Evergreen Safety Council

Pilot Car operator

Washington State certification

Get certified with the best! Endorsed by experts, Evergreen Safety Council’s nationally-recognized Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator (PEVO) certification program is the most current, comprehensive, and cutting-edge program in the country.

Our classes are offered online and in person at select locations.

Now offering 4-hour recertification courses for those with non-expired certifications. Check out our schedule to find a recert course.

Convenient online training

Our online program has all the benefits of classroom training, without the cost and inconvenience of leaving your home or office.

Valid in multiple states

Find out which states recognize the Washington State Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator certification.

Decades of experience

For over 20 years, Evergreen Safety Council has been an industry leader in Pilot Car program development and training.

Engaging and fun

Learn from our talented, knowledgeable instructors using practical course materials and engaging activities and demonstration videos.

WITPAC prerequisite

Our WA PEVO certification could be your first step toward a career in the wind transportation industry. Follow up by earning your WITPAC certification!

Take your career on the road

Become part of the growing transportation industry. We have both in-person and online classes!

What will I learn in the Pilot Car course?

Our class covers the latest laws, regulations, and industry standards on:
  • State requirements for PEVOs and their vehicles
  • Reading and understanding the laws and permits that govern Oversize Load transport
  • The importance of planning, including route surveys and pre-runs
  • How to pilot a load along different types of roads
  • Using a high pole to properly measure overhead obstructions
  • How to handle hazards and emergencies

How does the online class work?

Our online course is an 8-hour, instructor-led webinar followed by an online certification exam that is proctored via webcam. Students must have the proper computer equipment to attend the online training.

At the end of the course, you will earn your Washington State Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator certification card (valid for 3 years).

Where can I use my Washington PEVO certification?

A Washington Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator certification allows you to operate in the following states: Washington, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Virginia, Georgia, Texas, Kansas, Arizona, Florida, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. 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.

Need help logging into your online PEVO course?

Class starts at 7AM PT (Pacific Time). Please use this chart to determine when class starts for you in various time zones.

View Time Zone Converter

Ready to earn your Washington State Pilot Car certification?

AASC American Association of Safety Councils logo

Evergreen Safety Council is proud to be endorsed by the American Association of Safety Councils and Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association.

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Frequently asked questions

Pilot Car / WITPAC

Are PEVO cards from other states accepted in Washington?
Are signs required on both sides of the Pilot Escort vehicle?
Are white flashing lights allowed on Pilot Escort vehicles in Washington?
Can I upgrade my WITPAC Proof of Completion to a certification?
Can a person who is a wheelchair user be a PEVO?
Do I have to have commercial insurance to operate my pilot car? What kind?
Do you publish Washington Bridge List books? Where can I find a copy of the Bridge List?
For WITPAC students, what is the Canadian or Mexican equivalent of a Class A CDL?
How do I access my self-directed online course?
How long is the WITPAC certification valid for?
I earned my WITPAC certification. Will I receive a physical card?
I have commercial driving experience. Do I still need to be certified to operate as a Pilot Escort Vehicle Operator?
Is certification required for all Pilot Escort Vehicle Operators?
Is my Washington PEVO card valid in Florida?
Is the Washington State PEVO card valid in other states?
I’m certified as a Pilot Escort Vehicle Operator in another state. Can I transfer my certification to Washington?
My PEVO certification is expired. Do I need to take the entire course again?
What are the digital document requirements for the online Colorado Pilot Car course?
What are the requirements for earning the WITPAC certification?
What kind of vehicle and equipment do I need in order to operate as a PEVO in Washington State?
Where can I find the Colorado PEVO requirements?
Where can I find the rules and requirements for piloting an Oversize Load in Washington?
Which providers are authorized to teach the WA PEVO certification course?
Who enforces Pilot Escort certification requirements?

PEVO/WITPAC articles in our safety library

Spot a fraudulent pilot car certification before it stops you

Evergreen Safety Council ensures PEVO and WITPAC certifications are securely verified online so operators avoid fraudulent cards, fines, and lost work opportunities.

Oversize Load Bridge Hits: A growing problem with one simple solution.

When a vehicle or its load is too large to pass under a bridge, a bridge strike occurs. These strikes, or hits, result in millions of dollars in infrastructure damage each year and can be hazardous—even fatal—for those responsible for the collision, other drivers on the road, or bystanders.

Where in the U.S. can I use my Washington State pilot car certification?

Find out where you can use your Pilot Car Certification! Colorado, Washington, Utah, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia...

7 Steps to Starting Your Pilot Car Career

I see a lot of people asking about becoming pilot drivers, so I thought I’d share the journey I took to get here. This path isn’t easy, and I’ve picked up some valuable lessons along the way. Here’s what worked for me—and what new pilots should be prepared for in this industry.

Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator Certification

Pilot/Escort vehicles, also known as pilot cars, escort vehicles, flag cars, and chase cars, accompany Oversize Loads to help protect them and others on the road during transport. They play a critical role in protecting lives and preventing costly accidents.

Pilot Car Certification Test Preparation Guide

Although your PEVO course will cover all of the information you will be expected to know on the exam, we still have students ask if they can take a “pre-test,” or sample test, so they are familiar with the format and types of questions they’ll be asked. The following sample questions may give you an idea of what to expect from the exam.

High Pole Basics

Depending on the height of the load, the front PEVO may need to run with a high pole. A high pole is a measuring device, mounted on the front of the lead vehicle, that is used to measure the height of obstructions along the route. The use of a high pole may be mandated on the permit(s). But even in cases where it is not required by the permitting agency, the carrier or transport team may decide that it is a good idea to run with a high pole in order to ensure the safety of the load.

5 Steps to Preventing Bridge Hits

A bridge hit happens when a load is too large to fit under a structure, and part of the load strikes the bridge. A study of bridge hits in the last decade found that the average cost of a bridge strike is approximately $300,000 in infrastructure and property damage claims. When including the cost of route obstructions, injuries, fatalities and other losses, the cost of bridge strikes increases significantly.*

Railroad safety for Oversize Loads

Collisions between trains and Oversize Loads are more common than you think. If your permitted route takes you over railroad tracks, including urban light rail crossings, your team will need to assess them and plan ahead in order to stay safe.

Pilot Car (PEVO) terms to know

When you begin work as a Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator (PEVO), you’ll need to become familiar with industry-specific terminology. This glossary includes official terms, as well as more informal lingo, that you can expect to hear and use while on the job.

PEVO equipment and supplies

New pilot/escort vehicle operators (PEVOs) are responsible for acquiring their own equipment, unless supplied by an employer. The following supplies are recommended by Evergreen Safety Council, based on our Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator Certification curriculum and the recommendations of the National Pilot Car Association. Please keep in mind that your state or jurisdiction may have additional requirements.

Pilot/Escort Vehicle Insurance

Many PEVOs who have realized the importance of insurance have had the unfortunate experience of being sold insurance that is not adequate to cover activities performed as a PEVO.

Every move begins with a pre-trip meeting

It takes teamwork, communication, to help ensure that the load you’re moving reaches its destination without incident. That’s why every Oversize Load move must begin with a pre-trip meeting.

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Since 1932, we’ve been empowering people to achieve their potential by training them to stay safe on the road and on the job.