DRIVER TRAINING
Under the authority of the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act (MSVA), the Minister of Transportation (MTO) has authorized the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) as an agent to issue snowmobile operator's licenses. The OFSC provides members of the public with the knowledge and skills required to safely operate a snowmobile. The Ministry provides the curriculum and all revisions to the curriculum.
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AGE REQUIREMENT
In Ontario, all snowmobile operators who are at least 12 years of age and under 16, or if you are 16 years of age and older but do not possess a valid Ontario drivers license, you are required to take an Ontario-approved Snowmobile Safety Course and obtain a Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator's Licence (MSVOL) before riding on public lands.
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ONLINE DRIVER TRAINING
Driver Training has moved to online only for the 2020-21 season. Online training provides the option to obtain your Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s License conveniently from home on your own schedule.
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GET CERTIFIED IN 3 EASY STEPS
1
2
Study the course
online
Pass the exam
3
Print your license
KNOW THE SIGNS
STOP
White on Red. Sign is used where a trail crosses a road, driveway or another trail where there is a requirement to come to a complete stop. Snowmobile operators are required by law to stop at all road crossings and failure to comply may result in injury or death.
STOP AHEAD
Red on Yellow with Black Arrow. A cautionary sign indicating a stop ahead. The sign advises snowmobile operators to reduce their speed in preparation for a complete stop.
ICE CROSSING
Black on Yellow. Sign advises operators that they are approaching a section of trail which crosses a frozen body of water. Snowmobile operators must exercise due care when crossing frozen water. Always check conditions prior to accessing the waterway, do not venture off the designated route and be aware of changing conditions. Trail signs do not imply that the route is safe, failure to check conditions may result in injury or death.
TRAIL ENDS
White on Red. Sign informs snowmobile operators that the Prescribed Trail has ended. Further travel may result in trespass, injury or death.
TRAIL CLOSED
White on Red. Sign informs snowmobile operators that access to the Prescribed Snowmobile Trail is not permitted and that travel on the property constitutes trespass. Further travel may result in legal charges, injury or death.
DIRECTIONAL ARROW
Black on Yellow. Sign provides a visual guidance when there is a significant, unforeseen change in the direction of the trail. The sign advises snowmobile operators to reduce their speed and to take corrective steering action. Failure to comply may result in injury of death.
BRIDGE CHEVRON (LEFT & RIGHT)
Black on Yellow. Sign informs snowmobile operators of a bridge abutment. Operators should slow down and exercise due care when crossing bridges.
PRESCRIBED TRAIL
White on Blue as detailed in the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act (MSVA) of Ontario. The sign advises snowmobile operators that they are on an OFSC Prescribed Trail. Unless excluded through legislative regulations, the MSVA requires the operator of a snowmobile on an OFSC Prescribed Trail including those routed on Crown or public land to display a valid Snowmobile Trail lPermit as issued by the Ministry of Transportation. Failure to comply constitutes trespass exposing the operator to liability.
DESTINATION & INFORMATION SIGNS
Destination and information signs are offered to assist riders in identifying their location and to access services for an enjoyable snowmobiling experience in areas that they may not be familiar with.
MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT
Black on White. Sign advises operators of the maximum legislated speed in Ontario. The maximum speed limit is not a recommended speed. Snowmobile operators must adjust their speed taking into consideration several factors including; terrain, trail conditions, weather, visibility, physical ability, cognitive skills, equipment and experience. Failure to adjust speed and exercise due care and control may result in personal injury or death.
RAILROAD CROSSING
Black on Yellow. Sign informs operators that the trail is approaching a railroad crossing. Ontario law requires snowmobile operators to come to a complete stop at all railroad crossings. Failure to comply may result in injury or death.
Do:
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Get proper training. Take a snowmobile safety course
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Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to arrive
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Keep your gas tank filled
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Check the weather, trail and ice conditions before you leave
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Wear appropriate clothing to prevent hypothermia
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Regularly Inspect your snowmobile to make sure it is in good mechanical condition
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Bring a first-aid kit and a survival kit
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Stay on trails and use proper care and control
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Ride sober
Do Not:
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Ride on railway tracks
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Ride alone
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Leave children unsupervised with youth snowmobiles
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Leave young children unattended in snowmobile sleds
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Go snowmobiling with an infant (infants cannot endure the cold)