Updated 7/23/2008
COPYRIGHT US PILOT CAR.COM 2004/2008
New Questions/Answers Posted 1/19/08
Listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the UDOT or CDOT Pilot/Escort Certification Course. If after reviewing this information, and you still have questions, please contact us by fax, email or telephone.
What does the UDOT or CDOT Pilot/Escort Certification Course consist of?
These courses covers the following topics during the 8 hours of classroom instruction that is provided the instructor(s):
1. Introduction and history of the program and the way the requirements for certification were developed.
2. UDOT or CDOT Rules and Regulations govening Over-Dimensional : Safety Equpment required, Minimum Age, Vehicle Standards, Communication, Curfew and other items.
3. Pilot/Escort Driver and vehicle requirements of other States, Professional standards, additional safety equipment, height poles and use, manuvering and techniques and other items.
4. Flagging with an oversize load, special techniques and communication
5. Meeting the oversize load, working with the oversize load drive, utility companies and police officers.
6. Routes, route surveys, GPS, mapping and other information
7. Rail grade crossing and safety issues, low ground clearance of oversize load and other information
8. Insurance issues for both the vehicle and company, legal issues, accident reports and more
9. Additional information is provided beyond these topics.
I am not good at taking an examination - what if I fail the course examination?
UDOT or CDOT require that you pass the examination by a score of 80%. There are approximately 65 questions that consist of True/False, multiple choice, fill-in-the blank and essay questions.
In the event that you do not pass the examination at the time of the class, you are allowed to attend another course at no additional cost. In the event you do not pass the examination at the second course, your would need to sign up for another course and pay the course fee again.
What is the cost of the UDOT or CDOT Pilot/Escort Driver Certification Course
Course Fees generally are around $190.00 per person for those that register early so that the study materials can be send utilizing the US Postal Service. For those that wait to register until a couple of days before a class, the materials must be sent via Fed Ex, DHL or UPS for overnight delivery, this increase in cost is passed on by a $27.00 additional fee.
How many years is the certification valid? What about re-certification? *NEW RULES*
UDOT - EFFECTIVE JULY 16, 2005 - CERTIFICATION PERIOD IS EXTENDED TO 4 YEARS. EFFECTIVE JULY 16, 2005, THOSE HOLDING CERTIFICATIONS THAT WILL EXPIRE, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A CERTIFICATION COURSE. UDOT RULE ALLOW'S FOR (1) RE-CERTIFICATION THAT WILL EXTEND THE PERIOD FOR AN ADDITIONAL (4) YEAR PERIOD.
The Re-Certification will be completed through the mail or through an Internet "On-Line" format in the future. Fees for the Re-Certification are estimated at this time to be around $55.00 but may be changed.
We will post additional questions and answers soon ! If you have any specific questions, let us know !
What is the process to register for one of the classes?
1. You must have Adobe Acrobat software loaded on your computer - go to the home page and double click on the Adobe Logo and it will take you to their site so that you can select the proper version of their software that matchs the operating system of your computer.
2. At the Class location and date page, double click on the "Date" of the class that you wish to attend.
3. The form will download to your computer. Print this form and fill in the areas of information. If you have a credit card, you can "Fax" this application to our offices. If you are paying by check or money order (Do Not Send Cash), mail the application to our offices.
4. When we receive this application, we will mail to you the study materials that you will need for the class. These are study materials only.
Why is it so important to have the Sylabus (books) prior to the class?
To make sure that everyone attending the course is at a base level of knowledge prior to attending the course. We have experienced Pilot Car Drivers along with people that are just staring to provide this service to the industry. We can not structure different courses based on the level of knowledge and experience and must make sure that we cover all of the issues associated within the industry. We will spend time in class discussing some of the basics noted in the books to make sure that everyone understands the basics, but the course is structured to cover issues beyond the basics, such as legal and liability, rules, laws, regulations and other topics. If you do not have a basic understand of what is covered in the manuals, what we discuss in the class, you may not be able to grasp.
