Tractor Safety courses for youth are being offered around the state this spring. Many are taught by the local vocational agriculture teachers. Check with your local Extension office to find out where the closest one is being held.Any 14 or 15 ear old who plans to operate a farm tractor for anyone other then their parent or guardian this summer is required, under U.S. Department of Labor regulations, to attend a tractor safety course. Youth who work on the family farm, while not required to attend, by law, should plan to enroll in these classes, as well.
The course, which is offered through the University of Vermont Extension includes 12 hours of classroom work and safety demonstrations. While no hands-on instruction is given on how to operate a tractor, classes cover a wide selection of safety topics including instruments and controls, maintenance and safety checks, hydraulics, ASAE safety standards, and farm and highway safety, among other topics.
To be certified, youth must pass both a written exam and driving test, and provide proof that they have received a minimum of 10 hours of supervised experience actually driving a farm tractor. Certification will not be granted to any student who misses more than one class, regardless of test scores. Space permitting, 13 year olds may be allowed to enroll in the course if they will turn 14 this summer. However, no certification will be granted until the youth turns 14.
For dates and location of classes contact your local UVM Extension office or George Cook, UVM Extension Farm Safety Specialist, at the Extension office in Morrisville; Telephone (802) 888-4972; Email: gcook@sover.net.
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