Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?

Persons 12 – 15 years of age. To qualify a student must be 12 years old on or before February 29, 2008

Is pre-registration required?

Yes. Since we must limit the class size, we must have an accurate student count. No registrations are accepted the day of the class. Please mail a check for $10.00 for each student payable to Hennepin County Water Patrol, and a completed and signed enrollment form to:

Hennepin County Water Patrol

Youth Snowmobile Registration

4141 Shoreline Drive

Spring Park, MN 55384

Do I need to bring a birth certificate?

            No, no further identification is required.

Can parents sit in on the classes?

            No, there is NO room for parents in the class.

 Where will the classes be held?

The classroom session and practical session will be held at the Sheriff’s Water Patrol Headquarters.

How many students will be in each class?

Each session is limited to 35 students. Click here for class availability. Classes will fill on a first come, first served basis, so please select a second choice in case your first choice fills before your registration is received.

 When will classes be held?

There will be four sessions. The entire process (classroom and practical) will be held the same day.

• Saturday, December 8, 2007

• Sunday, December 9, 2007

• Saturday, December 15, 2006

• Sunday, January 6, 2008
   

When will the practical session be scheduled?

Your child will take the practical test the same day as the classroom test. The Water Patrol will have a specially equipped snowmobile with wheels instead of skis. This year, for the first time, the entire process will take only one day.

Will I need to provide a snowmobile for the practical test?

The Water Patrol will have a specially equipped snowmobile with wheels instead of skis, so your child will take the practical test the same day as the classroom test even if there is no snow.

 What if my child misses the classroom session?

Your child must attend one of the eight hour classroom sessions. (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and pass the practical session to get his/her certificate.

Since these classes fill up fast, and we must often turn away students, there are no refunds for missed sessions.

How do I register my child (children)?

• Fill out the registration form for each child. You can fill the form out online, or print it and fill it out by hand. You must print out the form and sign it.

• Once complete, send the form along with a check for the registration fee.

• Please note that your spot is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation from the Water Patrol.

• If you do not have access to a computer, you can register in person at Water Patrol Headquarters.

What does the registration fee cover?

        The $10 registration fee covers all course materials, one certification card, one snowmobile safety insignia (after successful completion of the course) and the mailing / registration supplies.

What is the Certification procedure?

•  At the end of the classroom session there will be a written exam with fifty questions covering the material and snowmobile safety manual.  A passing mark will be 80%.

• The practical exam covers actual operation on a pre-planned course.  Any student violating any laws during the practical test will be disqualified and must take the entire course again. 

• Upon satisfactorily completing the course, a temporary certificate will be issued allowing operation until the formal certificate arrives.

• The student must carry this certificate with him/her when driving a snowmobile.

 What if my child has special needs?

If your child has reading problems or physical limitations, please indicate this on the registration form so we may give appropriate assistance.

Will meals be available?

Students will have a lunch break during the classroom session.  Please provide a lunch and beverage for them. 

What if the class is canceled? 

If for any reason a class is canceled, each student will be notified by e-mail.

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This site is not a part of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. While every attempt has been made to assure accuracy, in the event of any conflicts between the content of this site and the Official Hennepin County Sheriff's Web site, then the official site will be the final authority.