Pilot Escort Vehicle Certification Training

Beginning in 2014 all operators of vehicles escorting over-dimensional loads need to be certified by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.  Customized Training Solutions, in partnership with Hennepin Technical College, has developed a training response to this mandate. Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operation Certification training curriculum reciprocity now exists with Florida, along with Colorado, Oklahoma, Virginia, North Carolina, Utah, and Washington state.

This means Minnesota domiciled and out of state pilot/escort drivers holding Colorado, Florida, and Utah certification that is still current on or after January 2, 2014, will not be required to obtain Minnesota certification to operate in Minnesota (with conditions-see below). Once it expires however, pilot/escort drivers domiciled in Minnesota will be required to obtain Minnesota certification. This will require attending the initial 8-hour training class and passing the examination.

Conditions: Colorado, Florida, Utah and Washington certification holders will be allowed to escort over- dimensional loads in Minnesota provided that the Minnesota insurance, driver, vehicle, and safety equipment requirements are met and Minnesota certification holders will be allowed to escort over dimensional loads in Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Utah, and Washington provided that Insurance, driver, vehicle, and safety equipment requirements are met for those states.