Pilot Car Certifications

Pilot Car Certifications and Training Required by State

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Depending on the state you live in, there may be specific training requirements and certifications needed before you drive a pilot car. This isn’t the case for every state, but 14 of them have specific guidelines for pilot car drivers. Knowing what is required ensures you meet regulatory requirements when you carry out your job in various locations.

Many states also honor and accept certifications from other states. Below, we’ll cover the requirements by state and which states they reciprocate with. This ensures you have met all requirements before heading out to help with a load. If you live in any of the 14 states below, make sure you know the requirements and are following them.

Alabama

As of now, there are no state certificates specifically honored or accepted in Alabama except for their own.

Must be at least 18 years of age
Valid driver’s license required
Completion of an escort flagging or pilot driving course within 12 months of availability

Arizona

Reciprocity accepted from: CO, FL, NC, UT, VA, WA

Certification required in Arizona (or reciprocal state)
Must pass a written test with 80%+
Certification card issued and name listed in statewide database

Colorado

Reciprocity accepted from: AZ, FL, MN, OK, UT, WA

Certification required
Must carry $1,000,000 liability insurance
Required documents: CDOT rules/regulations, oversize maps, clearances maps, hazardous/nuclear route maps
Clean driving record (no drug/alcohol offenses, no 6+ point moving violations)

Florida

Reciprocity accepted from: AZ, CO, GA, MN, NC, OK, PA, VA, WA, WI

Minimum age: 18
Must complete 8-hour defensive driving course OR have a CDL (Class A, B, or C)
Certification documents must be available upon request

Georgia

Reciprocity: AZ, CO, UT (one way)

Two-way reciprocity: FL, NC, OK, VA, WA

Escort drivers must complete certification or be law enforcement
Must be 18 with Class A CDL, or 21+ with standard license
Valid driver’s license with no reckless/impaired driving convictions in last year
8-hour course + defensive driving course required (80%+ exam score)

Minnesota

Reciprocity accepted from: CO, FL, NC, OK, UT, WA

Certification required
Must complete training course and pass exam
Minimum age: 18 with valid driver’s license
Initial certification: $180 | Renewal (4 years): $90

North Carolina

Reciprocity accepted from: CO, MN, NY, NC, UT, VA
Full reciprocity: FL, GA, OK, WA

Certification required (8-hour course)
Valid for 4 years
Application must be submitted within 6 months of course completion
Must provide certified driving record + National Safety Council defensive driving certificate

New York

No reciprocity with other states
Minimum age: 21
Must pass the Escort Driver’s Certification Test at a DMV office

Oklahoma

Reciprocity accepted from: CO, FL, GA, MN, NC, UT, WA

Certification required by DPS
$1,000,000 liability insurance minimum
Must provide driving record + insurance certification
8-hour training course required

Pennsylvania

Reciprocity accepted from: GA, NC, VA, CO, UT (RSA Network)

Certification required
Minimum age: 21
Must have prior escort experience + valid license
8-hour course + exam
Defensive driving + flagger training required

Utah

Reciprocity accepted from: AZ, CO, FL, MN, NC, OK, VA, WA

Certification required
Training covers oversize laws, escort operations, flagging, safety, and communication
Must pass a 40-question test (80%+ to qualify)

Virginia

Reciprocity accepted from: FL, GA, MN, NC, OK, UT, WA

Certification required (law enacted 2014)
Must complete training course + DMV knowledge test
Minimum age: 18 with valid license

Wisconsin

No reciprocity listed
Certification required
Minimum age: 18 with valid license
Must complete training + exam + defensive driving course
Illegal to operate without certification

Washington

Reciprocity accepted from: CO, GA, MN, NC, OK, UT, VA

Certification required
Must have WA driver’s license + pilot vehicle certificate
8-hour course + exam (80%+ required)

Final Notes

The 14 states above have specific certification and training requirements for pilot car drivers. These rules are designed to improve safety for truckers, escort drivers, and the public.

While the other 36 states do not currently require certification, this may change in the future. If you’re considering a career as a pilot car driver, becoming certified is a strong investment in your future.