Escort Vehicle Driver Certification Training

About the Escort Vehicle Driver Certification Training

The escort vehicle driver certification training course is an 8-hour classroom course that is required for individuals who provide escort driving for certain over-dimensional or overweight loads.

All escort vehicle drivers are required to be certified prior to performing the duties of an oversize/overweight load escort vehicle operator in Virginia.

The course fee is $110

A refund will be provided if the school is not able to hold a class as scheduled (for example, weather or personal emergencies).

A refund will not be processed if 1) you receive a certificate or other qualifying form, 2) you are not eligible or have taken the wrong course, or 3) you fail to show up for class.

Please contact us before payment at 757-926-5956 or tndsiva@gmail.com if you have questions.

What is Escort Vehicle Driver Certification Training?

Effective January 1, 2014, a new law requires that applicants complete an eight-hour classroom training course at a DMV-approved facility before taking the escort vehicle driver certification test. Current certified escort vehicle drivers will be required to take classroom training before they can renew their certifications.

The Purpose of Certification Training

The purpose of this training is to enhance the safety of moving over-dimensional loads by highway and to reduce delays and inconveniences to the general flow of traffic. The escort vehicle driver is responsible for the overall movement of the load. It is important to remember that the over-dimensional load driver and the escort driver function as a team. Each person must contribute his or her skills and complete attention to ensuring the safe movement of the load. Constant alertness is necessary to anticipate and avoid problems.

Escort vehicle drivers are not required to be certified, if:

They are officers of the Virginia State Police or law enforcement officials of any jurisdiction in Virginia that provides escort services.
They are for military convoys or other federal or state government vehicles.

Escort Vehicle Driver's Test

To be certified as an escort vehicle driver, you must successfully complete 8 hours of classroom training at a facility approved by the Virginia DMV and pass an Escort Vehicle Driver Certification knowledge test at a DMV Customer Service Center.

The Escort Vehicle Driver's Test will be administered through DMV's Knowledge Automated Testing System at DMV Customer Service Centers. The test is multiple choice. You will receive your certification in the mail at a later date once your driver's license and driving record are validated.

Please allow at least 30 business days for this process to take place.

Reciprocity Agreement

As outlined in Virginia Code § 46.2-2907, a Virginia certification as an escort vehicle driver is valid in states that have a reciprocity agreement with Virginia. Any escort vehicle driver certification from those states is also valid in Virginia. However, if someone from those states wants a Virginia Escort Vehicle Driver Certification (Virginia credential), he/she will have to complete the requirements as listed in Code of Virginia § 46.2-2906.

Currently, Virginia has reciprocity agreements with the following states: