Multi-Passenger Vehicles

Policy 303.13

1 Introduction

1.1 Given the dangers associated with the use of Multi-Passenger Vehicles transporting ten or more passengers and multiple consumer advisories issued by the National Highway Safety Administration, the University has developed this policy governing the use of Multi-Passenger Vehicles.

2 Scope

2.1 This policy applies to any person operating a Multi-Passenger Vehicle in the course and scope of the person’s employment at the University, whether the Multi-Passenger Vehicle is owned by the University or not. Multi-Passenger Vehicles may only be driven by employees of the University.

3 Definitions

3.1 Driver Evaluator

An employee of the University designated by the Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Emergency Management to conduct Multi-Passenger Vehicle driving evaluations.

3.2 EHS&EM

The University’s Office of Environmental Health Safety and Emergency Management.

3.3 Multi-Passenger Vehicle

A vehicle with the capacity to carry ten or more passengers and a driver, typically a 12 or 15 passenger van. Multi-Passenger Vehicles covered by this policy include any Multi-Passenger Vehicles owned, rented, or otherwise operated by the University or an employee of the University acting in the course and scope of University employment. Individuals who are not employees may not operate, lease, or borrow any University vehicle.

3.4 Responsible Department

The University Department to which a Multi-Passenger Vehicle is assigned, or which has leased or borrowed a Multi-Passenger Vehicle.

3.5 University

Appalachian State University.

4 Policy and Procedure Statements

4.1 Required Training and Approval to Operate a Multi-Passenger Vehicle

4.1.1 To be authorized to drive a Multi-Passenger Vehicle, the prospective driver must complete a training program and approval process based on criteria specified by EHS&EM, including but not limited to the following:

1. Receive approval from the prospective driver’s supervisor to operate a Multi-Passenger Vehicle.
2. Complete an approval form that includes a driver’s license check and submit that form to the University Police Support Services Manager. After the University Police Department has completed a driver records check, the original Driver Approval Form shall be submitted to EHS&EM.
3. Complete in its entirety, and pass, the online Multi-Passenger Vehicle Awareness Course.
4. Complete and satisfactorily pass a driving test with a Driver Evaluator.

4.1.2 The prospective driver and the prospective driver’s supervisor shall read, sign and submit to EHS&EM a Multi-Passenger Vehicle Driver and Supervisor Acknowledgement Form (LINK TEXT TO FORM).

4.1.3 The Driver Evaluator shall submit the completed original copy of the Multi-Passenger Vehicle Driver Evaluation Form to EHS&EM.

4.1.4 EHS&EM has the final responsibility and authority to approve drivers of Multi-Passenger Vehicles.

4.1.5 If the driver is approved, the driver will be issued a Multi-Passenger Vehicle Driver Certification Card.