Quad bikes (also known as ATVs) are widely used across agriculture, land management, forestry and many other industries. They offer freedom, adventure and practical utility, but they also come with very real risks. A recent conversation with a local employer highlighted this perfectly. Despite being a very experienced operator, he had rolled his sit astride quad bike. Thankfully, he was wearing a helmet and knew how to deal with the situation because he had received professional training.
The incident made him question the dangers involved and, more importantly, who would be liable if a similar accident had happened to one of his team. It served as a powerful reminder of why quad bike training is important, even for those who consider themselves highly experienced.
Experience Doesn’t Eliminate Risk
Most ATV-related injuries stem from a small number of common factors:
- Loss of control on slopes
- Excessive speed
- Lack of experience or complacency
- Poor or inappropriate protective equipment
- Carrying passengers on single-seat models
- Poor vehicle maintenance
Even confident and capable riders can be caught out by changing terrain, weather conditions or unexpected obstacles. This is where the importance of quad bike training becomes clear. Training reinforces safe habits, refreshes critical skills and ensures riders can react correctly in high-risk situations.
Reducing Risk Through Training and Safe Practice
The risks associated with quad bikes can be significantly reduced by adopting sensible habits and ensuring all riders are properly trained. This includes:
- Always wearing a helmet and ensuring staff do the same
- Wearing eye protection, such as goggles or a visor, to protect against dust, stones and insects
- Using sturdy footwear, long trousers and suitable outer clothing
- Considering additional protection such as gloves and back protectors
Equally important is keeping the ATV in good working order. Before every ride, operators should check tyre pressure and tread (as stated in the operator’s manual), ensure brakes are functioning correctly, check fuel and oil levels and confirm servicing is up to date. These checks are a core part of professional quad bike training and are essential for safe operation.
Sit Astride ATVs vs Sit-In ATVs
It’s also important to understand that not all ATVs are the same.
Sit astride ATVs, often referred to as quad bikes, are controlled by handlebars and require the rider to actively shift their body weight to maintain stability, particularly on slopes and uneven ground. This makes correct technique and training essential, as improper use can quickly lead to loss of control.
Sit-in ATVs, such as side-by-side utility vehicles (UTVs), are driven more like a small vehicle, with a steering wheel, pedals and a seated position inside a protective frame. While they offer additional stability and protection, they still require specific training to ensure safe use and compliance with legal requirements.
Understanding which type of ATV you are using, and how to operate it safely, is a key part of professional training.
Lantra Sit Astride ATV Training: More Than Just a Qualification
At Newlands Training, we run a number of quad bike courses which can be run in-house for your employees or you can join as an individual.
The Lantra Sit Astride ATV course provides a deeper understanding of appropriate terrain, driving conditions and the correct uses for these vehicles. It is designed for both novice and experienced riders and combines essential theory with real-life driving experiences to help candidates deal confidently with tricky conditions.
Who is the course for?
- Both novice and experienced riders
- Those required to use an ATV for work or leisure
- Anyone who wants their skills verified with recognised certification
Course objectives include:
- Complying with legal requirements with an emphasis on safe practice
- Identifying risks associated with ATV use
- Selecting appropriate PPE
- Understanding controls, components and instruments
- Carrying out daily and pre-start checks
- Identifying and reporting faults
- Riding over a variety of terrain and ground conditions
- Performing emergency stops, failed hill climbs and safe slope operation
- Understanding loading, towing and trailer use
- Carrying out after-use maintenance
- Understanding legal and practical requirements for road use
Courses last a day, for both novice and refresher training, with a maximum of three candidates per course for any in-house training courses. This ensures plenty of hands-on, practical experience and successful candidates receive a Lantra Sit Astride ATV qualification.
It is recommended that refresher training is undertaken every five years, so that you can be confident you or your staff are fully qualified and know how to handle any situation.
Why Quad Bike Training Is Important for Employers
For employers, quad bike training isn’t just about safety, it’s also about responsibility and liability. As an employer, you need to ensure your staff are properly trained, equipped and certified. Providing opportunities for training demonstrates a commitment to safe working practices and can significantly reduce the risk of serious accidents.
Your First Line of Defence is Training
ATVs will continue to play a vital role across many industries. However, the importance of wearing proper PPE, maintaining your machine, understanding the terrain and investing in professional training never stops. Quad bike training is the first line of defence against future accidents, protecting riders, employers and businesses alike.
If you’re an employer looking to train your team, complete the form on our course page and our team will get back to you to arrange a date to come to your site and train your team.
Or if you are an individual rider looking for some training find our next course and register online today.
