Snowmobile Education
NY State Snowmobile Safety Education
New York State is a leader in snowmobile education and offers a single training course for all snowmobile operators ages 10 and older. The NY State Snowmobile Safety Education course provides basic knowledge that all snowmobile operators should have to ensure their safety, the safety of other riders, and the safety of additional trail users.
Education courses are taught by experienced snowmobilers who volunteer their time to make the sport safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Classes are offered in the fall and early winter and are often sponsored by snowmobile clubs, agricultural extension offices, law enforcement agencies, or similar groups. After successful completion of this course, participants will receive a NY State Snowmobile Safety Certificate
New York State law requires in-person classroom instruction and successful completion of a proctored exam—there is no online option. If there are no courses in your area, please check back as courses are most often available during October – March and the list is updated daily.
Take a Safety Course!Youth Snowmobile Operators
- A student must be at least ten (10) years old to attend a snowmobile safety education course.
- Individuals ages 14 through 17 years old may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed without adult or other supervision if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York.
- Individuals ages 14 through 17 years old whom have not completed the training course, may operate a snowmobile if accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age.
- Individuals ages 10 through 13 may operate a snowmobile on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York and are accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age.
- Individuals less than 10 years old or less than age 14 without a safety certificate may operate a snowmobile only on lands owned or leased by their parent or guardian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, an operator who is a resident of another State, Country, or Province and is the holder of a valid snowmobile safety certificate issued pursuant to the laws of that state or country may operate in New York without having taken a safety course in New York. NYS laws must be obeyed when riding in New York. Operators should carry their snowmobile safety certificate when riding. For additional information about riding in NYS, consult our New York State Snowmobilers Guide
You should contact the State that you wish to visit in order to verify its acceptance and carry your NY safety certificate with you when riding.
Download the Application for a Replacement NY Snowmobile Safety Certificate and mail it along with the $1.00 fee payable by cash, check or money order payable to "NYS Parks."
After completing the program, your instructor should have given you two sheets: a pink temporary certificate, that you should carry while waiting for your permanent certificate, and a yellow copy that should be retained in a safe place for your records.
If you lost your temporary certificate, contact our office, as we may be able to provide a photocopy.
Each participant who has successfully completed a snowmobile safety education course will receive a temporary certificate, which is good for nine (9) months. A permanent card should be received within 4-6 weeks after receipt of the temporary certificate. If you have not received your permanent card within 6 weeks, please contact our office at (518) 474-0446 for assistance.
Become an Instructor
If you are interested in becoming an instructor, please complete the application below and submit it to the NYS OPRHP Snowmobile Unit by mail or email.
Instructor Application and Information (pdf)
NYS OPRHP Snowmobile Unit
Albany, NY 12238
Telephone: (518) 474-0446
Fax: (518) 486-7378
snowmobile.unit@parks.ny.gov
Minimum Qualifications:
- Be at least 18 years of age,
- Not have any convictions or pending charges relating to certain offenses,
- Successfully complete an approved snowmobile safety course,
- Submit a completed Prospective Instructor Application Form,
- Be able to demonstrate an ability to instruct by currently holding a NYS Teachers Certificate, teach other professional courses, or assist in the instruction of other state certified snowmobile courses.