Chapter One
Learning to Ride: Basic Skills

Objectives

You should be able to:

• Explain why an OHV should not be operated on pavement.
• List the key steps for starting an OHV.
• Describe the three types of transmissions.
• Describe good ATV riding posture, and explain why it’s important for safety.
• List the three basic riding positions.
• Describe how to turn safely.
• Explain the difference between a solid and a differential rear axle.
• Describe how to climb a hill.
• Explain what to do when riding uphill and your OHV begins to lose forward momentum or begins to roll backward.
• Describe five procedures to remember when operating downhill.
• Describe what to do when traversing a slope.
• Describe three characteristics of a good practice area.
• Explain reaction time and braking distance.
• Describe the special risks and requirements associated with an ATV's unique design.
• List four leading causes of OHV accidents.