Whatever recreational adventure you're going on, you should practice safety precautions and have your license – and we're not just talking about your standard driver's license. Most recreational vehicles require some sort of certificate and training, and while you can't always find an in-person class, you can gain certification through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) online courses. 

Motorcycle Safety Training + Certification – CVTC

The Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) offers training and certificate programming alongside its array of other resources and school offerings, including its Motorcycle Safety Training program.

CVTC offers two motorcycle courses: Basic Rider (BRC) and Basic Rider 2 (BRC 2):

Basic Rider (BRC)

The BRC is offered on days and weekends from May-early October each year. According to CVTC's website, each class consists of 10 full hours of actual range riding + 6 hours of classroom instruction from veteran riders trained and certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The riding skills test is given at the end of the range portion of the class. Motorcycles are provided for use during the course. 

Emphasis is placed on motorcycle controls, rider decision-making, basic riding skills and maneuvering, and basic street riding. Motorcycles are provided for students. 

• Prerequisites: You must complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic eCourse fewer than 30 days prior to starting your CVTC courses
  
  
  • eCourse fee: $19.99
  • eCourse time length: ~3 hours
  • You must print and present the eCourse completion certificate (or display it via electronic device) to the instructor at the beginning of the training else, or you will be ejected from the course with no refund
    
    

Basic Rider 2 (BRC 2)

The BRC 2 is offered on days and weekends from May-early October each year. According to CVTC's website, each class is 8 hours, including a classroom component and on-cycle instruction with a skills test for the license waiver. After successfully completing the course, your Motorcycle Skills Test Waiver will be sent to the DMV for your Class M Endorsement.

This course is similar to the BRC except the speeds are higher and riders will use their own motorcycles; it is not for first-time riders. It is an excellent refresher for those experienced riders seeking the Class M license, or for those who already have their Class M license.

• Requirements: You must have proof of eCourse completion, driver's license/instructional permit, and ownership of motorcycle + insurance, and display prior experience with the ability to:
  
  
  • use clutch and throttle to control the motorcycle (start out and stop smoothly)
  • upshift and downshift smoothly
  • stop a motorcycle at a disengaged point
  • negotiate normal roadway turns and curve

ATV Training + Certification – DNR

Local County Clerk offices do not always offer first-time licensing for recreational licenses, but the state DNR does.

According to the state's DNR website, anyone who operates an ATV on public riding areas – trails, frozen waters, routes, permitted county and/or forest lands – who is at least 12 years of age and born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have completed a safety certification course. *ATV operators must carry their safety certification cards. 

Courses cover laws and regulations, ethics, personal safety, and the proper use of all-terrain vehicles. There should be at least one class per county per year, though online courses are also available. In-person courses are roughly $10 and online courses are between $34.95-35.95.

• ATV educational course time length: ~6+ hours
• Online ATV/OHM Wisconsin safety course option 1
• Online ATV/OHM Wisconsin safety course option 2

*There are several nuances to ATV/OHM certifications, which can be viewed on the state DNR website.

Boat Training + Certification – DNR

Local County Clerk offices do not always offer first-time licensing for recreational licenses, but the state DNR does.

According to the state's DNR website, boating safety certification or out-of-state equivalent certification is required for operators *born on or after Jan. 1, 1989. Anyone is eligible to take the class and receive a safety education completion certificate. 

Courses cover navigation, laws, ethics, personal safety, and the proper use of boats. There should be at least one class per county per year, though online courses are also available. In-person courses are roughly $10 and online courses are between $29.95-$54.95. 

• Boat Education Course
• Boater Exam
• iLearntoBoat
• Wisconsin-approved Boat Rental Course

*There are several age restrictions for operating a boat and boats with a motor, as described on the state DNR website.

Snowmobile Training + Certification – DNR

Local County Clerk offices do not always offer first-time licensing for recreational licenses, but the state DNR does.

According to the state's DNR website, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1985, who is at least 12 years of age, *must have completed and received a snowmobile safety certificate in order to operate a snowmobile in Wisconsin. The completion certificate must be carried while operating the snowmobile (this does not apply to the operation of snowmobiles upon lands owned or leased by the operator's parent or guardian).

The educational course will cover basic instruction in the principles of laws and regulations, rider ethics, and general snowmobile safety. In-person courses are roughly $10 and online courses are $34.95.

• Snowmobile educational course time length: ~6+ hours
• Online snowmobile safety course option 1
• Online snowmobile safety course option 2

*There are several age restrictions and certification nuances for snowmobile operations, as described on the state DNR website.

Search the Wisconsin DNR website for more information on recreation certification and all things outdoors.