Some states require certified pilot car drivers to operate within their jurisdictions. The certification process is similar to other driver certifications.
Certification is the first step in assessing an escort car operator’s competency. Carriers should still carefully vet and examine credentials and experience before hiring them.
We’ll discuss the pilot car training and certification required by the States here.
Why Is Certification and Training Needed?
Competence is a critical need in the pilot car industry. The roads are dangerous even under fairly ideal conditions. Add weather, traffic, and human error, and they become truly deadly. Entering into this dangerous environment with a truckload wider than the lane, the situation becomes extraordinarily hazardous.
Escort vehicle driving is a skilled profession that requires formal training, dedication, and experience.
Certification Requirements by States
8 states have an interstate compact for certifying pilot car drivers. Each state accepts certificates from the other 7. The states are Florida, Colorado, NC, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Virginia, Washington, and Utah.
Washington
Instructors from different states teach pilot car operation courses in Washington. The 8-hour course costs around $200 and covers flagging traffic, safe driving practices, and other crucial skills. After the course, a brief exam tests the trainee’s knowledge.
Arizona
Arizona does not observe daylight savings time, but it has a certification process for pilot car companies or escort vehicles.
Also, it recognizes equivalency programs completed in other states, but the operator must still apply for permission to operate within Arizona State jurisdictions.
New York
Drivers to pass a short exam on oversized load requirements in New York. This test is available online and focus heavily on the mobile home industry.
New Mexico
New Mexico does not require escort vehicle operators to complete a certification course. Instead, inspectors must check the vehicle to ensure that the driver possesses the proper license, insurance, registration, visible signs and lights, and necessary safety equipment.
If you do not possess this certification, do not enter the state while escorting a load. Instead, have the load wait outside of New Mexico and drive to the nearest weigh station. You can also stop in for an inspection while just passing through the state.
Colorado
To work within the Colorado state jurisdiction, pilot car or escort company operators must have a Colorado State Certification card.
However, if they have a certificate received from any of the following states: Florida, Oklahoma, Washington, Utah, and the SC&RA, it will be recognized by Colorado.
Florida
In Florida, those who operate pilot cars or escort companies must have either Florida State certification or FDOT authorization. However, the state recognizes programs completed by bike pilot car drivers from Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
To legally work as a pilot car or escort vehicle driver/company in Florida, you must obtain a certificate of completion from the Florida Department of Transportation’s pilot/escort training class, which the Florida Technology Transfer Center offers.
In Florida, you must complete an 8-hour defensive driving course state-qualified by the National Safety Council.
Georgia
In Georgia, an “amber light permit” and completion of the Certified Escort Vehicle Program are mandatory to operate a pilot car or escort vehicle as per GDOT.
If you have already completed a pilot car or escort vehicle certification program in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Utah, or Arizona, and possess an “amber light permit,” you are likely to be approved for operation within Georgia state lines, provided you can prove your certification completion.
Louisiana
All escort and pilot car operators must obtain a Louisiana Approved Escort Vehicle Permit to travel or work in Louisiana. These permits can be acquired online or at Louisiana weigh stations.
Escort vehicle operators and pilot car company operators can obtain a Louisiana state escort vehicle permit at Louisiana weigh stations. If you prefer, you can apply for annual permits online or print the PDF form.
Minnesota
Minnesota has two types of escorts: civilian escorts and peace officers. If you want to become a pilot car operator or a driver of an escort vehicle in Minnesota, you need to hold a current Minnesota State Patrol certification. However, Minnesota recognizes escort vehicle and pilot car operator certifications from Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, and Washington.
In addition, you must have Minnesota insurance for the vehicle, and the driver should also be insured. You also need to fulfill the requirements for all safety equipment, and you must correctly display the signage.
Nevada
Attention Nevada pilot car operators and escort drivers: Get certified and obtain an amber light permit. No flashing amber warning light is allowed on the vehicle’s top without a permit from the Nevada Highway Patrol.
Moreover, if you anticipate slowing or stopping traffic, you must comply with the strict regulations of the Nevada state flagman. In case it is necessary to warrant approaching traffic, each flagman must wear a solid fluorescent yellow or green jacket or vest and be equipped with a red flag and paddle with the word “STOP” in white letters with a red background.
Oklahoma
To work as an escort vehicle or pilot car operator in the state of Oklahoma, you must have an Oklahoma certification. The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety acknowledges certifications from other states that have a reciprocal agreement with Oklahoma. However, if you are an Oklahoma State resident, you need to have an Oklahoma certification.
Escort or pilot car operators must carry at least $1 million in liability coverage per occurrence. To obtain a certificate from the Department of Public Safety, complete Oklahoma State University’s course and exam.
Utah
All pilot car operators and escort vehicle drivers must obtain certification and inspection at the Utah Port of Entry. To obtain an authorized certification card, you must participate in an approved qualified certification program.
It is strongly recommended that you carry a valid and current certificate of completion when entering Utah’s jurisdiction. You must also stop at the port of entry when entering Utah state jurisdiction.
Virginia
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) acknowledges certification programs completed by applicants from Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, and Washington.
An escort or pilot car operator in Virginia must apply for certification from the Virginia DMV. It is important to note that pilot car and escort vehicle operators must carry their Virginia certification document while escorting any type of oversized or overweight vehicle configurations.
FAQs
Is there any national certification facility for pilot car drivers?
No, there is no national certification facility for the pilot car drivers. Every state has its requirements for training and certification.
Do pilot car drivers need to pass background checks?
It depends upon the State’s requirements. In some States, drivers have to undergo background checks to get into the job.
Where to contact to get information about the pilot car requirements for specific States?
You can find the information for pilot car operators on the DOT website.
Conclusion
To sum up we can say that the requirements for a pilot car operator vary from State to State. Among all States, 8 major States require training and certification for a pilot car operator.
The certificate is just a step to entering the tyranny of an overloaded escort. To validate your job, you need to know proper regulations and abide by the requirements.
We have had a detailed discussion about the pilot car training and certification required by the States.
