Policy on Student Drivers
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to clarify University policies and procedures regarding students driving vehicles for University business purposes. The University is committed to a responsible risk management program that ensures adequate selection and training of student drivers and prevents high-risk drivers from driving vehicles for the University.
General Policy and Procedures
Prior approval: Students must receive prior approval from Business Services before driving any personal, rented, or University-owned vehicle for University business purposes. Approval is acknowledged with the issuance of a University driving permit. Permits must be renewed annually. Approval is dependent upon a safe driving record as determined by the student's driving record obtained from the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicle) in the state which issued the driver's license.
University business purpose: With respect to this policy, “University business purposes” are understood as any situation where:
- A student is driving a University-owned vehicle at the request of, or under the direction of, a University faculty or staff member for purposes directly related to the business of the University; or
- student is driving a vehicle that is being rented and paid for by the University for purposes directly related to the business of the University; or
- a student is driving a personal vehicle at the request of, or under the direction of, a University faculty or staff member for purposes directly related to the business of the University; or
- a student is voluntarily driving their personal vehicle and will be compensated or reimbursed by the University or by Student Government for time, fuel or other driving-related expenses.
Use of vehicles: University-rented and University-owned vehicles may be driven by students for University business purposes only.
Students are never required to use their personal vehicle for University business purposes; student use of personally-owned vehicles is always voluntary.
Insurance coverage: The University’s insurance coverage is primary when an approved student is driving a University-owned or University-rented vehicle for University business purposes.
A student’s personal auto liability coverage is primary when using a personally-owned vehicle. Students driving personal vehicles must carry personal automobile insurance with bodily injury liability coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, coverage for medical payments to others of at least $10,000 per person, and property damage coverage of at least $50,000.
Minimum age: Students must be at least 18 years of age to drive personal or University-owned vehicles. Students must be at least 18 years of age to drive rental cars and vans, unless the rental agency requires a different age.
License qualifications: Student drivers must have held a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least two years.
Training: Departments are responsible for scheduling the training required for approval and issuance of a University student driver card with the Business Services Manager. Student van drivers must complete online training module and with a minimum of 25 minutes of actual van driving prior to approval. Students must complete safety training annually prior to driving for the University.
Driving policies:
- Student drivers must not drive more than 2 hours of continuous highway driving without taking a 15 minute break and may not drive more than 8 hours within a 24-hour period.
- Only authorized students, staff, and faculty are permitted in the University vehicles.
- Student drivers must drive the vehicle at speeds appropriate for road conditions and in compliance with state laws. Any tickets received are the responsibility of the driver.
- Student drivers will not use a cell phone and drive. If there is a need to use a cell phone, the driver must pull over and park.
- Student drivers and all passengers will wear a seat belt.
- Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle.
- Student drivers must not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Student drivers must immediately report all accidents or violations to the city or state police and to the Business Services at 740-284-5178.
Student Driving Training and Procedures
1. Submit a "Student Driver Application" form with a copy of the student driver's license, proof of auto insurance, and Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) authorization requests to Mail Services Manger, on the ground floor of the J. C. Williams Center. Applications are available at the Mail Services customer service window or by email at mailservices@frnciscan.edu When requesting by email the subject line should include "Student Driver Application."
2. All field on the form must be complete, legible, and signed.
3. A copy of the applicant's driving record will be requested from the appropriate state.
4. The student applicant will receive instructions to register, view, and answer questions for the online driver safety module. The online module must be completed, and a score of 80 percent must be achieved.
5. All documentation and test score will be reviewed for approval. When approved allow two business days for approval, the applicant and supervisor will receive an email indicating approval of driving privileges and a request to obtain his or her driving permit before driving on University business.
6. If the student applicant is denied driving privileges for Franciscan University, an email will be sent to the applicant and the authorizing supervisor.
7. Student drivers must apply for driving privileges on an annual basis -see date issued on the driving permit.
Personal vehicle approvals: All students must have a University driving permit when driving personal vehicles on University business. If the vehicle is owned by someone other than the student, the student must provide approval from the owner for business use, as well as proof of insurance. The owner's auto insurance will be the primary liability carrier.
Consequences: Students drivers who do not follow these policies and procedures will have their driving privileges revoked for the academic school year. Students who continually disregard these policies will have their driving privileges revoked permanently.