Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from using certain equipment on a farm unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. However, certification received through the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) grants an exemption to the law, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with certain mechanized equipment. In Nebraska, Nebraska Extension and CS-CASH collaborate to offer NSTMOP certification.
Certification is earned by completing a two-day certification course, which includes a written test and a driving exam. Successful completion grants NSTMOP certification, allowing youth to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farms and ranches, and obtain a husbandry permit.
Day 1 covers the required elements of NSTMOP, including quizzes which students must pass to attend the driving portion of training. Once a student is registered, they will be sent instructions, materials, course paperwork, and a link to the online course if they will not be attending in-person.
Day 2 includes a driving test and equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors will also offer education about safe behaviors and laws for ATVs, utility-task vehicles (UTVs), and other off-road vehicles (ORVs).
The cost of the course is $60 and includes educational materials, the online learning link (if applicable), supplies, and lunch and snacks at in-person trainings. Payment will be made via credit card if registering online or via check if registering by mail. Youth under 14 years of age can attend Day 1 if accompanied by an adult but cannot drive equipment, attend Day 2, or become certified. Students under 14 must register but won’t be charged a fee.
Day 1:
- June 9 – Raising Nebraska, 501 East Fonner Park Road, Suite 100, Grand Island, NE
- June 17 – Upper Big Blue NRD, 319 East 25th Street, York, NE Virtual Module – For those attending a location that only offers Day 1 or are attending a location that offers both days but live 50 miles or more from the location.
Day 2:
- June 10 – Raising Nebraska, 501 East Fonner Park Road, Suite 100, Grand Island, NE
- June 18 – Upper Big Blue NRD, 319 East 25th Street, York, NE
Those attending a location that only offers Day 2 must complete Day 1 at another location OR complete the virtual module. Those attending a location that offers both days, but live 50 miles or more from the location, may complete the online module for Day 1. Day 1 (or online module) MUST be completed, with written exam, before attending Day 2. To register, visit: go.unmc.edu/tractor-safety-training. Contact Kelsey Irvine at kepalm@unmc.edu or 402-321-4236 with questions.
Views from VanDeWalle 