Initial Training is for new vanpool drivers and requires a time commitment of approximately 4 to 5 hours.
* Drivers of 15-passenger vanpool vehicles must obtain a Class B license to comply with UCOP policy; some, but not all, vanpools use 15-passenger vans. Each potential driver or back-up driver is required to successfully complete the vanpoool driver application and training process including:

• Meet the driver eligibility requirements as defined in the Driver Agreement (pdf form).
• Fill out all required paperwork.
• Obtain and submit a current Department of Motor Vehicles drivers’ record report.
• Get a medical exam where a medical professional completes the Medical Examination Report DL 51 to certify that a person meets the medical standards to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Medical exams can be obtained at the Cowell Health Center, Doctors On Duty or through your private physician. TAPS supplies a recharge form to pay for exams done at the Cowell Health Center. Exams through Doctors On Duty or private physicians must not exceed $55.00. Each completed medical exam certification is valid for 2 years.
• Read the Class C Drivers’ Handbook and selected sections of the Commercial Drivers’ Handbook – approximately 70 pages in each booklet.
• Take an at-home or in-your-office open book test consisting of 75 questions --- mail test or drop off at TAPS offices.
• * Drivers of 15-passenger vanpool vehicles must follow DMV requirements and pass a written test for a commercial Class B license and a driving test; both are taken at the local DMV office.
• Schedule and complete a training session with the TAPS Trainer. The driver training takes a minimum of 2 hours (maximum of 3 hours); can be done is one session or split into two sessions. Training sessions consist of instruction in vehicle checkout/components and defensive driving (1 hour), skills assessment and training in vehicle manuevering including backing, alley dock, forward stop, and measured right turn (1/2 hour), and driving in a variety of locations that include on-campus, Westside Santa Cruz, in town, on highway, and mountain driving (1+ hour). This training is done in the same vehicle the driver will be driving as a vanpool driver.
• When a potential driver is unable to demonstrate competency after 3 hours of training TAPS will conduct additional training after which TAPS may determine that the candidate is ineligible to become a vanpool driver.

Refresher Training consists of two parts over 2 years:

• During the year that a driver’s Medical Exam is due (once every 2 years) the driver is required to watch a one-hour take-home video, and respond to a series of written questions.
• During the alternate year the driver must participate in a one-hour group training session that is held on campus. Safety techniques and program issues that have come up during the year are presented and discussed; the one-hour refresher training may include presentations from Risk Services and Campus Police. These in-person sessions are offered at least twice yearly.