Can you join a multi-day UTV tour with no experience? A beginner's guide

Do you need off-road experience to join a multi-day UTV tour?

No side-by-side experience is required for the Discovery Raid: beginners are accepted once the team has approved their driving. When you arrive at Camp Can-Am in Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic, every driver attends a safety briefing and then takes an ability check. That check confirms you can drive a 2026 Can-Am Maverick R X RC safely before heading out on the trails.

The Discovery Raid is designed as an entry point. It lasts 7 days, including 3 days on the trails, at a stated "introductory / intermediate" level. Terrain mixes coastal tracks, tropical paths, beaches, villages and easy to moderate sections. The trail days follow at a progressive pace; the detailed itinerary (stages, places, nights) is given to registered participants.

What are the requirements to drive?

To drive, you need to be at least 18, hold a valid car driver's license and pass the ability check. Every other condition is the same for beginners and experienced drivers.

There is no upper age limit: fitness, behavior and passing the check are what count. The trip is not recommended during pregnancy, with significant back or heart problems, or with any medical contraindication. If in doubt, ask your doctor before booking. The team may also refuse to let a participant drive if their level or behavior is not appropriate.

How do the safety briefing and ability check work?

The briefing takes place at Camp Can-Am before anyone drives: it covers the machine, the safety rules, communication within the group and how the trip will run. The ability check comes next and confirms you have the basic skills needed before you join the trails.

Essential safety instructions are given in a language you understand: the team works in English, French and Spanish. On the trail, the lead guide, a professional driver, a buggy rally-raid expert and a three-time European GT3 champion, adapts progression, pace and instructions to the terrain and to the group.

Arrive rested, listen to the full briefing and ask every question you have about the controls. The 2026 Maverick R X RC has a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and a Smart-Lok front differential. If those terms are new to you, our UTV and side-by-side glossary explains them in plain English.

Which tour should a beginner choose?

For a first experience, the Discovery Raid is the best fit: it is the shortest and most progressive of the three packages. The Grand Raid and the Expedition Raid ask for more commitment, on more demanding terrain.

The Grand Raid adds jungle, muddy tracks, elevation and longer stages. The Expedition Raid adds mountains and remote tracks. If you are unsure, state your real experience level in your request and the team will point you to the right package. Full prices and options are on the Pricing and options page.

Can you do the trip as a passenger only?

Yes. The passenger experience with a professional driver lets you enjoy the whole trip without driving: a RAID CARAIBES SSV professional driver takes the wheel for you. This option is guaranteed on every Discovery Raid, Grand Raid and Expedition Raid departure, at the same price as a driver.

• Setup: 1 professional driver and 1 passenger maximum per vehicle.
• Included: lodging, meals, soft drinks, transfers, driver gear, photos and support.
• Price: 5,900 USD (Discovery Raid), 7,900 USD (Grand Raid) or 9,900 USD (Expedition Raid).

Another common case: you drive and your partner or a friend rides next to you in the same Can-Am. You then need the private buggy option, charged once per vehicle (+ 1,500 USD, + 2,500 USD or + 3,500 USD depending on the package). Your companion does not pay a second full package and may take turns at the wheel if the team approves their level.

How should you prepare physically?

Good general fitness is enough, but heat, dust and several hours of driving a day are tiring. Focus on three simple things.

• Hydration: drink water regularly, without waiting until you feel thirsty.
• Alcohol: no alcohol before or while driving. Alcohol also makes dehydration worse.
• Rest and sun: arrive well rested, protect your skin and pack loose, light-colored clothing for downtime.

Mud, dust and water crossings are part of the experience. Bring sturdy clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and a change of clothes. The official event jersey, balaclava, helmet and goggles or eye protection are part of your driver gear. Mention any allergy or dietary requirement when you send your request.

Which driving rules matter most on a first UTV trip?

The basics are the ones published by manufacturers and by ROHVA, the North American safety association for recreational off-highway vehicles: buckle up, keep your body inside, adjust your speed and follow the guide.

1. Always fasten your seat belt or harness, wear your helmet and protective gear, and keep arms and legs inside the vehicle.
2. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
3. Drive at a safe speed and take care when turning and crossing slopes.
4. Go straight up or down hills: driving across a slope shifts the vehicle's weight and can lead to a rollover.
5. In mud, keep a steady speed and use low gears to stay in control.
6. On rocks, move slowly and steadily.
7. In dust, keep your goggles on: they improve visibility when following other vehicles.
8. Never carry more passengers than there are seats: on our trips, that means 1 driver and 1 passenger maximum per vehicle.

Everything else you learn on the trail with the lead guide. More details on guidance and support are on the Safety page.

How do you book a first trip as a beginner?

Check the upcoming departures, then send a request stating your experience level, whether you want to drive or ride with a professional driver, and the number of drivers and passengers. Your booking is confirmed once we have checked availability and the 50% booking deposit has been paid; this deposit is non-refundable. The balance is due 10 days before arrival.

Are you a group of at least 3 drivers? A private departure can be arranged on your dates, each driver with a private buggy, subject to availability. To receive available dates, use the request form.

Sources

• ROHVA, ROV Safety Rules, accessed Oct 18, 2026
• Can-Am (BRP), How to ride an ATV or side-by-side on different terrains, accessed Oct 18, 2026
• BRP, 2026 Can-Am Maverick R X RC specification sheet (PDF)
• Health Canada, Staying healthy in the heat, 2026
• Government of Québec, preventing the effects of extreme heat (in French), updated Sep 24, 2026