Defensive Driver Training

Defensive Driver Program Overview

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation incidents are the number one cause of fatal work injuries. The Defensive Driving Program helps reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities related to employees driving on University business. 

State employees (faculty, staff, student assistants, and special consultants) and registered volunteers who drive a university or privately owned vehicle, or powered cart must complete Defensive Driving training and be enrolled into the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Employer Pull Notice (EPN) program. Powered cart drivers must also complete Powered Cart Training. 

Who Needs to Take Defensive Driver Training? 

State Employees

Staff, Faculty, Student Assistant, or Special Consultant and Registered Volunteers:

  1. Do you drive any vehicle as part of your job duties?                        
  2. Do you drive a powered cart on campus?
  3. Do you drive a personal or state-owned vehicle around campus?
  4. Do you run errands off campus using a personal or state-owned vehicle as part of your job duties?
  5. Do you drive a personal, rental car, or state-owned vehicle to meetings, conferences, or any other event as part of your job duties?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you must submit the required documents, complete the Defensive Driver Training, and complete the Two Part Powered Cart Training (if applicable). 

If you answered no to all of the questions above, you do not need to complete Defensive Driver training. Employees who do not complete Defensive Driver training may not utilize rental vehicles and are not eligible for travel mileage reimbursement.

Auxiliary Employees

Consult with your employer to determine if you are required to complete defensive driving training. Auxiliary employees are NOT permitted to drive University owned vehicles (including powered carts).

Foundation employees should follow the Foundation’s program procedure as outlined here.

ASI employees should contact Michellena Lakey at mlakey@sanmingzhi.net for ASI’s policy and procedure.

Program Requirements

  1. Enroll in the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) program.

  2. Complete the Defensive Driver Training online.

  3. Submit form STD 261: Authorization to Use a Privately Owned Vehicle (if applicable). 

  4. Complete Powered Cart Safety Training online. (if applicable)

  5. Complete Behind-the-Wheel Powered Cart Training. (if #4 is completed)