For the purposes of WITPAC certification, we accept the following CDLs:
- U.S. Class A from any state
- Canadian Class 1 (all provinces and territories except Ontario)
- Canadian Class A (Ontario)
Colorado Pilot Car
Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator Training
Get certified with the best! Endorsed by experts, Evergreen Safety Council’s nationally-recognized Washington State Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator (PEVO) certification program is the most current, comprehensive, and cutting-edge program in the country, and it is accepted in many other states. (Operators are responsible for understanding and following any additional state requirements.)
COURSE PREVIEW
What’s included:
- 8-hour instructor-led online class
- Certification exam
You will earn:
- Washington State Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator certification card (valid for 3 years)
Prerequisites:
- Valid driver license
Looking to train your fleet in Colorado? Our instructors can come to you.
Talk to our training specialist about setting up a group class at your facility or other convenient location.
In Colorado, pilot car certification is required
Colorado is one of fourteen states that require Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators to be certified. To cut back on the number of certifications that PEVOs need, most of these states have agreements that accept other state certifications as valid.
Colorado accepts the Washington PEVO certification
With a Washington State Pilot Car Certification card, you can operate in the state of Colorado. Note that some states require their residents to carry that state’s certification card. See our Pilot Car Reciprocity page for more information.
Where can I use my certification?
A Washington Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator certification allows you to operate in the following states: Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Learn more in our article on Pilot Car Reciprocity.
Note that some states have specific requirements regarding your driver license, insurance, equipment, or other details. Check the rules in the states where you operate.
Ready to earn your Washington State Pilot Car certification?
Evergreen Safety Council is proud to be endorsed by the American Association of Safety Councils and Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
For WITPAC students, what is the Canadian equivalent of a Class A CDL?
How do I access my self-directed online course?
Visit our how-to page for the link and instructions for logging in to your self-directed online course.
If you’re looking for help with your live, instructor-led online course, check out our other FAQs.
What are the requirements for earning the WITPAC certification?
To earn a WITPAC certification, you must hold one of these:
- A Class A CDL from any state (or Canadian equivalent), OR
- A valid P/EVO certification from Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, or Washington.
You can still take the course without one of these qualifications. You will earn a Proof of Completion rather than a WITPAC certification.
If you earn a PEVO certification within 180 days of earning your WITPAC Proof of Completion, you may upgrade it to a WITPAC certification.
Can I upgrade my WITPAC Proof of Completion to a certification?
If you obtain a PEVO certification or CDL within 180 days of completing the WITPAC course, you may update your Proof of Completion to a WITPAC certification. Contact us for assistance at witpac@esc.org or (425) 814-3868.
I earned my WITPAC certification. Will I receive a physical card?
WITPAC certifications cards are digital. You will receive your card by email, and you may save it on a device such as your mobile phone, or print it out and carry it with you. With a digital certification, we are able to verify WITPAC cards using our database, which provides quick, secure, and reliable information to carriers, safety managers, and manufacturers.
Is certification required for all Pilot Escort Vehicle Operators?
Training and certification are required for Pilot Escort Vehicle Operators (PEVOs) in Washington and Colorado, as well as several other states. See our “Where can I use my Pilot Car Certification?” article for details.
I’m certified as a Pilot Escort Vehicle Operator in another state. Can I transfer my certification to Washington?
Certifications are not transferable between states. In other words, you may not exchange your state certification for a different state certification. However, many states have reciprocity and acceptance agreements, making it possible for PEVOs who are certified in one state to legally operate in another. Visit our Pilot Car reciprocity page for details.
Note that each state has its own specific requirements for PEVOs, equipment, and procedures. It is your responsibility to understand the laws and regulations in each state you operate in.
I have commercial driving experience. Do I still need to be certified to operate as a Pilot Escort Vehicle Operator?
Yes. Even if you have a CDL, you must still be certified as a PEVO in order to operate a pilot car in Washington or Colorado, or any other state that requires certification.
Is the Washington State PEVO card valid in other states?
Yes. The Washington State P/EVO certification is valid in several other states.
Are PEVO cards from other states accepted in Washington?
Yes. However, if you have a Washington Driver License, you must operate with a Washington PEVO card. See our Pilot Car reciprocity page for details.
Is my Washington PEVO card valid in Florida?
The Washington PEVO card is valid in Florida, but note that Florida also requires PEVOs to take the National Safety Council 8-hour defensive driving course, and provide proof of completing it.
My PEVO certification is expired. Do I need to take the entire course again?
Yes. Recertification is only open to PEVOs whose certifications are still valid. If your card is already expired, you must attend the full training again.
Who enforces Pilot Escort certification requirements?
Certification is enforced by the State Patrol on highways and at the weigh stations.
What kind of vehicle and equipment do I need in order to operate as a PEVO in Washington State?
Washington State Pilot Escort Vehicle requirements can be found in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 468-38-100(8).
Do I have to have commercial insurance to operate my pilot car? What kind?
Yes, in Washington State, PEVOs must have commercial liability insurance (see WAC 468-38-100(16)). Many states and businesses may require PEVOs to have a $1 million policy. PEVOs should check with the state(s) they are in or traveling through to make sure they have the right insurance. Check out our article on insurance for pilot car operators to learn more.
Can a person who is a wheelchair user be a PEVO?
A person who uses a wheelchair is eligible to earn a certification, but should note the job of a PEVO often involves exiting the vehicle quickly to perform tasks such as flagging. PEVOs may also need to move around on muddy, rocky, or other types of uneven surfaces.
What are your course policies?
