Yes. Currently, Washington accepts cards from Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, and Virginia. See the WSDOT Pilot/Escort Vehicle Information page for details.
Pilot Car Operator
Washington State certification
Get certified with the best! Endorsed by experts, Evergreen Safety Council’s nationally-recognized Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator (P/EVO) 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.
COURSE PREVIEW
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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
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 P/EVO 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 P/EVOs 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 P/EVO 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 P/EVO course?
Class starts at 8AM PT (Pacific Time). Please use this chart to determine when class starts for you in various time zones.
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.
Services
Request replacement card
Lost your card? You can request a replacement card by clicking on this tile.
Pilot Car handbook on Kindle
Study in advance and take it with you on the road after. You can access the material on any device that supports the Kindle app.
Pilot Car Handbook PDF download
(Coming soon)
Related Courses
WITPAC certification | Blended course
Take your career to the next level with WITPAC (Wind Industry Transportation Professional Advanced Certification). Our convenient and effective online course combines self-directed and live online training. In-person classes are also available at select locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cards from other states accepted in Washington?
Is the Washington State certification valid in other states?
Yes. The Washington State P/EVO certification is valid in several other states.
What equipment do I need to operate a pilot car in Washington State?
P/E vehicles are required to have special signs, lights, and specific safety equipment. Refer to Washington Administrative Code 468-38-100(9-10) for details.
What kind of vehicle do I need to operate as a pilot in Washington State?
According to Washington Administrative Code 468-38-100(8):
In addition to being in safe and reliable operating condition, the vehicle shall:
(a) Be either a single unit passenger car, including passenger van, or a two-axle truck, including a nonplacarded service truck;
(b) Not exceed a maximum gross vehicle weight or gross weight rating of sixteen thousand pounds;
(c) Have a body width of at least sixty inches but no greater than one hundred two inches;
(d) Not exceed the legal limits of size and weight, as defined in chapter 46.44 RCW;
(e) Be equipped with outside rear-view mirrors, located on each side of the vehicle; and
(f) Not tow a trailer while escorting.
What kind of insurance do I need in order to operate as a P/EVO in Washington?
According to Washington Administrative Code 468-38-100(16):
For hire certified pilot/escort vehicle operators are required to have insurance to conduct the duties associated to this rule:
(a) One hundred thousand dollars for bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident;
(b) Three hundred thousand dollars for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident; and
(c) Fifty thousand dollars for damage to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.
Satisfactory evidence of the insurance shall be carried at all times by the operator of the pilot vehicle, which evidence shall be displayed upon request by a law enforcement officer.
What are the requirements for being a P/EVO in Washington State?
The following qualifications are general requirements for P/EVOs in Washington State:
- Must carry a valid certification card (if required for the state in which they are operating—not all states require certification cards).
- Must carry proof of the required insurance for each state they are entering or working in.
- Must be in possession of a valid driver’s license.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Should be able to follow written and verbal instructions.
- If corrective lenses are necessary, the operator must be wearing the lenses while performing P/E duties.
- Must be able to perform emergency flagging and traffic control duties and traffic control (including, if necessary, standing for long periods of time in various weather conditions).
- Must be drug and alcohol free when performing P/EVO duties.
- Must be healthy and free of fatigue.
- Must not display badge, shield, emblem, or uniform of color or design that may be mistaken for law enforcement badge, emblem or uniform.
Each state has different certification and insurance requirements for P/EVOs. If you will be traveling through multiple states, you should check that you are carrying the proper type and amount of insurance for each, and that your certification is valid in each state.
What are the course policies?
