Snowmobile Training
In order to legally operate a snowmobile in the State of Minnesota, all persons
born after 1976 must have a Snowmobile Safety Certificate in their possession.
The Sheriff's Water Patrol is offering classes for young people between 12
and 15 years of age during the 2009-10 Snowmobile Season. The dates have not
been set for the 2009-2010 season. Your child must be 12 years old
on and before February 28, 2010. Note: If your son or daughter is 16 or
older and has not had a snowmobile safety course, then they should take the
adult course.
The Hennepin Water Patrol will offer up to three classroom sessions. We
suggest you sign up early to get the date you want.
Click here for Frequently Asked
Questions about Youth Snowmobile Training.
Who is eligible?
Persons 12 – 15 years of age. To qualify a student must
be 12 years old on or before February 28, 2010
Is pre-registration required?
Yes. Since we must limit the class size, we must have an accurate student
count. No registrations are accepted the day of the class. When classes are
scheduled payment information will be posted, including cost.
Do I need to bring a birth certificate?
No, no further identification is required.
Can parents sit in on the classes?
No, there is NO room for parents in the class.
Where
will
the classes
be
held?
The classroom
session and practical session will be held at the
Sheriff’s Water Patrol
Headquarters.
How many
students will be in each class?
Each session is limited to 35 students.
Classes will fill on a first
come, first served basis, so please select a second choice in case your
first choice fills before your registration is received.
When will
classes be held?
There will be a maximum of three sessions. They are split
between Saturday and Sunday sessions.
When
will the practical session
be scheduled?
Your child will
take the practical test the same day as the classroom test. The Water Patrol
will have a specially equipped snowmobile with wheels instead of skis. The entire process will take only one day.
Will
I need to provide a snowmobile for the
practical
test?
The Water Patrol
will have a specially equipped snowmobile with wheels instead of skis, so your child will
take the practical test the same day as the classroom test even if there is
no snow.
What
if my child misses the classroom session?
Your
child must attend one of the eight hour classroom sessions. (8:00 a.m. to
4:30 p.m.) and pass the practical session to get his/her certificate.
Since
these classes fill up fast, and we must often turn away students, there are no
refunds for missed sessions.
What
does the registration fee cover?
The
registration fee covers all course materials, one certification
card, one snowmobile safety insignia (after successful completion of the
course) and the mailing / registration supplies.
What
is the Certification procedure?
-
At the end of the classroom
session there will be a written exam with fifty questions covering the
material and snowmobile safety manual. A
passing mark will be 80%.
-
The practical exam covers
actual operation on a pre-planned course.
Any student violating any laws during the practical test will be
disqualified and must take the entire course again.
-
Upon satisfactorily
completing the course, a temporary certificate will be issued allowing
operation until the formal certificate arrives.
-
The student must carry this certificate with him/her when
driving a snowmobile.
What
if my child has special needs?
If your child has reading problems or physical
limitations, please indicate this on the registration form so we may give
appropriate assistance.
Will meals
be available?
Students will
have a lunch break during the classroom session. Please provide a
lunch and beverage for them.
What
if the class is canceled?
If for any
reason a class is canceled, each student will be notified by e-mail.
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