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Examinations

Driving Exam

Purpose

To assess the ability of the youth to utilize safety knowledge in the operation of a tractor and towed implement.

The youth's abilities evaluated in the driving exam include:

  • safe mounting and dismounting of tractor;
  • safe starting and stopping of tractor;
  • safe operation of a tractor with a towed implement through a driving course that includes an intersection and turns; and
  • an assessment of the youth's attitude towards safety.

Operator Assessment

Prior to the start of any hands-on tractor operation, youth will be required to pass an initial operator assessment. The purpose of this assessment will be to determine if the youth has the physical ability to safely operate the tractor. If a youth is unable to pass the assessment, he or she can choose to participate in the non-driving parts of the training but will not be able to receive the state or federal certification.

    Qualifications
    Youth must be able to sit properly in the operator's seat with seatbelt fastened and be able to:

    1. fully depress the clutch and brakes and
    2. operate the hand controls without assistance.

Equipment Recommendations
A utility type (30-60 hp) tractor is recommended. The tractor needs to be equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and a functional seatbelt.

A two-wheel implement or trailer is required. If the implement has a pto shaft, the shaft should be partially removed or safely secured to the implement to avoid damage to the pto shaft.

Driving Course Materials

twine
conduit poles or pylons with poles added for height
holders for poles if on blacktop
golf balls with chain
stop sign marker