Escort Vehicle Operator Training
Overview of Arizona Law
Every person operating an escort vehicle (pilot car) must be trained and certified in safety best practices for escorting over-dimensional loads. The training curriculum involves the Pilot Car Escort Best Practices Guidelines developed cooperatively by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA). Escort vehicle operators who do not possess a valid Arizona Escort Vehicle Operator certificate, or a valid certificate from any of the other nine states (listed below) that require certification may be cited and the load they are escorting placed out of service. For more information regarding rules and regulations of Overdimensional Permits see Arizona Administrative Code Title 17. Transportation Chapter 6.
Arizona Trucking Association is an Authorized Training Entity
The Arizona Trucking Association offers Escort Vehicle Operator training and certification, issues the recognized certification cards and maintains the database of certified operators that is accessible to enforcement officers and companies hiring pilot car services. Certification is valid for four (4) years.
Click below to view database of currently certified operators. Names of newly certified and re-certified escort vehicle operators are entered as soon as they receive the required training, while those who fail to maintain their certification are dropped from the list. Enforcement officers utilize the database to determine whether escort vehicle operators are currently certified.
Pilot Car Training, Testing & Certification
Training & Testing: After completing the training class, applicants must pass a written test on traffic control and best practices with a score of 80% or higher.
Certification: Successful applicants will receive a signed, laminated Pilot Car Certification Card and be entered into the statewide database. Passing is not guaranteed.
Classes: Classes are held quarterly—please see our calendar of events for additional dates.
Class Details
- Cost: $245 per person ($20 discount for ATA members)
- Location: Most classes are held at the Arizona Trucking Association
- Group Training: Groups of 15+ may qualify for onsite training (based on instructor availability). Please call 602.850.6004 to schedule
Payment & Confirmation: If you do not receive a confirmation within 48 hours, please call ATA using the number on your registration form.
