Training for off-the-highway vehicle riding will cost different amounts, depending on where you live geographically in the United States, and on other factors as well.
"It depends on whether it is an individual by themselves learning private lessons or whether it is a group situation. For private lessons, trainers can charge 500 dollars or more a day," Uhl says.
The instruction comes with everything you will need to know as a responsible rider.
"These are all hands-on instructions. Classes are 75 percent hands-on and 25 percent classroom. As we get into the upper classes, 1 percent will be classroom and 99 percent will be hands-on. One thing I do whether it is a beginner, intermediate, expert or double expert student, I evaluate their current knowledge level and riding ability. If they haven't learned the basics in the beginner class, we start from the top. I teach the basics, and then I start working on the intermediate class," Uhl says.
Uhl has trained some of the biggest celebrities, as well as big corporations, and says the reason off the highway vehicle training is so important is that students gain confidence in themselves. This confidence allows them to make the right decisions at the right time. When riding a sport vehicle fast, you only have a split second to make a decision. That's where safety knowledge kicks in.
"What I teach is riding, how to ride safely, and yet people want it to be broken down into beginners, intermediates, and experts. I teach riding, the components that make up riding, and how to do it safely," Uhl says.
Whether you decide to take training or not, Uhl and websites like that of the Arizona Game and Fish Department say make sure you are always prepared. You should always have these items in place: maps, first maps, first aid kit, CB radio, tools, fire extinguisher, spare vehicle key, flares, duct tape, gloves, warm clothing, flashlight, batteries, bulbs, tarp, tent, sleeping bags, and towels.
Another good idea is to make sure you have extra necessities in case your vehicle breaks down. Buy radiator stop leak, extra fan belts, radiator hoses, electrical wire, jumper cables, baling wires, oil, gas, assortment bolts, nuts, washers, siphon hoses, fuses, tires, a full-size spare, a tire pressure gauge, air pumps, and a tire repair kit.
Off the highway vehicle training can cost you some money, but it can help you become more aware. Uhl says it will help anyone develop quick reflex skills. Of course, this comes with practice as well, so the more you drive your machinery, the more you learn.
