ABOUT OUR COURSES

Hands-on safety classes are free of charge presented by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife Off-Highway Vehicle Program.  

A parent or guardian of each student under 18 must remain on site during the entire class.  

Department training machines are available for use during ATV and off-highway motorcycle classes – request a machine during the registration process in the “Special Needs” dialog box and call 505-222-4712 to confirm reservation.

Each student bringing their own OHV MUST ENSURE it is mechanically sound for use during class:

• Motorcycle classes require motorcycles. ATV classes require ATVs.
• No sharing of vehicles is allowed.
• All vehicles must be currently registered according to New Mexico state law.
• All vehicles must be of appropriate size for the student (ATV and ROV)

Each student must also have protective safety equipment and appropriate clothing:

• A DOT- or ECE-approved helmet (look for the DOT or ECE sticker on the back or inside the helmet).
• Eye protection such as goggles, safety glasses or a face shield properly attached to the helmet.
• Sturdy boots or shoes that cover the ankles, full-fingered gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket. Students should dress appropriately for the anticipated weather.
• OHV program safety equipment is available in limited sizes for use during class.

Failure to be on time or to provide the appropriate vehicle, safety equipment or adult supervision may result in dismissal from the class.

ALL INSTRUCTOR DECISIONS REGARDING STUDENT PARTICIPATION ARE FINAL.

PUBLIC OUTREACH

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife OHV Program offers public outreach activities for organizations and events free of charge. Typical organizations are schools, outdoor recreation/sportsman groups, and public health organizations. Typical events are safety days, outdoor expos, and any other event reaching our target demographic audience. Our target audience includes adults and youth age 6 and older who engage in OHV recreation or who use OHVs as part of a rural or agricultural lifestyle.

Our primary public outreach activity is an ATV simulator presentation targeting kids from six to about twelve years of age. We offer a quick OHV safety message emphasizing the need for protective gear, parental supervision, and basic physical skills training, capped by a turn aboard our youth model ATV simulator. Participants are closely supervised, and parent/guardian presence is required. Teachers or school staff can serve as guardians during school presentations. Participants receive souvenir age-appropriate promotional items as available. We can also offer our promotional items in other settings.

For more information please contact the OHV Education Coordinator at 505-222-4712 or via email at DGF-OHVEDU@dgf.nm.gov.