Library: Policy

OKDHS:2-21-207. Driver selection, training, and evaluation

Issued 3-1-16

(a) Employees are evaluated and approved as assigned drivers based on driving ability and driving record obtained through the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS).

(1) Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) employees are required to complete yearly, mandatory, online driving training before being permitted to drive state vehicles. New employees have 30-calendar days from the enter-on-duty date to complete the training.If not completed, driving privileges with DHS are revoked.

(2) Assigned drivers are required to complete Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Form 303RM0097, Records Request and Consent to Release form.

(A) DHS employees do not pay the required fee stated on Form 303RM0097.

(B) Contract employees driving for DHS must pay the required fee stated on Form 303RM0097.

(3) Before becoming an assigned driver, employees and contract employees must provide a copy of a current and valid driver license and a signed Form 11RS100E, Driver License and Liability Insurance Attestation, to their supervisor.

(4) Supervisors of assigned drivers are required to:

(A) ensure the assigned driver has a valid driver license;

(B) ensure the assigned driver is qualified to operate the type of vehicle assigned;

(C) review an applicant's past driving performance and work experience, through previous employers' reference checks, prior to hiring;

(D) review current employees' motor vehicle records annually, and more frequently when warranted; and

(E) request during the assigned driver's employee opening evaluation a:

(i) driver license;

(ii) Form 11RS100E;

(iii) Form 303RM0097; and

(iv) DHS Human Resources Management verification of completion of mandatory online driving training.

(b) The local fleet coordinator reviews the vehicle records, the vehicle condition, and the assigned driver's compliance with policy.The local fleet coordinator reports concerns to the local administrator, who reports known violations to the assigned driver's supervisor to initiate corrective action.

(c) State-regulated driver qualification parameters must be met.Regulatory information is obtained from applicable state departments of transportation and motor vehicle services.

(1) Assigned drivers must comply with Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) Commercial Driver License (CDL) regulations.

(2) Assigned drivers involved in interstate or foreign commerce are subject to the requirements of ODOT Federal Highway Administration's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations when the:

(A) Gross Motor Vehicle Weight Rating (GMVR) is 10,001 pounds or more;

(B) vehicle is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or

(C) vehicle is used in the transportation of hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding per ODOT Hazardous Materials Regulations.

(3) Assigned drivers involved in intra or interstate operations with GMVR of 26,001 pounds or more must:

(A) have a CDL license; and

(B) be enrolled in an ODOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.

(d) An employee is considered a high risk driver when the employee's accident or violation history, in the past three years, includes one or more moving violation convictions, including speeding violations.

(1) The following criteria identify high risk drivers:

(A) driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;

(B) failure to report an accident;

(C) hit and run;

(D) negligent homicide arising out of the use of a motor vehicle;

(E) operating a motor vehicle during a period of license suspension or revocation;

(F) operating a motor vehicle without the owner's authority;

(G) permitting an unlicensed person to drive;

(H) reckless driving;

(I) three or more speeding violations in a three-year period;

(J) two preventable accidents in a 12-month period; and

(K) using a motor vehicle for the commission of a felony.

(2) Employees who are identified as high risk drivers may be subjected to several disciplinary actions including, but not limited to:

(A) being required to attend a defensive or safety driving course; and

(B) standard progressive disciplinary measures, per DHS personnel policies.

(e) When assigned drivers fail to comply with this Section, applicable regulations, policy, program, facility or office safety procedures and standard progressive disciplinary measures per DHS personnel policy or labor contract result.

(f) DHS employees are given instruction and an opportunity to correct unsafe behavior.Repeated failure to comply or willful and intentional noncompliance may result in disciplinary measures up to, and including, termination.