High Occupancy Vehicles (HOVs)

Question: What vehicles are considered High Occupancy Vehicles (HOVs)?
Answer: Vehicles with seating capacity of 8 – 15 are HOVs. Examples include full size passenger vans and some large SUVs. Vehicles with seating capacity of greater than 15 are not HOVs by definition, and require a Class C Commercial Driver's License for operation.

Question: I want to drive HOV Vehicles. What do I have to do? Are there special restrictions?
Answer: Yes, HOV drivers must be at least 19 years old and have 3 years driving experience. Drivers must meet all other eligibility criteria (licensing and driving record) and must complete HOV driver training before driving. Driver training includes defensive driving concepts, information specific to HOVs, and a behind-the-wheel road test. Driver training must be repeated every four years, or more frequently in the event of a conditional driving record.

Question: When I completed the HOV training program less than 4 years ago, there was no behind-the-wheel road test at that time. Do I have to do that now?
Answer: No. All HOV drivers who were certified less than 4 years ago are still considered to have valid driver training. When the training is repeated four years after initial training, then the behind-the-wheel portion of the program will be required.

Question: I attended a van safety class with a previous employer. Will this meet the UA's HOV training requirement?
Answer: RM&S recommends that drivers complete the UA's HOV training program. However, if similar training has been recently obtained elsewhere, RM&S will review the program content on a case-by-case basis to determine if it can be accepted until the driver can attend the UA's program.