12-15 PASSENGER VANS- FAQ'S

1.  How do I schedule a defensive driving class and road test?

• Consult the safety training schedule for times. Classes are held in the conference room in Facilities Management.  The Facilities Management Building is the large building on your left after you cross the bridge heading towards the Dedmon Center. Come in the front door, turn to your right, tell the assistant, at the desk, you are there for the van class. No need to register, just show up. Any questions, 831-7790.

2.  Will I have to repeat the defensive driving class and road test again in a few years?

• No, you only have to take the class and road test once.

3.   How long is the defensive driving class and road test?

• The defensive driving class is two hours long and the road test is one-half hour long. 

4.  Can I be exempted from the defensive driving class and road test if  I have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

• Yes, please send a copy of your CDL and regular driver's license to Safety Manager, PO  Box 6909.

5.  Do I have to take the defensive driving class and road test if I only pick up an empty van and take it to another location on campus.

• Yes, anyone issued a key must take the defensive driving course and road test.

6.  Where can I get a list of  authorized drivers?

• Click here to view a list of authorized drivers.

7.  What is the university's policy for passenger vans?

• Click here to view the policy.

8.  Does the prohibition for cell phone use by drivers apply to portable radios?

• Yes. Passengers must use portable radios if communication between moving vans is necessary.  

9.  I have to transport 11 people (10 passengers + driver). Can I use one van since putting another van on the road for one passenger is not cost effective?

• For safety and liability reasons exemptions to the 10 passenger limit cannot be granted except for emergency breakdowns.

10.  If I have two vans on the road and one breaks down can I put more than 10 passengers in one van?

• During emergencies it's OK to put up to 15 passengers in a van and drive to the nearest rest stop or exit for help. 

11.  If a van breaks down while I'm on a trip how do I get it repaired?

• To get approval for repairs during normal working hours contact Nathan Mills at 540-831-7800. After hours call the campus police at 540-831-5500 and ask them to contact Nathan. It's OK to pay for small items (e.g., belt, hose) without getting permission. 

12.  How do I get gasoline for the van while I'm on the road?

• You can use your own credit card or get a Texaco credit card when you pick up the van. The university will reimburse you if you use your own card.   

13. Does the university policy for passenger vans apply to leased vans also?

• Yes

14.  What kind of insurance coverage do drivers have?

• Collision and personal liability insurance are provided to drivers (faculty, staff, and students) of state and leased vehicles as long as you are on university business.  You may not be covered if you take a side trip to see a tourist attraction along the way. Also, you may not receive liability coverage if you are willfully or grossly negligent.  Workers are covered by Workers Compensation Insurance. Students driving state vehicles are covered for medical but are not covered when driving leased vehicles.

15. What kind of insurance do passengers have ?

• Passengers in state vehicles have $5,000 incidental medical coverage in a motor vehicle accident. Passengers can file a liability claim against the Commonwealth if our driver was at fault or against the other drivers' insurance if he/she was at fault. Employees of the university are also covered by Worker's Compensation Insurance.

16.  Do I have to take the class and driving test if  I drive a  7-passenger van (mini van)?

• No. The university policy for passenger vans only applies to 12 and 15 passenger vans.