Obtaining a Driver's Licence

All-Terrain Vehicles and Snowmobiles

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You are required to hold a valid driver’s licence, regardless of class, to operate an all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile. You must also abide by the conditions associated with the licence you hold.

1 What qualifies as an off-road vehicle

  • SnowmobilesA self-propelled winter vehicle that is designed to travel primarily over snow or ice and may or may not be equipped with a ski or steering blade.
  • The following motorized all-terrain vehicles:
    • quad bikes
    • recreational off-road vehicles
    • all-terrain motorcycles, including motocross bikes
  • Other motorized all-terrain vehicles designed or adapted to be operated on uneven or unpaved terrain or terrain that is difficult to access, especially surfaces covered with snow, ice, earth, sand or gravel, as well as in wooded areas and other natural environments.
1 What qualifies as an off-road vehicle

2 Operating off-road vehicles

On a public road, trail, or any other area of use that is not covered by the Highway Safety Code, you must: 

  • hold a valid driver’s licence or probationary licence of any class, or hold a valid learner’s licence and abide by its conditions (that you be accompanied and not carry passengers)
  • be at least 16 years old
  • be at least 18 years old if the vehicle is a recreational off-road vehicle
  • be at least 18 years old if you are carrying a passenger on a quad bike that has been modified by the addition of an add-on seat

Drive safely

To safely enjoy your snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle outings, it is important to obey the law and drive responsibly.

2 Operating off-road vehicles

3 Training certificate for 16- and 17-year old drivers

If you are 16 or 17 and want to drive a snowmobile or an all-terrain vehicle, you must have a training certificateThis document attests that a person under 18 years of age has the competence and knowledge required to operate an off-road vehicle..

The certificate is issued after completing the mandatory training that all new drivers should follow, regardless of their age.

For snowmobiles

This training is given by ConduiPro network of driving schools (website in French only). You can also contact the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec.

for all-terrain vehicles (quad bikes, trail bikes, etc.), with the exception of recreational off-road vehicles

The training is given by certified monitors listed on the Fédération québécoise des clubs quads website.

Note that for complementary information on the rules you must follow when riding a trail bike in parks and on trails, you can contact the Fédération québécoise des motos hors route or refer to their website. The Fédération can also let you know which of Québec’s federated trails you can ride on with your trail bike. 

For recreational off-highway vehicles

A training certificate is not required to drive a recreational off-road vehicle because you can only drive that type of vehicle if you are 18 or older.

If you are 16 or 17 and live outside Québec

You do not need to obtain a training certificate, provided you hold a driver’s licence issued by the appropriate authority in your home jurisdiction (e.g. an Ontario driver’s licence).

3 Training certificate for 16- and 17-year old drivers

Last update: May 12, 2022