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.
