Become A Certified Driver
How to Become a Certified Driver
To qualify, students must:
- Hold a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years (including time with a learner’s permit)
- Be currently enrolled as a Hamilton College student
- Have no moving violations in the past 3 years
Cross-Certification
- Certification for a 12-passenger van automatically qualifies you to drive smaller vehicles (7-passenger and under)
- Smaller vehicles follow the same process, but do not require a driving evaluation
Assigned by the Transportation Office.
Online Training Courses
Modules include:
- 12 or Fewer Passenger Van Driver Safety
- Distracted Driver
- Driver Safety
- Driver Safety on and off Campus
- Hazardous Driving Conditions
Submit Online Training Request
Driving Evaluation
After training is complete, schedule your driving evaluation:
Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Includes:
- Mirror adjustment
- Backing
- Lane changes
- Operation under varied conditions
Bring proof of training completion and a valid license.
Following the evaluation, the Transportation Office will run a DMV check (may take up to 1 week).
To pass, your record must show no moving violations in the past 3 years.
All certified drivers must:
- Operate vehicles in accordance with College policies and traffic laws
- Drive responsibly and without distractions
- NEVER use cell phones while driving, as per NYS law
- ALWAYS wear a seatbelt, in any seat, as per NYS law
- Never tamper with onboard cameras or GPS tracking systems (tampering with cameras or GPS systems may result in revocation of driving privilages)
Accident
An accident involves law enforcement, injuries, or any damage to vehicles, other property (including signage, landscaping, or buildings), or individuals.
Immediately contact Campus Safety at 315-859-4000, then notify the Transportation Coordinator.
Submit an Accident Report
Incident
An incident includes any event that occurs while operating a transportation vehicle which may affect vehicle condition or safety, but does not involve law enforcement.
Examples include minor scrapes, mechanical issues, or any situation that could lead to damage or safety concerns.
Report all incidents to the Transportation Coordinator within 2 hours. Campus Safety must also be notified if the incident is significant.
Submit an Incident Report
Damage
Use this category if you discover existing damage on a vehicle before or after your trip that was not caused during your use.
Photograph all damage and submit this form within 2 hours of discovery, before operating the vehicle.
Submit a Damage Report
All accidents or unsafe behavior reports are reviewed by the Transportation Coordinator and may be brought to Campus Safety, as well as Student Conduct, or any relevent supervisor.
Possible outcomes include, but are not limited to:
- Retaking training
- Completing a DMV-approved defensive driving course
- Redoing the driving evaluation
- Temporary or permanent loss of privileges
Any unsafe behaviror, as well as all accidents, incidents, and damage will be reviewed by the Transportation coordinator & will be dealt with thereafter on a case by case basis.
Students are expected to adhere to all Hamilton College & Studen Conduct policies when operating a college vehicle.
Certification is valid for 1 year from approval.
To renew:
- Resubmit the driver certification form
- Complete an updated DMV driving record check
Email the transportation department to arrange your recertification!
Note: It is the responsibility of the student or department to initiate renewal. Reminders are not sent by the transportation department.
