Original Date:10/21/2008 * Last Revision Effective: 6/24/2026
Policy Contact: Vice President, Administrative Services
Purpose
The following procedures are established to meet the requirements for implementing policy #6230 – Driver Safety.
Procedures
Department managers may identify employees, volunteers, or registered students expected to operate college vehicles used for business purposes. All college drivers must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and have two (2) years of driving experience. All training costs and fees must be paid by the college driver’s department.
Steps for college drivers to complete before driving a vehicle or cart:
- Contact Public Safety to complete all relevant college and Department of Enterprise Services forms, including but not limited to:
- Driving record release
- Driver training and authorization form
- Authorized driver acknowledgment form
- Provide a copy of the driver’s valid driver’s license. If a license is not issued by Washington State, the driver’s department must pay fees associated with out-of-state license verification, and extended time may be required.
- Attend the driver safety training before operating a college vehicle used for business purposes.
College drivers who fail to meet these requirements will not be authorized or may have authorization revoked.
Additional requirements:
- If transporting passengers, an abstract driving record will be required. Public Safety will periodically run abstract driving records thereafter, costs and fees must be paid by the college driver’s department.
- College drivers transporting others in 15-passenger vans or minivans/SUVs must successfully complete the 15-passenger/minivan safety training and submit a driving record abstract every two years, paid for by the college driver’s department.
- Additional training is also required for specialty vehicles including, but not limited to, forklifts, boom lifts, and tractors. Training may be coordinated by Campus Operations for applicable work groups.
- Chartered buses must provide proof of insurance in advance of travel.
In addition to Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, federal, state, and college rules and regulations, college drivers must abide by the following or may have authorization revoked:
- Never drive a vehicle while impaired through fatigue, drug or alcohol use or lack of sleep.
- Not use handheld communication devices, such as cell phones, while driving.
- Not eat or drink in a vehicle while driving.
- Not use tobacco or vaping products in college vehicles.
- Not let anyone else into the college vehicle except other college employees with a business need related to the use of the college vehicle, or students with proper authorization from the employee’s supervisor – and then only for college educational or activities purposes. In no event are family, children, friends, or pets allowed in college vehicles.
- Not use college vehicles for personal use.
- Ensure the driver and all passengers are securely seated and belted before moving the vehicle.
- Ensure that the driver has a valid license and proof of insurance when operating a college vehicle.
Denial or revocation of driving authorization:
Driving authorization may be denied or revoked at the discretion of the Vice President of Administrative Services or Director of Public Safety (or designee) for any reason, including but not limited to current or prior violations of Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, federal, state, and/or college rules and regulations (e.g., traffic infractions, hazardous driving conduct, collisions, etc.).
Definitions
College Driver
A college employee, volunteer, or registered student who has successfully completed the driver safety program and is authorized as the official driver to and from college related events or for business activities.
Passenger
Any person authorized to ride with a driver while engaged in college business.
College Vehicle
Any college owned, rented, chartered, or leased vehicle including, but not limited to, motorized or electric automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, carts, or specialty vehicles such as forklifts, boom lifts, or tractors, etc.
Revision History
Original 10/21/2008
Revision 5/21/2009; 9/17/2012; 10/15/2015; 6/24/2026
Approved By
President’s Cabinet
Last Updated June 29, 2026