Evergreen Safety Council

WITPAC

Wind Industry Transportation Professional Advanced Certification

With a WITPAC certification, you’ll be able to take your career to the next level by becoming part of the cutting-edge wind industry. Designed for transport drivers, pilot car operators, steerpersons, and other related professionals, this course focuses on skills and safety practices specific to wind turbine transportation.

Here's what makes our training different.

Prerequisites

Before class, make sure you understand the requirements for WITPAC certification. To be fully certified, you must have a valid CDL or PEVO certification

Prep course

You’ll start by taking the self-directed online modules, which familiarize you with the basics of the training.

Prep exam

You’ll need to pass the online prep exam before the day of your class. (Unlimited attempts allowed.)

Instructor-led session

Next, you will attend the full-day instructor-led session where you will review the material with an expert instructor and your classmates.

Knowledge exam

At the end of the instructor-led session, you will be given the multiple-choice, open-book knowledge exam.

Certification

Upon successful completion, you will receive either a WITPAC certification card or proof of completion, which is valid for 3 years.

WITPAC recertification details and requirements

To be eligible, you must have a current, valid WITPAC certification, as well as an approved PEVO card or Class A CDL.

Register to attend any WITPAC class. Your reminder email will contain a discount code to get $100 off your registration.

You’ll attend your instructor-led class along with first-time WITPAC students, but you will not be required to complete the online prep course. The instructor-led class has been updated with the latest standards, new examples, and new information to help you operate safely.

Pass the knowledge exam with a 90% or better, and you will receive your new certification via email in 3-5 business days.

In-person team training

Are you a carrier or other employer who wants to recertify all your employees at once? We can set up a private training session for your company! Contact us for more information.

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Need help accessing your online WITPAC class or course materials?

Earn your WITPAC prerequisite with one of our certification courses

Still need help deciding?

We’re happy to answer your questions and help you find the training that is right for you and your team.

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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.