OUR PURPOSE
The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute® (ASI), a not-for-profit 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. ASI's primary goal is to promote the safe and responsible use of ATV’s, thereby reducing accidents and injuries that may result from improper ATV operation by the rider. For safety information or to enroll in an ATV RiderCourse, call (800) 887-2887 or visit www.atvsafety.org
The ATV operator injury rate has substantially declined since 1984. This is due, in part, to the ASI expanded safety education and public awareness programs. The ASI will continue to be an information source about ATV standards, promote model state legislation on ATV riding, and serve as a liaison with state and federal agencies on ATV training and environmental issues. Based on SVIA safety programs developed since 1983, the ASI leads the way in expanding and implementing ATV rider-training programs nationwide.
More than seven million people ride all-terrain vehicles. Besides recreational use, ATVs also serve agriculture, business, commercial industry and nearly 700 government and law enforcement agencies with on-the-job transportation and other uses.
RIDER TRAINING
Safer ATV riding is a top priority for Arctic Cat, Bombardier, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Timberline and Yamaha, the leading U.S. distributors of all-terrain vehicles. These distributors offer free hands-on training to all individuals who have purchased new ATVs, including the purchaser’s eligible family members.
Training is also available for a reasonable fee to all other interested parties who are not eligible for free training.
THE ATV RIDERCOURSE
The hands-on, half-day ATV RiderCourse is conducted by licensed ASI Instructors. The course offers students an opportunity to increase their safety knowledge and to practice basic riding skills in a controlled environment under the direct supervision of a licensed Instructor.
Students practice basic safety techniques with hands-on exercises covering starting and stopping, turning (both gradual and quick), negotiating hills, emergency stopping and swerving, and riding over obstacles. Particular emphasis is placed on the safety implications relating to each lesson. The course also covers protective gear, environmental concerns and local laws. Participants receive the ATV RiderCourse Handbook, which reinforces the safety information and riding techniques covered during the ATV RiderCourse.
Individuals six years of age and older may take the class. Riders younger than 16 are restricted to ATVs of the appropriate size recommended for the rider's age. There are special teaching provisions for students under 16 years old, and parents are encouraged to attend as well. Students younger than12 participate in separate classes and a parent must be present during the entire course.
Only licensed Instructors are authorized to teach the ATV RiderCourse. All ASI Instructors must complete a comprehensive training program and meet specific ASI requirements to become licensed. More than 1,400 instructors are licensed to teach the ATV RiderCourse nationwide.
THE GOLDEN RULES
1. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
2. Never ride on public roads -- another vehicle could hit you.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
4. Never carry a passenger.
5. Ride an ATV that's right for your age. The guidelines are:
6. Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
8. Take an approved training course; call toll free (800) 887-2887.
ENROLLMENT EXPRESS
Our goal is to make the ATV RiderCourse available to large numbers of students. To accommodate the growing number of ATV purchasers, a centralized enrollment service called Enrollment Express was established. When a new ATV is purchased, the dealer provides customer information to the ASI, often within 24 hours of purchase. An ASI Enrollment Express representative then contacts the purchaser to offer a free ATV RiderCourse.
OTHER PROGRAMS
The ATV Safety Institute also works with state, military and independent agencies to present seminars develop safety materials and coordinate training programs targeted to fill specific needs.
The ASI is committed to increasing public awareness of ATV safety programs. It produces and distributes public services messages to ATV enthusiast magazines and other publications read by potential ATV riders. There are also several publications available to promote safe riding practices. These include Tips and Practice Guide for the All-Terrain Vehicle Rider and Parents, Youngsters and All-Terrain Vehicles.
We also have a video titled Ride Safe, Ride Smart that is a rider-friendly look at how to get a proper start in ATV riding.
To order the publications or video, call ASI at (949) 727-3727 and ask for the order department.
TOLL-FREE INFORMATION
For information regarding training in your area, call (800) 887-2887.
For information on ATV safety issues, call (800) 852-5344.
ATV RiderCourse
The ATV RiderCourse provides a fast-paced, half-day, hands-on training session which includes pre-ride inspection, starting and stopping, quick turns, hill riding, emergency stopping and swerving and riding over obstacles. You'll also learn about protective gear, local regulations, places to ride and environmental concerns. Bring your friends and family, and meet new friends to ride with.
Can I send my kids?
Definitely. The ATV RiderCourse is a great way to get your kids off to a safe start. A parent must be present for riders under 12. A parent should be present for riders under 16.
How much does it cost?
Maybe nothing if you recently purchased a new ATV. Call ATV Enrollment Express toll-free at 1-800-887-2887 to find out if you are eligible for free training. If you are not eligible for free training, you may take the ATV RiderCourse for a small fee.
Do I Use My Own ATV?
Yes. If you don't have one yet, you may be able to make specific arrangements to have an ATV available at the training site.
Make sure your ATV is the proper size for the individual taking the training. See the ATV Quiz.
What is the "Try Before You Buy" program?
If you take the ATV RiderCourse, and subsequently purchase an ATV, you may be entitled to a full refund of the cost of the course as well as additional incentives from the Manufacturer. Call ATV Enrollment Express toll-free at 1-800-887-2887 to find out more.
What Should I Bring?
You must wear the proper riding gear at all times during training. Bring the following:
DOT-approved motorcycle helmet
Goggles or face shield
Over-the-ankle boots
ATV or motorcycle gloves
Long pants
Long sleeve shirt or jacket
For more on proper riding gear, check out the working rider and recreational rider.
What is the riding area like?
Riding areas around the country differ somewhat, but they all include specific Stations. At each station on the riding range, you will learn specific skills. For an idea of what you will do at each station, see our ATV RiderCourse Riding Range.
Sounds Great! How do I enroll?
Call the ATV Enrollment Express toll-free at 1-800-887-2887. They can tell you where the nearest ATV RiderCourse is and enroll you on the spot.