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.

Preparing to Ride

Transporting a Snowmobile

Preparing To Tow

The snowmobile trailer must meet your state’s safety requirements for lights, hitching, coupling, and safety chains. A solid ball with lock washer and nut is legal in all states. Also consider these important features.

Use a snowmobile trailer with a tilt bed for ease in loading and unloading.
Make sure the towing vehicle has a heavy-duty flasher and rearview mirrors, inside and outside.
Know your trailer’s weight capacity rating, and don’t exceed it.
Avoid rope or rubber tie-downs since they are frayed easily by metal edges and any stretching may allow movement.

Following Safe Towing Procedures

Load the snowmobile with a winch or with help from others. If you have a tilt bed, you also can drive the snowmobile onto the trailer.
Fasten the snowmobile tightly to prevent it from moving in any direction.
- Use a bar to secure the front end.
- Ideally, use a chain with a ratchet-type load binder to fasten the rear end.
Place the snowmobile on the trailer so that about 60% of the load weight is in front of the trailer's axle.
Latch the trailer bed securely after loading, and check periodically during a long trip to make sure it stays latched.
When you unload, release all tie downs and keep them in a safe place. Tilt the bed, and pull the snowmobile off backwards.

Trailer Pre-Start Checklist

Make sure the ball hitch lever is latched properly.
Cross safety chains under the tongue, and latch them to the towing vehicle’s frame.
Latch the trailer bed properly.
Check wheel bearings for proper lubrication.
Check tire pressure (proper PSI).
Check lug nuts. Are they tight, or are some missing?
Is there a spare trailer tire?
If your trailer has brakes (electric or hydraulic), make sure they work.
Test all lights—left turn, right turn, brake, rear, and license plate; they are required by law.
Make sure the front ends of the snowmobiles are secured to the trailer using a bar. Secure the rear ends with a ratchet-type load binder.