Federal law restricts youth under 16 from using certain farm equipment unless their parents or guardians own the farm. However, certification received through 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 UNMC's Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (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.
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.
Please register at least one week in advance of the dates you wish to attend.
The 2026 training dates and locations include:
• June 8 & 9: Grand Island
• June 10 & 11: West Point
• July 1 & 2: Crete
• July 1 & 2: David City
The cost of the course is $60 and includes educational materials, supplies, lunch and snacks. Payment will be made via credit card if registering online or via check if registering by mail.
For more information, including how to register online or through the mail, go to https://go.unmc.edu/tractor-safety-training.
If questions, email Priscila Soto Prado at priscila.sotoprado@unmc.edu.