Anyone over the age of 12 is eligible to apply for a snowmobile operator's license. Before a license is issued, applicants must successfully complete a provincial instruction course. Courses are offered by a number of snowmobile driver instructors throughout Ontario. Below is an excerpt from the OFSC web page on driver training:

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

Number of Students

The course size is limited to a maximum of 20 students at each training session.

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 behavior 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 License or a valid Ontario Drivers License 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 contact information for instructors in other areas of Ontario, please contact the OFSC Driving Training Office at (705) 739-7669 extension 238.

Snowmobilers 
possessing a motor vehicle license may 
take the instruction course and will be 
issued a certificate.