For those who have not heard of the law passed on June 10th, 2010, concerning the fact of driving a single seater ATV, adapted for the transport of a passenger on a removable spare seat, now is the time to catch up on reality. I hope the new adepts who have just bought a single seater ATV have been informed of these changes by their dealers. Ah, yes at last, we can transport a passenger on a single seat ATV, but only after having attended Quad School.

After so many years driving ATVs, I never thought I would be following a course on ATV driving. I thought I knew all there is to know about basic driving techniques. I even thought that my driving experience would have classified me at the more flattering level of pilot, where I would work on improving my techniques. Truth of the matter is that this law brought me back down to earth, and that one must “never say never”, as the saying goes. So, being a member of the FQCQ (Fédération Québecoise des Clubs Quad), and being in possession of a quad equipped with an added seat, I decided to follow the course. Honestly, I had no expectations, but since there was no choice, I had to set an appointment and attend the course. Currently in Canada, ATV laws vary by jurisdiction and by location of use. In Ontario for example, ATV's may be ridden "two up" on designated trails and private lands but not on roadways (highways) as defined under HTA Regulation #316. Municipal authorities may enact by-laws regulating the use of ATVs within their jurisdiction. You should get information from your local municipality for any ATV related by-laws. ATV users do have a responsibility to be informed.

After a short research on the FQCQ site, I reach Mr Alain Beaudoin in the St-Jérôme area. On first contact, one can tell he knows his business and is well organized. He tells me about what gave him the idea for a course on ATV driving. He could not help but notice, a few years back, when trying to register his fourteen year-old to a course on ATV driving, that delays were unreasonable. That is why Mr. Beaudoin took the bull by the horns and became an ATV driving instructor.

On the expected given day, I rise early, as usual, gulp down two espressos and head for St-Jérôme. Upon arrival, I unload my ATV off the trailer and notice I am one of the only few wearing a helmet to complete a manoeuvre as simple as this, but that can provoke many brain concussions and other injuries every year. Right in the first minutes of the course, Mr Beaudoin confirms the fact that not wearing a helmet to unload an ATV from a trailer can present a danger, especially when using removable loading ramps. These first few minutes of the course are very interesting; one cannot help but notice how even people who have been driving ATVs for years have something to learn, and to remember if possible, out of this course. My loved one, who has less experience than I at the handlebars of an ATV, but loves treks in the woods as soon as she gets a chance, soon realizes that this course will be more than entertainment to her. Furthermore, I know very well that she is not the only ATV driver who has not asked herself such questions as :

When should I use the emergency engine stop button?

What body position do I adopt in a curve?

Should I drive the 4x4 in winter?

And Mr Beaudoin covered many more questions of this type, which might h seem trivial at first sight, but would take on a totally different dimension in an emergency.

And on board practice!

Here again, very interesting, with many different layout courses to follow and with exercises such as slalom, body position in turns, avoidance techniques, and emergency braking in the program.

The course cost is $ 86,66. You will receive a permit to allow driving with a passenger on an ATV single seater equipped with an added seat, a booklet with questions and answers, information on ATV driving and a learning certificate.

I must admit I really appreciated this experience, for it is always a good thing to learn and to be in the company of ATV adepts is always pleasant.

I cannot conclude this article without mentioning two people I have met, Mrs Louise Pelletier and Mr Michel Lafleur, from the Montérégie region. These two aficionados of ATV for the last 20 years, also offer a course worth mention. Experience-wise, they have proven their worth since they have been giving courses since 1999. These two friends can accept 16 students per course (8 per teacher). With more than 20 years devoted to exploring trails, these two can offer benefits to young and less young drivers, because of their knowledge.

So, do not forget that in order to respect the law, this course must have been completed. Surveillance trail agents can hand you an infraction ticket if you drive a single seat ATV with passenger seat without having passed the course.

Good riding everyone!