use functional health knowledge to enhance their health and wellbeing.
Lead a 4-H ATV club
Are you interested in being certified in forming or leading a 4-H ATV club? Is 4-H ATV safety a part of your current program? We have options to get the required certification to lead 4-H youth in this project area that can fit your schedule.
4-H ATV Safety Leader Certification process
Attend a Minnesota DNR ATV Instructor Certification course. You can choose to attend one of two options:
- Minnesota 4-H hosted DNR training course — posted here when made available
- DNR course on your own (send in proof of completion prior to the in-person training)
Partner with us for ATV Safety
Educators and potential partners can offer ATV Safety in their community or group as one of our Explore 4-H programs.
Our Explore 4-H programs give schools, educators and youth-serving organizations the opportunity to bring proven, research-based 4-H experiences to their communities.
Complete our interest form, and we will send more information to help you get started.
Contact
Nicole Pokorney at [email protected].
Reviewed in 2026