Driver Certification

Dartmouth and DOC Driver Requirements 

To be eligible to use a DOC vehicle students must complete the Dartmouth and DOC driver certification process. Please know this process typically takes multiple weeks to fully complete. The cost incurred by the driver background check is covered by the DOC. Because of the time commitment and cost associated with the driver certification process, if you decide to become a DOC driver, please commit to completing the process.

To become DOC driver certified please complete these steps in order:

1. Please review the Dartmouth College Student Driver Policy. 
2. If you meet the policy requirements, please fill out Transportation Service's student driver application. Email the completed application and a copy of your valid US or Canadian driver’s license to Kate Crocker, OPO Office Manager, at kate.l.crocker@dartmouth.edu.
3. After the application is reviewed by Transportation Services, which could take a week or more, they will assign an online driving course on Canvas. Be sure to check your spam folder for the notification, or simply log in to Canvas to find it. 
4. Once you pass the Canvas course, please sign up for DOC vehicle on-road training. Use this form to set up a time to do your practical training. The DOC and OPO require this additional, supplemental, on-road training for students to use our vehicles.
   1. You may do one or all of the trainings:
      1. Van 
      2. Microbus (this training also covers van)
      3. Trailer
         1. Timber Team/BnB Trailer supplemental
      4. Roof Rack Tie-Down
5. If you wish to Drive trailers, you must obtain a DOT Physical certification. 
   1. Make an appointment with Dick's House. Tell them you need a DOT Physical. 
   2. Have them bill to this chart string:
      1. Ledyard: 20.381.368000.718250.0000
      2. Rest of the DOC: 20.388.368000.741471.0000
   3. Once complete they will hand you a small piece of paper. Bring this paper to Kate Crocker in OPO or send a clear photo or scan. 
6. Your on-road driver trainer will let you know if you satisfactorily completed the training or if you need more practice. Your trainer will also notify Kate.
7. Upon completion of on-road training, please edit your Trailhead profile to match your driver certification status. Kate will issue you a driver certification card.

Drivers must comply with all requirements set out by local and state authorities, Dartmouth’s Driver Policies and Procedures, and the DOC training guidelines you learn during your on-road training. 

If you are interested in being a Student Driver Trainer (paid position), see Rory in the OPO office for more information. 

To check if you are on the DOC driver list or see who can drive for you, the driver list can be viewed here.

Loss of Certification

Your DOC driver card has an expiration date on it, its the same date as your driver’s license expires. When you renew your license, you must email a copy of the new license to Kate, kate.l.crocker@dartmouth.edu. You are not eligible to continue driving if a renewed license has not been shared.

All driving incidents and violations will be reviewed by club advisors and student leaders. Serious or repeated instances of driver negligence may result in privileges being suspended or revoked. If your driver certification is revoked by Transportation Services or by OPO, you will not be able to drive for college activities. An appeals process is available if you need to challenge the revocation of your certification. 

Use of Personal Vehicles

In order for students to use non-college vehicles for college activities, they must be a college-approved driver. The legal owner of the vehicle must consent to the use of their vehicle for college activities (so if you’re driving a car registered in your parent’s name, it's important to have their permission). You must also reserve the vehicle through Trailhead (note desire to use personal vehicle, or it may be assigned after discussion) BEFORE the trip. 

You may then be reimbursed for vehicle mileage at the current federal reimbursement rate. See the Financial Coordinator or your club advisor to fill out the reimbursement form.