How To Become A Pilot Car Driver
What is a pilot car driver?
A pilot car driver, also known as an escort vehicle driver or a flag car driver, is a professional who operates a vehicle equipped with signage, flashing lights, and other safety equipment to escort oversized or wide-load vehicles on highways and roads.
The role of a pilot car driver is crucial for ensuring the safe transportation of oversized loads. They typically travel ahead of or behind the oversized vehicle to warn other motorists of the upcoming wide load, assist the oversized vehicle with manoeuvring through traffic, and communicate with the driver of the oversized vehicle via two-way radio to coordinate navigation through narrow roads, bridges, or other obstacles.
Pilot car drivers must be trained and licensed to operate their vehicles safely, and they often need to adhere to specific regulations and guidelines set by transportation authorities. They play a vital role in preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic when oversized loads are being transported on public roads.
What does a pilot car driver do?
Here's an overview of what a pilot car driver typically does:
1. Safety Escort:
The primary responsibility of a pilot car driver is to ensure the safe transportation of oversized loads. They drive ahead of or behind the oversized vehicle to alert other motorists about the wide load and to help navigate through traffic safely.
2. Warning Other Drivers:
Pilot car drivers use various methods to warn other drivers of the oversized load approaching. This may include displaying warning signs, flashing lights, or using flags to indicate the width or height of the load.
3. Communication:
Pilot car drivers maintain communication with the driver of the oversized vehicle via two-way radio. They provide real-time updates about road conditions, upcoming obstacles, and any necessary adjustments to the route.
4. Navigation Assistance:
Pilot car drivers assist the oversized vehicle in navigating through narrow roads, bridges, intersections, and other obstacles. They help ensure that the route is clear and safe for the oversized load to pass through.
5. Traffic Control:
In some cases, pilot car drivers may be responsible for temporarily controlling traffic flow to facilitate the safe passage of the oversized vehicle. This may involve stopping or redirecting traffic at intersections or other critical points along the route.
6. Adherence to Regulations:
Pilot car drivers must be knowledgeable about transportation regulations and guidelines related to oversized loads. They ensure that all safety measures and legal requirements are met during the escorting process.
7. Vehicle Maintenance:
Pilot car drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles in optimal condition. This includes regular inspections, maintenance checks, and ensuring that all safety equipment, such as lights and signs, are in working order.
Overall, the role of a pilot car driver is essential for ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of oversized loads while minimizing risks to other road users and infrastructure.
How to become a pilot car driver?
1. Check Requirements:
Start by researching the specific requirements for pilot car drivers in your region or country. Click here for the requirements.
2. Driver's License:
You'll need a valid driver's license to operate a pilot car. Make sure your driver's license is up-to-date and meets any additional requirements, such as specific endorsements or classifications for operating commercial vehicles if applicable.
3. Education and Training:
While formal education may not be required, completing a training program for pilot car drivers can be beneficial. Look for training courses or programs offered by reputable organizations or institutions that cover topics such as safety procedures, escorting techniques, traffic laws, and communication skills.
4. Obtain Certification:
Some regions or employers may require certification for pilot car drivers. This could involve passing an exam or completing a certification course that demonstrates your knowledge and proficiency in escorting oversized loads safely.
5. Insurance:
Pilot car operators are usually required to have adequate insurance coverage for their vehicles. This may include liability insurance to cover any damages or injuries that may occur during escort operations.
6. Secure Equipment:
As a pilot car driver, you'll need to have a properly equipped vehicle for escorting oversized loads. This typically includes specialized signage, flashing lights, flags, two-way radios, and other safety equipment. Ensure your vehicle meets the required specifications and is in good working condition.
7. Gain Experience:
Consider gaining experience by working as an apprentice or assistant to an experienced pilot car driver. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights into the responsibilities and challenges of the job.
8. Apply for Jobs:
Once you've met the necessary qualifications and obtained any required certifications, start applying for pilot car driver positions with transportation companies, logistics firms, or specialized escort services.
Networking within the industry can also help you find job opportunities.
9. Maintain Compliance:
Stay updated on relevant regulations, safety standards, and best practices for pilot car drivers. Adhering to legal requirements and industry standards is essential for ensuring the safety of oversized load transportation operations.
Positions
Chase:
In pilot car services, a "chase" refers to the car that follows behind a big truck carrying a wide or oversized load. Its job is to watch out for any issues or obstacles that the truck or lead car might not see and to make sure the convoy stays together and safe.
Lead:
In pilot car services, the "lead" is the car that goes in front of a big truck carrying a wide or oversized load. Its job is to warn other drivers, check for obstacles, and make sure the truck can safely pass through traffic and narrow areas. The lead car communicates with the truck driver and other cars in the convoy to keep everything running smoothly and safely.
Height-Pole:
A height pole, also called a height stick, is a tool used in pilot car services to measure the height of oversized loads. It's a long pole with markings to indicate different heights. Usually, it's mounted on the lead car. During transport, the height pole is placed in front of the load to make sure it can pass under bridges, power lines, and traffic signals without hitting them. This prevents accidents and damage to the load and surroundings. The pilot car driver uses the height pole to check clearance and find the safest route. If the load is too tall for any obstacles along the way, the team may need to work with authorities to find alternative routes or make temporary changes to ensure safe travel.
Steer:
In pilot car services, "steer" means guiding the oversized load vehicle through manoeuvres and obstacles. It can also refer to the pilot car driver leading the convoy, ensuring safe passage through traffic and intersections. Essentially, it's about navigating the convoy physically or making decisions for a smooth journey.
Route Surveys:
Route surveys in pilot car services involve thoroughly checking the planned route for transporting oversized loads. This includes looking for any obstacles like low bridges or narrow roads that might be difficult for the load to pass through safely. The goal is to make sure the route is clear and safe before the journey begins.
Pilot Car Certifications Required by State
Alabama:
As of now, Alabama exclusively recognizes its own state certificates, with no acceptance of certificates from other states. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license. Additionally, completion of an escort flagging or pilot driving course meeting or surpassing required standards within 12 months of its availability is mandatory.
Arizona:
Arizona accepts pilot car certifications from Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. Pilot car certification is obligatory in Arizona, with certification from other states mentioned above also being valid. Following training classes, applicants must pass a written test on traffic control and best practices with a score of 80% or higher. Subsequently, a certification card is issued, and the driver's name is listed in a state-wide database.
Colorado:
Certifications from Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Utah, and Washington are recognized in Colorado. Pilot car certification is mandatory for drivers in Colorado, with certifications from the listed states considered equivalent to Colorado's certification. Several documents are required to operate as a pilot driver in the state, including a valid certification, CDOT rules and regulations, various maps, and proof of insurance of at least $1,000,000. Additionally, a clean driving record without alcohol or drug-related offenses and no penalties for moving violations with six or more points assessed is necessary.
Florida:
Florida honors pilot car certifications from Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Pilot drivers in Florida must be at least 18 years old and complete an eight-hour defensive driving course provided by the National Safety Council or hold a Class A, B, or C commercial driver's license. They must also be Florida qualified or qualified by a state with equal or stricter guidelines. All required documents should be readily available upon request.
Georgia:
Georgia accepts certifications from Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, but the same reciprocity doesn't apply. However, reciprocity from Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Washington is recognized. Pilot car drivers in Georgia must be instructed in effective and safe escort skills through an examination documenting a comprehensive course. Escort drivers must be certified by Georgia or another state or be a member of law enforcement. Drivers must be at least 18 years old with a Class A commercial license or 21 or older, possess a valid driver's license without restrictions other than for corrective lenses, and have no convictions of reckless driving or impairment in the last year. Documentation of a defensive driving course and completion of an eight-hour course with an exam score of 80% or better is also required.
Minnesota:
Minnesota reciprocates pilot car certifications from Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, and Washington. A certified pilot escort is required under Minnesota statutes, with certifications from the aforementioned states also being accepted. Completion of a driver training course and passing an exam are necessary. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license for the type of vehicle being driven.
North Carolina:
North Carolina offers full reciprocity with Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Washington, while certifications are accepted from Colorado, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Utah, and Virginia. Pilot drivers in North Carolina must be certified after completing an eight-hour course, with the initial certification valid for four years. To apply, course completion and submission of an Escort Vehicle Operator Application to the Oversize/Overweight Permit Unit's office within six months of completion are required. Submission of a certified driving record and documentation of a defensive driving course approved by the National Safety Council are also new requirements.
New York:
New York does not accept certifications from any other state. To qualify as a pilot car driver in New York, individuals must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid New York driver's license or a license from their state of residence, and pass the Escort Driver's Certification Test conducted at a DMV office offering the test. Upon passing, individuals become certified to offer pilot car services.
Oklahoma:
Oklahoma reciprocates with Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Utah, and Washington. Certification by the DPS is necessary for pilot car drivers in Oklahoma, along with at least $1,000,000 in insurance coverage for property damage or bodily injury incurred while operating a pilot vehicle. Certification requires submission of a driving record copy and certification of insurance, completion of an eight-hour class covering all necessary information, and passing a test.
Pennsylvania:
Pennsylvania accepts certifications from Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, with Colorado and Utah also recognized as part of the RSA Network. Pilot car operators in Pennsylvania must be licensed and certified, be at least 21 years old, have experience escorting loads, and possess a valid driver's license. Completion of an eight-hour course and passing a written exam are required, along with documentation of completing a defensive driving course and flagger training.
Utah:
Utah provides pilot car driver reciprocity to Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Washington. Being licensed and certified is compulsory for pilot car drivers in Utah, with the course covering various aspects such as oversize load movement rules, flagging maneuvers, and insurance coverage requirements. After course completion, a 40-question test is provided, requiring at least an 80% score for certification.
Virginia:
In Virginia, reciprocity is available with Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, and Washington. A driver training course is required in Virginia, with successful completion of the course necessary before taking a knowledge test at a Virginia DMV center. Other prerequisites include being 18 years old and possessing a valid driver's license.
Wisconsin:
Wisconsin currently does not specify states with reciprocity or certification acceptance. All pilot drivers in Wisconsin must be at least 18 years old, possess an operator's license valid in the state, complete a course, pass a test for certification as a driver, and complete a defensive driving course.
Washington:
Reciprocity in Washington extends to Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, and Virginia. Washington legislation mandates certification for pilot car operations accompanying extra-legal loads, with drivers requiring a Washington state driver's license and a pilot vehicle certificate. Other states listed above can serve as Washington certification substitutes. Compliance with all driving laws and requirements is essential, with completion of an eight-hour course and achieving at least 80% on a written test necessary for qualification.
"In conclusion, certification from Washington and Colorado is highly sought after as it covers most states.
*Remember, you will always need to get certified through New York if you ever decide to operate in New York."