Course Description

This instructor-led virtual course, approved by the Florida Department of Transportation, fulfills a third of the qualifications required for Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators (PEVOs) in Florida and reciprocal states. It covers instruction, interactive discussions, and a flagging demonstration to prepare students for the final exam. PEVOs accompanying oversize loads in Florida need to meet specific criteria outlined in the Florida Administrative Code 14-26.012, including age, driver's license, completion of an approved course, and either a defensive driving course or possession of a Commercial Driver's License.

Florida’s regulation requires non-law enforcement PEVOs to possess the following qualifications:

1. Valid Driver's License, aged 18 or above,

2. Certification from the 8-hour Florida pilot/escort flagging course certification OR equivalent state's course, and

3. Certification from the 8-hour National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course (online) OR possession of a Commercial Driver's License Class A, B, or C

Students must achieve 80% or higher on the final exam and demonstrate proper flagging procedures to obtain the Pilot/Escort Flagging certificate.

Pilot/Escort vehicle operators (PEVO) play a crucial role in transporting oversize loads safely to their destination safely and efficiently. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) requires escorts to meet qualification criteria. As approved by the Florida Department of Transportation, this instructor-led virtual course fulfills one-third of Florida's Pilot/Escort qualification requirements. This course includes instruction and interactive discussion along with a flagging demo to prepare students for the final exam. According to Florida Administrative Code 14-26.012, PEVOs escorting oversize loads permitted by FDOT must meet specific criteria listed below:

• A law enforcement officer with jurisdiction in the State of Florida traveling in an enforcement vehicle, or 
• Qualified escorts meeting the following requirements:
  1. 18 years of age or older with valid Driver's License
  2. Completion of this 8-hour Florida pilot/escort flagging course OR equivalent state's course,
  3. Completion of the 8-hour National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course (online) OR possession of a Commercial Driver's License Class A, B, or C

To obtain the Pilot/Escort Flagging certificate of completion from this course, students must score 80% or higher on the final exam and successfully demonstrate proper flagging procedures per the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 

Access the free Pilot Escort Manual and Frequently Asked Questions about oversize and overweight vehicle escorting in Florida through the links provided below.

• Pilot Escort and Flagging Participant Workbook
• Frequently Asked Questions on escorting oversize and overweight vehicles in Florida
• Visit the Qualified Escorts web page for a list of past students who have given permission for their information to be posted on this page.
• We offer online, hybrid, and in-person classes. Please confirm the delivery method before enrolling. A laptop or desktop with a microphone, camera, speakers, and a high-speed internet connection is required to attend online. 

If enrolling on behalf of someone else, kindly send an email to t2training@ce.ufl.edu with the student(s) name, DOB, email, address, phone number, and preferred course date. You can also reach us at (352) 273-1670.

For further details, contact the UF Transportation T2 Center via email: t2training@ce.ufl.edu or phone (352-273-1670).

Payment in advance is required for course enrollment. Payment may be submitted via credit card, cashier's check, or money order made payable to University of Florida. 

Mail money order to:

University of Florida Transportation Technology Transfer Center
2100 NE Waldo Road, Bldg. 1604, 1st Floor, Room 106
Gainesville, FL 32609

Course Completion

Trainees are allowed two (2) hours to complete the written test. The test is closed book, and the trainee must score 80% or higher to successfully complete the course. Tests are collected and sent to the Florida T2 Center to be graded. Students must also demonstrate proper flagging procedures as shown in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to successfully complete this course.

Certificates and Wallet Cards:

Certificates and Wallet Cards are valid for four (4) years from the ending date of the class session. No certificates or wallet cards will be available at the class session. A certificate and wallet card will be sent to the participants who have paid their course fee and have successfully passed the exam. Any participant who does not achieve a passing score of 80% or higher will receive a letter indicating such. Registration fees now include expedited shipping through FedEx. Certificates may take up to three (3) business days to arrive at the address you provided at the time of registration. Once certificates are shipped out, a tracking number will be emailed to you from FedEx for your reference. Payment must have been rendered prior to shipping or pick up. Notify our office if you wish to pick up your certification in Gainesville, Florida. 

Please note, there is a replacement fee for certificates/wallet cards.

Agenda

This course is scheduled to begin at 8:30 Eastern Time and end at 5:00 PM. A course outline of presentation sessions is available for reference. 

Course Outline

Course sessions are tabulated below including their respective start times, titles, and durations. Please note times listed reference Eastern Standard Time and students located in a different time zone will need to adjust start times. 

Session 1: Introduction 
During this session, the instructor will review the agenda and course objectives with participants.
                        
Session 2: The Escort Driver                       
Regulatory documents will be reviewed for qualification options and required safety apparel. Responsibilities of escorts and their liability will be discussed. Flagging procedures from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices will be viewed and demonstrated by each participant. 

Session 3: The Escort Vehicle                          
Requirements of the vehicle, as well as the equipment on the inside and outside of the vehicle will be listed. Discussion will include inspections by a DOT or other law enforcement officer, as well as associated violations and fines. Though commercial status and minimum insurance is not required by the state Florida, pros and cons of each will be discussed. 

Session 4: The Over Dimensional Load         
Participants will discuss when and how many escorts are needed for loads of particular dimensions, as well as limitations for each (over- width, length, height). Load stipulations, such as travel times and route surveys, that affect escorts will be discussed. These and other stipulations will be reviewed on an example permit. Pre- and post-trip meetings will be explained.

Session 5: Maneuvering Techniques   
Participants will separate into groups to diagram how an escort is to assist with a load maneuvering exercise in a given situation. Various emergency situations, such as breakdowns and clearance issues, and proper procedures during those circumstances will be discussed along with minimum traveling and braking distances.

Exam
A 50-question closed book exam will conclude the course. Final exam is available in English or Spanish. Please request a Spanish exam if desired. Participants are dismissed after submittal of their test materials and evaluation, which must be completed within the 120-minute timeframe. 

Learner Outcomes

Session 1: Introduction

By the end of this session, participants will: 

• Understand the course overview and expectations
• Be introduced to the regulatory documents governing escorts 
• Complete a practice test

Session 2: The Escort Driver                       
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 
•    List qualification options for escorting in Florida
•    Describe required apparel
•    Demonstrate proper flagging procedures

Session 3: The Escort Vehicle                          
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 
•    Describe escort vehicle specifications and required equipment
•    Discuss licensing and insurance 

Session 4: The Over Dimensional Load         
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 
•    Describe the limitations of different size loads 
•    Identify load stipulations that affect the escort driver
•    Explain communication needs before, during, and after an escort job

Session 5: Maneuvering Techniques   
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 
•    Illustrate safe maneuvering techniques for common road configurations
•    Explain procedures during emergency situations

Notes

FAQ

1. Not sure about an online exam? Limited supply of computers for your group?
   • Email T2training@ce.ufl.edu to learn about Hybrid courses with proctored paper and pencil exam.
2. Need some help with Zoom? Want to see the course environment? Want to test your equipment?
   • Email T2training@ce.ufl.edu to request a session M-F 8AM-5PM to test your equipment and connection prior to your class date.
3. Not comfortable showing your driver’s license on camera?
   • Please request a separate virtual room.
4. Prefer to take the course in person?
   • Check out our in person offered dates and locations for a course near you! 

Testimonials

"Great program. Had to reschedule last minute and was allowed to join next day class." - Student in Memphis, TN

"Scott was extremely professional instructor! wonderful day! thanks scott" - Student in Robeson Township, PA

"fantastic instructor, very nice and helpful. patient with everyone." - Student in Bradenton, FL