Driver Training Program

All clubs in district 4, the Southern Ontario Trail Builders Alliance, offer training courses for those prospective riders who require a Snowmobile Operators Permit. 

Any person who wishes to operate a snowmobile in the province of Ontario requires, by law, either a valid drivers license of any class or a Snowmobile Operators Permit. In order to obtain an operators permit the applicant must be at least twelve years of age on the day the course is taken, may not have a drivers license under suspension nor be restricted, for medical reasons, from obtaining an Ontario drivers license.

 The driver training courses are normally run in the fall of the year with some areas carrying on through the winter season. Most trainers are also volunteers for trail building and grooming so they try to complete the courses before the snow flies.

 To register for a snowmobile driver training course please contact the club nearest you to find the course dates and contact information

The Organization

Under the authority of the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act, The Minister of Transportation has authorized the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) as an agent to issue snow vehicle operator’s licenses. The OFSC provides members of the public with the knowledge and skills required to operate a motorized snow vehicle safely. The Ministry approves the curriculum and all revisions to the curriculum. The chief Master Instructor is the OFSC contact person for the purposes of this agreement.

The Club Instructors report to the Master Instructor and the Master Instructor reports to the Chief Master Instructor. The Chief Master Instructor reports to Ministry of Transportation Ontario, the Chair of Driver Training and to the Chair of Programs and Club Services.

There are 409 Club Instructors, 20 Master Instructors and one Chief Master Instructor in the Province. The number of Instructors varies as new Instructors are trained and others resign. All clubs have at least one instructor.

The Driver Training Course

Age Requirement

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs has a contract with the Ministry of Transportation to train students in the safe operation of snowmobiles. In order to attend, a student must be 12 years of age or over on the day the course begins.

Course Material

All course material is approved by the Ministry of Transportation.

Course Fees

The course fee is set by the Ministry of Transportation and includes the cost of the student books. The course fee is reviewed annually.

The Driver Training Program is self supporting from the registration fee and requires no funding from either the OFSC or MTO. The MTO contract with the OFSC stipulates that they have the right to audit the Driver Training records including the financial books.

The course fee is currently set at $ 30.00 by MTO and includes all course materials.

Length of Course

The course is a minimum of six hours of classroom instruction

Course Content

  • History and development of Snowmobiles
  • Motorized snow vehicle laws of Ontario
  • Trespass to property Act.
  • Occupies Liability Act.
  • General Features and Theory of Operation of a Snowmobile
  • Operation and general maintenance of a snowmobile
  • Preparation of a snowmobile for safe operation
  • Pre-Ride Inspection Procedure
  • Trouble Shooting
  • Operation of the snowmobile and recognizing hazards
  • Snowmobile Clothing
  • Coping with emergencies and cold weather survival
  • Promoting a more positive and responsible attitude and behaviour when operating a snowmobile.
  • Certificates/Licenses

Upon the successful completion of the driver training course including a written exam, a student is issued a Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s License. The students who possess a valid Ontario Drivers License of any class at the time of taking the course are given a card certifying completion of the course. A motorized Snow Vehicle Licence or a valid Ontario Drivers Licence of any class is required by anyone who operates a snowmobile off their own property. Anyone who does not have a valid driver’s license because of a court or police action will not be issued a Motorized Snow Vehicle Driver’s License.

For more information on your local driver training classes - please contact your local club for their training dates.