Young snowmobile riders eager to start the season have more to do than gas up their machines.

Illinois law requires a snowmobile “driver’s license” for teenagers operating a snowmobile alone. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Education requires that all riders ages 12 to 16 driving alone possess an Illinois Snowmobile Safety Education Certificate of Competency.

Teenagers wishing to become certified to ride must take the Illinois Snowmobile Education course, which consists of a minimum eight hours of instruction. Pete Dall, president of the Huntley Penguins Snowmobile Club, recommends the course.

“It’s important for riders to know the rules and regulations, and general upkeep of snowmobiles, too,” he said. “What you learn in this course is especially important if you go riding up north, where you’re a couple hundred miles from anywhere. You will learn about situations on the trail that you could encounter and how to deal with them.”

The course covers the basics in maintenance and repair of snowmobiles, proper and safe operation, history of snowmobiling, first aid, protection of the environment and Illinois state laws. Additionally, 11-year-olds can also take the course, though their certificate will not be valid until their 12th birthday.

Three one-day snowmobile education courses will be held nearby this fall and winter to certify riders. The first course takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Pingree Grove & Countryside Fire Protection District, 39W160 Plank Road, Elgin. This course is sponsored by the Elgin Cold Ducks Snowmobile Club.

The second course will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Hampshire Fire Department, 202 Washington St., Hampshire. This course is sponsored by the Hampshire White Riders Snowmobile Club.

The third course is again sponsored by the Elgin Cold Ducks Snowmobile Club and takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Pingree Grove & Countryside Fire Protection District. Participants need only attend one of these courses to become certified.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recommends taking this course before the snow arrives.