Are PEVO cards from other states accepted in Washington?

See the Pilot Car reciprocity page for details on state-to-state acceptance.

Are signs required on both sides of the Pilot Escort vehicle?

In Washington State, only one sign is required. States such as Colorado, Utah, Oklahoma, and many others require two. PEVOs should check the rules in the state(s) they are traveling through.

Are white flashing lights allowed on Pilot Escort vehicles in Washington?

No. Only amber (yellow) lights are allowed on Pilot Escort vehicles in Washington State.

Can I upgrade my WITPAC Proof of Completion to a certification?

Contact witpac@esc.org or call (425) 814-3868 for information about upgrading your WITPAC Proof of Completion.

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.

Do I have to have commercial insurance to operate my pilot car? What kind?

See WAC 468-38-100(16) for insurance requirements for pilot car operators in Washington State.

Do you publish Washington Bridge List books? Where can I find a copy of the Bridge List?

Use the WSDOT Vertical Clearance Trip Planner to find bridge clearance information.

For WITPAC students, what is the Canadian or Mexican equivalent of a Class A CDL?

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), Mexican federal license (Licencia Federal de Conductor) Categoria B or E.

How long is the WITPAC certification valid for?

WITPAC certifications are valid for 3 years.

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.

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 certification required for all Pilot Escort Vehicle Operators?

See the page 'Where can I use my Pilot Car Certification?' for information about which states require certification.

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.

Is the Washington State PEVO card valid in other states?

Yes. The Washington State P/EVO certification is valid in several other states. See our Pilot Car Reciprocity Page for further details.

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.

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.

Which providers are authorized to teach the WA PEVO certification course?

Authorized providers include Evergreen Safety Council, AMC Pilot Car Supply, BDR Safety Consulting, HASC (Health and Safety Council), Nationwide Pilot Car, Olympic Pilots, Pegasus Pilots, and Washington Contract Loggers Association. See the Washington State authorized providers list for complete details.

Who enforces Pilot Escort certification requirements?

Certification is enforced by the State Patrol on highways and at the weigh stations.

Evergreen Safety Council

Washington PEVO pre-class information

Follow the steps below to get ready for your class.

Step 1

Review the student materials

If your class is taking place online, your materials will be shipped to the address provided on your registration. You will receive tracking information via email when your materials have shipped.

If you need to make corrections to your shipping address, please contact our customer service team as soon as possible at esc@esc.org or (425) 814-3868.

If you would like to review digital copies of the materials prior to class, you can access them here.

PEVO Student handbook PDF

Step 2

Check your tech

If you have never attended a meeting on Zoom before, this would also be a good time to download the app, play around with the controls and ensure you are comfortable with it.

Need extra help? Schedule an appointment with one of our support specialists to help you get your tech ready for class.

Your camera and microphone must remain on throughout the instructor-led session, including the exam.

Step 3

Arrive or log in 30 minutes prior to class

If your class is in-person

You’ll receive your materials when you arrive. Remember to bring a pen or pencil to take notes.

If your class is online

Log in to your Zoom class by clicking on the Course URL in your confirmation email. Bring the student materials that were mailed to you, and make sure to check your time zone to find the right start time for your class.

Step 4

Earn your certification

To earn your PEVO certification, you must:

Attend the full class
Provide a valid Driver License
Pass the certification exam with an 80% or better

The Washington State PEVO Certification is valid for 3 years.

A digital copy of your certification will be emailed to you, and the official paper certification will be mailed to the address you provide during registration 3-5 business days after the conclusion of your class. (Note that the digital copy of the certification is not valid for operation in most jurisdictions.)

Retests

If you do not pass the exam, you may contact our customer service team to schedule a one-time retest, free of charge. Retests must be completed within 30 days of your original class date.

Frequently asked questions

Pilot Car / WITPAC

See all FAQs

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.

Evergreen Safety Council

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Check here to see if your Washington PEVO or WITPAC certification is valid.

Flagger Info

Information to help you make the most of your flagger certification.

PEVO Info

Information to help you on the road to your pilot car career.

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Pre-class info

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Evergreen Safety Council

Washington PEVO pre-class information

Step 1

Review the student materials

Step 2

Check your tech

Step 3

Arrive or log in 30 minutes prior to class

Step 4

Earn your certification

Frequently asked questions

Pilot Car / WITPAC

PEVO/WITPAC articles in our safety library

Spot a fraudulent pilot car certification before it stops you

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

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

7 Steps to Starting Your Pilot Car Career

Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator Certification

Pilot Car Certification Test Preparation Guide

High Pole Basics

5 Steps to Preventing Bridge Hits

Railroad safety for Oversize Loads

Pilot Car (PEVO) terms to know

PEVO equipment and supplies

Pilot/Escort Vehicle Insurance

Every move begins with a pre-trip meeting

Find a class

Flagger Certification

Pilot Car Certification

Driver Safety Training

Traffic Control Supervisor Certification

Forklift Training

Private Training

Get support

Order a replacement card

Pre-class support

Private training

Safety library

FAQs

Accounts

Resources

Membership

Scholarships

Awards

Verify Certification

Flagger Info

PEVO Info

Learn more about Evergreen Safety Council