Tough love: no matter what your age, off-road vehicles are only for responsible riders. Many places require a license to drive an ATV, so know before you go. Check out our safety and licensing tips for a great ride every time.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS TO DRIVE OFF-ROAD VEHICLES

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATVS)

Anyone riding an ATV more powerful than 250 cc should be minimum 16 years old. We also recommend doing a rider safety program so they feel confident and informed.

Some places may require you to purchase a license to ride on their property, check with the place you go to for information regarding licensing.  

KIDS ON ATVS

We know how fun ATVs are, but they’re not toys. That said, they can be great for introducing kids to the off-road experience. Can-Am makes ATV models for young riders ages 6 and up that require adult supervision at all times.

SIDE-BY-SIDES (SSVS)

To drive a side-by-side vehicle, you should be over 16 year of age. There are safety certification programs specifically for SSVs that can prove invaluable.  We also recommend doing a rider safety program so they feel confident and informed.

SAFETY FIRST ON ALL OFF-ROAD VEHICLES

Safety is a series of smart choices that make or break your ride. If you want to have a blast out there, you have to feel confident in your vehicle and pay attention to the terrain. 

Whether you’re a rider, passenger or just watching from the sidelines, your off-road experience depends on taking safety seriously.

COMFORT FOR CONTROL AND CONFIDENCE

If you’re not comfortable in or around off-road vehicles, off-roading may not be for you. Always be informed and listen to your gut.

Your physical comfort is also key while driving your Can-Am. Make sure to adjust the seat and/or steering wheel for maximum support and control. On ATVs, adjust the handlebars and/or seat. If you’re not sure of the best positions, ask your dealer, rider safety instructor or local riding club.

While riding an ATV and riding an SSV are slightly different experiences, the requirements are the same. We always recommend wearing a helmet when riding ATVs and SSVs, as we encourage all Can-Am riders to Ride Responsibly. Also, the Health and Safety Executive highly recommends the use of a helmet for riding an ATV. When in doubt however, you can always refer to this rule of thumb from the Can-Am Operator guide:
"Never take place on an ATV or an SSV without wearing an approved helmet of the proper size and other required riding gears. There can be different equipment requirements, please check local rules.
Can-Am ATVs and SSVs are built for off-road use only. It may be used for general recreational use and utility purposes. It may be used for short distances on paved surfaces at reduced speed, in order to move the vehicle from an off-road location to another. Check the regulations for your area regarding the use of a tractor and trailer on the road."

If you want to get into more detail with the limitations, we have provided some for you. Please also always check official sources, since rules and regulations may change and your licence might not always be up to date. You can find more information from the following links:

Driving licence categories / Tractors and regulatory requirements / Quad bikes: the rules