Minnesota Administrative Rules

7455.0300 PILOT/ESCORT DRIVER CERTIFICATION PROCESS.

Subpart 1.

Certification course.

A.

Drivers domiciled in Minnesota shall complete a pilot/escort certification course accepted, approved, or authorized by the department. Upon a driver's successful completion of a training program authorized by the commissioner, the training program must issue the driver proof of course completion. The commissioner shall issue a certification card to drivers who demonstrate that they are at least 18 years of age, possess a valid operator's license for the type of vehicle being operated, have successfully completed a training program authorized by the commissioner, and meet all additional requirements in this chapter. The cost of the initial certification course shall be set at $180. The cost of one additional four-year certification shall be set at $90.

B.

The Department of Public Safety partnering with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) shall develop training curriculum and utilize experienced instructors within the department and MnSCU to provide the training through MnSCU facilities.

C.

The civilian course curriculum shall include, at a minimum, the following:

(1)

driver requirements;

(2)

vehicle requirements;

(3)

permitting and reading an overdimensional load permit;

(4)

pilot/escort vehicle positioning and maneuvering;

(5)

authority while escorting, flagging and traffic control;

(6)

insurance;

(7)

pretrip planning and meeting;

(8)

communication;

(9)

height pole usage;

(10)

liability issues;

(11)

ground clearance;

(12)

route surveys and how to conduct them;

(13)

hours of service; and

(14)

railroad grade crossing safety.

D.

The law enforcement course curriculum shall include, at a minimum, the following:

(1)

permit review;

(2)

hours of service;

(3)

route planning;

(4)

pretrip meeting;

(5)

vehicle positioning and maneuvering;

(6)

hand traffic direction;

(7)

following distances;

(8)

right-of-way rules;

(9)

traffic signals and signs;

(10)

duties - front and rear;

(11)

authority while escorting; and

(12)

crash incident management.

Subp. 2.

Certification period.

Initial certification is valid for four years from the date of issue. One additional four-year certification may be obtained through a mail-in or online recertification process provided by a Minnesota-authorized training program. Pilot/escort drivers must attend a full certification course every eight years.

Subp. 3.

Certification reciprocity.

Pilot/escort drivers domiciled outside of Minnesota may operate as a certified pilot/escort driver with another state's certification credential, provided the course meets the minimum requirements outlined in the Pilot/Escort Training Manual - Best Practices Guidelines as endorsed by the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association, Federal Highway Administration, in cooperation with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, which is incorporated by reference.

The department shall enter into a reciprocal agreement with any other state if that state demonstrates that its course meets the minimum requirements outlined in the Pilot/Escort Training Manual - Best Practices Guidelines referenced in this subpart and complies with the requirements in this chapter.

Subp. 4.

Driver's license requirements.

Pilot/escort drivers shall provide a certified and current (within 30 days) driver's license record to the Minnesota-authorized training program at the time of the course.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 299D.085

History:

37 SR 992

Published Electronically:

February 25, 2013