Overview of Pilot Escort Vehicle Certification Requirements
An Arizona statute that became effective September 21, 2006 requires that every person operating a Pilot Escort Vehicle (Pilot Car) must be trained and certified in safety best practices for these types of vehicles. Enforcement agencies allowed for a nine-month transition period during which escort vehicle operators were offered numerous opportunities to get trained and certified. Effective July 1, 2007, pilot escort vehicle operators that do not possess a valid Arizona certificate, or a valid certificate from any of the other nine states (listed below) that require certification, will be cited and the load they are escorting placed out of service.
Under Arizona law, entities that offer the training curriculum must base it on the Pilot Car Escort Best Practices Guidelines developed cooperatively by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA). Currently, the Arizona Trucking Association offers this training for a fee, issues the certification cards and maintains the database of certified operators. Arizona Pilot Car Certification is valid for four (4) years.
Pilot Car Escort Operators already trained and certified by another state that imposes such a requirement may present that state’s certificate to law enforcement officials as proof of valid certification, as long as the certificate is valid in that state. Other states that require pilot car escort vehicle operators to be trained and certified are:
It should be noted that, while Arizona recognizes pilot car certificates issued by these states, these states may or may not accept Arizona certification, or may have additional requirements. It is up to pilot car escort operators to learn and comply with the standards of each state in which they are escorting permitted loads. Arizona is pursuing reciprocity (recognition of Arizona certification) with other states. The database for currently certified escort vehicle operators is in the pull-down menu under Resources.
Signing up for the certification is simple.
Step one:
File an application for Escort Vehicle Operator Training and Certification.
This step places your name into the data base of applications. When we receive and process the $25 fee required with the application, the application will be marked paid and a copy returned to you for proof of your intent to take a certification class. Completing the application insures you will be notified of all upcoming certification classes. The $25 fee will be applied to your class registration fee if you are an ATA member or an ATA member certifies that you perform escort vehicle services for its company.
To download the application for Escort Vehicle Operator Certification <CLICK HERE>
Step two:
ATA will notify you via mail (USPS) or e-mail (if provided on the application) of the next scheduled Escort Vehicle Operator Certification class. If you plan to attend a scheduled class, you will need to file a registration form for Escort Vehicle operator Training and Certification Class. Completing a registration form for a specific class ensures that class materials and a certification card will be provided you on-site at the class.
The standard total cost to attend a class, take the test and receive certification is $25 plus $189 = $214 for non-members. ATA member cost for the training is $189 - $25 application fee = $164.
Following completion of the training class, each applicant must pass a test covering the best practices subject matter and must score 80% to pass. Once passed, the applicant receives a signed and laminated Pilot Car Certification Card.
ATA does not maintain a regular class schedule, but holds classes when sufficient applicants have applied to warrant holding a class. Check this website frequently to learn when classes are scheduled.
No Class is currently scheduled.
To read Arizona rules and statutes governing Pilot Escort Vehicle operation, training and certification standards <CLICK HERE> You will be able to download a PDF entitled “Pilot Car Operator Rules. This 10-page document will give you all the changes that were put into rule in September 2006, based on the requirements under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 28-1110.
If you have additional questions about Pilot Car Escort Vehicle training and certification requirements, call the ATA office at 602.850.6000.