Effective December 21, 2010, the Vermont State Police changed their guidelines for distance learning. Students are now required to spend a minimum amount of time on each course page before proceeding to the certification exam.

Click here to go to the latest version of the Today's Snowmobile Rider in Vermont online course—the official snowmobile rider education course of the Vermont State Police.

The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your Vermont certification.

Riding Your Snowmobile

Illustration of a Figure 8 path for a snowmobile

Practicing Your Riding Skills

You can improve your skills by practicing at a slow speed in a large, flat, snow-covered field with no obstructions. An experienced adult should be with you as you practice the following skills.
- Start and stop at various speeds, and try a few quick stops.
- Use hand signals as you turn in different directions.
- Try all four riding positions.
- Complete an oval and a figure eight. Also make tight, low-speed turns.
- Slalom through traffic cones.
After you master the basics, go to a hilly area and practice riding uphill and downhill, as well as traversing the hill.
Watch experienced riders and learn from them.