Safe Driver Program
Risk Management and Insurance has outlined the Safe Driver Program to serve as a guide to promote the safety of drivers and passengers when vehicles are used on University business. The program outlines the eligibility, requirements, and responsibilities of those who drive on behalf of the University.
The University's Auto Insurance Program covers all authorized Faculty, Staff and Students when operating University vehicles on University business. In consideration of being authorized to drive a University vehicle, all Faculty, Staff, and Students must complete a Safe Driver Application. Applicants will be subject to MVR review and may be subject to completing the Defensive Driving Course.
Safe Driver Application
Below, access applications for Â鶹´«Ã½ vehicle use.
Submit an application with your Â鶹´«Ã½ NetID.
Don't have a NetID at this time? Submit an application without a NetID.
SUBMIT AN Application (WITHOUT A NETID)
Important: To ensure that you receive automatic email notifications, add RIAC@northwestern.edu to your address book.
Operational Rules and Trip Management for Students
Any exceptions to these rules require permission from Risk Management and Insurance. To request an exception, please provide a detailed itinerary for the trip along with your justification.
- 4 Hours / 2 Consecutive Hours - Each driver may only drive a total of four hours per day and no more than two consecutive hours.
- All trips over two hours require at least two approved drivers. At least one passenger shall remain awake at all times.
- 5:00 am to 11:00 pm - Drivers are only able to drive between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
- 150 Mile Radius – During the week, trips must stay inside of a 150-mile radius. On the weekends, the radius is extended to 300 miles, requiring an overnight stay.
- 10 Hours per Day Total – The maximum a vehicle can be driven in one day is 10 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is required to complete the Defensive Driving Course?
The Defensive Driving Course is a required course for all students to complete in order to be eligible to operate University Vehicles. In some cases, Staff & Faculty may be required to complete the Defensive Driving Course by the discretion of Risk Management and Insurance and/or their respective department.
How can I obtain a copy of my certificate if I have completed the course but did not receive one?
Return to the course link email and follow the confirmation link.
Why is my name not appearing on the list of certified student drivers?
A couple things may cause your name not to appear on the certified student drivers page.
- The listing is updated daily, around 9:00am. Therefore, the time in which you became certified may affect when your name appears on the webpage.
- If you currently hold a Defensive Driving Certification and do not see your name listed on the Certified Student Drivers list, Your MVR check may be expired. Your MVR expiration date is approximately 1 year before your DDC Certification expires.
Once I have obtained approval from Risk Management and Insurance, what is the procedure for renting a vehicle?
Is it necessary to upload a copy of my Driver's License?
Not necessarily. Typically, if we are unable to process your Motor Vehicle Record, we may ask for a copy of your driver's license. If this situation arises, we will get in touch with you and request that you provide us with a copy of your driver's license.
Who should I list as my supervisor/advisor?
Your supervisor/advisor is the individual within your unit, department, group, or club who is responsible for your vehicle usage. You should not list yourself, another employee, or a student. Please do not use general emails (e.g., department@northwestern.edu).
Can I submit an application if my Driver's License is expiring soon?
Yes. You may still submit an application if your drivers license is expiring soon. However, you will not be able to submit your application if your drivers license expires on the same day of your submission.
We will notify you via email that your drivers license is expiring soon and provide you with a link to update your drivers license information on file.
Please add riac@northwestern.edu to your address book to ensure delivery of these notifications.
What is the process for obtaining approval to operate University Golf Carts?
Applicants should complete a Safe Driver application, and sign up to complete the Golf Cart Safety course.
Faculty and Staff should check with their departments and/or Risk Management and Insurance on whether they must complete the course.
What is the duration of certification for Student Drivers?
Student Driver's who remain in compliance with the policies, procedures, and rules of the Safe Driver Program can hold their certification for up to 2 years*. However, this is dependent upon acceptable annual and/or semi-annual motor vehicle record checks.
Please note that, at minimum, all driver's must renew their Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) annually.
What is the process for acquiring a copy of the Auto-ID card?
The Auto-ID card is updated annually. To access the Auto-ID card, visit Auto ID Card. If you experience any issues accessing the Auto-ID card, please contact email Risk Management and Insurance at risk@northwestern.edu.