How To Drive An ATV - Complete Guide (2023)

Every powersports enthusiast must learn to how to drive an ATV at some stage.

So it’s better for ATV riders to learn the fundamentals to start riding here or on YouTube.

We cover ATV safety, body posture and mastering the basics, such as gear changes and steering.

Different Types of ATVs

When it comes to ATVs, there’s quite a variety to choose from.

I recommend knowing the differences to make an informed decision.

Utility ATVs

Basically, these are the beasts of the ATV world. I think of them as the reliable giants, often spotted in farming or hunting scenarios.

They’re fairly large and often equipped with storage racks. Handy!

Sport ATVs

If you’re after agility and speed, these are for you. Light and nimble, they’re perfect for trail riding or racing.

I advise looking into these if adrenaline is your thing.

Side-by-Sides (UTVs)

While not technically ATVs, they get a mention here.

They have a steering wheel and often a roll cage.

I think they’re great if you plan to have a passenger or some cargo.

Youth ATVs

Tailored for the younger crowd, they’re smaller and less intimidating.

Perfect for getting kids started.

Preparing to Ride an ATV

Understand the Basics Before hopping on, take time to familiarize yourself with the ATV’s basic operations. From starting the engine to using the brakes, know the functions of each control.

Choose the Right Gear

Helmet: I can’t stress enough the importance of a good, well-fitting helmet. It’s a lifesaver.
Goggles: Protect your eyes from dust, debris, and the elements.
Gloves: Improve grip and protect your hands from scratches and the cold.
Boots: Opt for sturdy, over-the-ankle boots for better protection and support.
Protective Clothing: I advise wearing long sleeves, pants, and over-the-ankle boots to protect against abrasions.

Inspect the ATV Before every ride, I recommend a quick inspection:

Tires: Check your ATV tires for proper inflation and ensure there’s no damage.
Brakes: Ensure they’re functioning properly and not worn out.
Lights: If you plan to ride in low-light conditions, double-check your headlights and taillights.
Fluids: Oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels should be in check.
Loose Parts: Ensure there are no loose bolts or parts that could become a hazard.

Understand the Terrain Know where you’re riding. Familiarize yourself with the terrain to avoid surprises. If it’s a new area, I advise scouting it first or riding with someone experienced with the location.

Know the Rules Every region has its rules and regulations for ATV riding. Respect them! It not only ensures your safety but also the safety of others around you.

Riding Posture Start with a neutral posture. Your back should be straight, elbows slightly bent, and always look ahead. This posture allows you to react quickly and adjust your body to the terrain.

Practice Makes Perfect If you’re a newbie, find an open space to practice. Get comfortable with the ATV’s controls, practice turning, stopping, and navigating simple obstacles. I think it’s vital to build confidence in a controlled environment before venturing onto trails or tougher terrains.

Mastering Basic ATV Operations

Starting and Stopping the ATV

Ignition: Familiarize yourself with the ATV’s ignition system. Most modern ATVs have a simple turn-key start, but some older models might have a kick start.
Throttle: This controls your speed. I recommend practicing gentle accelerations initially to get a feel for it. Remember, it’s all about gradual control.
Brakes: Most ATVs have hand and foot brakes. Get used to applying them smoothly to avoid abrupt stops.

Shifting Gears

Manual Transmission: If you’re riding ATVs with manual transmission, you’ll need to get the hang of using the clutch and foot shifter. My advice? Practice using the gear shift lever – shifting up and down in a controlled environment.
Automatic Transmission: For these, focus on understanding the drive modes – usually Park, Neutral, Drive, and Reverse.

Steering and Balance

Lean with Turns: When making a turn, especially sharp ones, I advise leaning your body into the direction of the turn. This helps in maintaining balance.
Look Ahead: Always look in the direction you want to go. Your body and the ATV will naturally follow your gaze.
Stay Centered: Keep your weight centered, especially on flat terrains. If you’re riding on a slope, always lean uphill.

Throttle Control

Gradual Acceleration: Avoid the temptation to gun it. Gradual acceleration helps maintain control, especially on unfamiliar terrains.
Smooth Deceleration: Similarly, when slowing down, ease off the throttle smoothly.

Effective Braking

Use Both Brakes: For balanced stopping, I recommend using both the hand and foot brakes simultaneously.
Practice Engine Braking: On downhill slopes, you can often decelerate by simply releasing the throttle, letting the engine slow the ATV down.

Understanding the Kill Switch

Emergency Stops: Familiarize yourself with the ATV’s kill switch. In emergencies, it’ll immediately shut off the engine, which can be crucial for safety.

Navigating Different Terrains

Flat Surfaces

Maintain Balance: On flat terrains, it’s vital to keep your weight centered. This offers the best stability and control.
Smooth Operations: Flat terrains are usually the best to practice smooth acceleration, braking, and turning, as they are more forgiving.

Hilly and Rough Terrains

Lean Uphill: When ascending or descending, always lean your body weight uphill to prevent tipping.
Low Gears: I recommend using lower gears on steep inclines or declines to maintain better control.
Avoid Cresting: If you’re approaching the peak of a hill, especially a sharp one, approach at an angle rather than straight on to prevent the ATV from tipping backwards.

Wet and Muddy Conditions

Reduce Speed: Wet conditions can be slippery. Lower your speed and be cautious.
Tread Carefully: Muddy areas can hide obstacles like rocks or deep ruts. Tread with caution.
Avoid Sharp Turns: I advise against making sharp turns on wet surfaces as it can lead to skidding.

Sandy Terrains

Maintain Momentum: Sand can bog down your ATV. It’s crucial to maintain a steady momentum, especially in deeper sand.
Wide Turns: Make broader turns to prevent getting stuck or tipping over.
Throttle Control: Modulate the throttle as needed. Too little and you might get stuck, too much and you can spin out.

Rocky Terrains

Low Speeds: Navigate rocky terrains at a slow pace to avoid tire punctures and to have better control.
Pick Your Path: Instead of going straight over large rocks, I think it’s smarter to find paths that look smoother or more stable.
Stand on Pegs: If your ATV has foot pegs, standing up on them can provide better visibility and allow your legs to act as additional shock absorbers.

Snow and Ice

Traction is Key: Consider specialized ATV tires or chains for better grip.
Smooth Operations: Sudden moves can lead to skidding. Accelerate, brake, and turn with extra care.
Be Prepared: Cold weather can affect your ATV’s performance. Ensure your ATV is winter-ready and always carry an emergency kit.

Essential Riding Tips and Tricks

Stance is Crucial

Whether you’re sitting or standing, maintaining a proper stance is the foundation of ATV riding.

Keep your weight centered, elbows slightly bent, and always look in the direction you want to go.

Standing can offer better visibility and control, especially on rough terrains.

Grip, Don’t Strangle

Hold the handlebars with a firm yet relaxed grip. Strangling them can lead to fatigue and less responsiveness. Remember to keep your thumbs wrapped around the grips; it offers better control.

Use Your Body

When navigating turns or uneven terrains, lean your body in the direction you want to go. Your ATV will follow your body’s lead, and this technique can help in making more controlled maneuvers.

Brake Smartly

Understanding the difference between the front and rear brakes is essential. Use both brakes for balanced stopping. On steep descents, a controlled application of both brakes will give you the safest descent.

Look Ahead

A top tip when learning how to drive an ATV. Always focus on where you want to go, not on what you’re trying to avoid. Your ATV tends to follow your line of sight, so looking ahead can help in navigating obstacles more effectively.

Learn to Countersteer

When ATV riding at higher speeds, push the handlebar in the direction you want to go rather than pulling it.

This countersteering technique is especially useful in making quick turns.

Example: push the left handlebar if you’d like to turn right, and turn the right handlebar if you’d like to turn left.

Stay Relaxed

It might sound contradictory, but staying relaxed, especially in your arms and shoulders, allows for better maneuverability and less fatigue. Tense muscles can hinder your ability to respond quickly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

135,000 people are injured every year due to ATV accidents. Over 700 people are killed in these accidents every year.
HG.org

Neglecting Safety Gear

Mistake: Skipping out on safety gear like helmets, gloves, or protective clothing.

How to Avoid: Always wear appropriate safety gear when learning how to drive an atv, even on short rides. It not only protects you from injuries but can also enhance your ATV riding experience by providing comfort and better grip.

Not Inspecting the ATV Pre-Ride

Mistake: Hopping on the ATV without checking its condition.

How to Avoid: Before each ride, perform a quick inspection. Check tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels. Regular maintenance can prevent potential issues and breakdowns.

Overloading the ATV

Mistake: Carrying too much weight or improperly balancing loads on the ATV.

How to Avoid: Know your ATV’s weight limit. If carrying cargo, distribute it evenly and ensure it’s securely fastened. Avoid carrying passengers unless the ATV is designed for it.

Misjudging Terrain

Mistake: Assuming all terrains are the same and not adjusting ATV riding techniques accordingly.

How to Avoid: Always assess the terrain you’re about to tackle. Adjust your speed, balance, and throttle control based on the ground conditions.

Improper Weight Distribution

Mistake: Not shifting body weight or leaning correctly, especially during turns or on uneven terrains.

How to Avoid: When learning how to drive an atv, Practice leaning into turns and shifting your weight appropriately. When riding uphill shift your body weight forward to maintain balance.

Using Only One Brake

Mistake: Relying solely on either the front or rear brake.

How to Avoid: Practice using both brakes simultaneously for balanced stopping. Understand the difference in their functions and get used to modulating them as needed.

Maintenance: Keeping Your ATV in Top Condition

Regular Inspections

Before hopping on for a ride, always give your ATV a quick once-over. It’ll help you spot potential issues right off the bat!

Oil and Fluid Checks

The oil and fluids are basically the lifeblood of your ATV. Regularly checking and replacing them ensures your machine runs smoothly. Don’t neglect this, even if you know how to drive an atv like a pro.

Air Filter Maintenance

A clean air filter is essential. It stops unwanted dust and debris from messing with your engine. Make sure you clean it fairly regularly and replace when it’s due.

Tire Care

Tires are your ATV’s connection to the ground. Check them for any wear or damage before every ride. And remember, proper tire pressure is a must!

Brake Inspection

Safety first, always! Check those brake pads and ensure the fluid levels are just right. If anything seems off, don’t hesitate to replace.

Battery Maintenance

Keep those battery terminals free from corrosion. And if your ATV has been sitting idle for a while, check the ATV’s battery’s charge. Using a trickle charger during off-seasons is something I recommend.

Drive Chain or Belt Care

Your drive chain or belt needs regular love. Keep an eye on it for signs of wear and ensure it’s well-lubricated.

There’s nothing like a clean ATV! Apart from looking great, it’ll also let you spot any minor issues like leaks. Always dry it off thoroughly after a wash to avoid rust.

Bolts and Fasteners

Over time, those bolts can get fairly loose due to all the vibration. Make it a habit to check and tighten them periodically.

Regular Professional Check-ups

Even if you’re diligent with your maintenance, taking your ATV to a professional once in a while is a good idea. They’ll spot things we might miss and ensure it’s in top-notch condition.

Conclusion

Hope you’d found this helpful.

You should now know how to drive an ATV safely, if you’d like to do and ATV safety course, even better.

I believe that having a proper riding posture, avoiding high speeds, is enough to getting the ball rolling for a new rider.

Its then just down to practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ATVs easy to drive?

ATVs are designed to be user-friendly, but ease of driving can vary based on an individual’s experience and the type of ATV. With proper training and practice, most people find ATVs relatively easy to operate.

Are ATVs hard to control?

Controlling an ATV requires practice and understanding of its handling characteristics. While they are built for off-road conditions, when learning how to drive an ATV inexperienced riders might find them challenging at first. Proper training can greatly improve a rider’s ability to control an ATV.

How do you shift gears on an ATV?

Shifting gears on an ATV depends on its transmission type. For manual transmissions, you typically use a foot pedal to change gears, accompanied by a hand-operated clutch. Automatic transmissions simplify the process, often requiring just the throttle for acceleration without manual gear changes.

How do I get started with ATV?

To get started with ATVs:

Take an ATV safety course to understand basic operations and safety precautions.
- The ATV Safety Institute ATV Rider Course is a great place to start.
Choose an ATV suitable for your experience level.
Wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, gloves, and protective clothing.
Practice in a safe, open area before tackling challenging terrains.

Are ATVs automatic or manual?

ATVs come in both automatic and manual transmission models. Automatic ATVs are easier for beginners as they don’t require manual gear shifts. Manual ATVs provide more control over gear selection, which can be preferable for experienced riders or specific terrains.