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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

Start your Safe Driver Application and review each step of the process below.

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Complete and submit the Safe Driver Application to begin the process. If you do not have a NetID, contact Risk Management & Insurance at risk@northwestern.edu for assistance.

Applicants Licensed in Certain States or Territories
If your driver's license was issued in one of the following states or territories, you must obtain your own Motor Vehicle Record or Driver’s History Record from the appropriate motor vehicle agency:

  • California
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • Puerto Rico

Submit the record with your application or e-mail it to Risk Management & Insurance at risk@northwestern.edu.

Applicants with Foreign Driver’s License
If you have a foreign driver’s license, you must:
  • Provide a copy of the front and back of your driver’s license.
  • Provide a translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the license is not in English.
  • Complete a self-attestation form, which Risk Management & Insurance will provide.
SUBMIT AN Application (NetID Required)

Step 2: Risk Management & Insurance Reviews Your Driving Record

Risk Management & Insurance will obtain and review your Motor Vehicle Record to determine whether you meet the Safe Driver requirements.
  • This review generally takes at least three to five business days.
  • Risk Management & Insurance may request additional information to verify your eligibility. This may include additional licensing documentation or a state-issued Motor Vehicle Record or Driver History Record.
Requesting a Faster Review
Providing your own state-issued driving record or Motor Vehicle Record may shorten the review time. You can generally request this record online or in person from your state’s motor vehicle agency. Submit the record with your application or e-mail it to risk@northwestern.edu.

Step 3: Receive Your Application Decision

After the driving-record review is complete, you will receive an email from riac@northwestern.edu with an update on your application status.

 If You Do Not Meet the Program Requirements

  • You and your supervisor or advisor will be notified. You may appeal the decision by emailing Risk Management & Insurance at risk@northwestern.edu.

If You Meet the Program Requirements and No Training Is Required

  • You and your supervisor or advisor will receive an email confirming that no further action is required.

If Training Is Required or Selected

  • Students are required to complete the applicable safety training. Faculty and staff may elect to complete the Defensive Driving Course, the Golf Cart Safety Course, or both.
  • If training applies to you, you will receive an email with instructions and links to the required or selected course or courses. Complete the training within five calendar days of receiving the email.

Step 4: Complete Required Safety Training, if Applicable

Applicants who are required or have elected to complete the Defensive Driving Course, the Golf Cart Safety Course, or both, will receive an email from riac@northwestern.edu with instructions and the links to the applicable courses.

  • Each course generally takes 45-60 minutes to complete.
  • Follow the instructions provided in the email to complete the training and verify completion.
  • Required or selected training must be completed within five calendar days of receiving the email.

Step 5: Receive Your Driver Certification

After all required training has been completed and verified, you will receive a certificate of completion by email. Your supervisor or advisor will also be notified.

Maintaining Your Driving Status

Annual Driver Verification and Information Updates

  • To remain active in the Safe Driver Program, approved drivers must complete an annual verification confirming that they continue to operate University vehicles. Drivers must also keep their contact and driver’s license information current.
  • You will receive an email from riac@northwestern.edu with instructions for completing the annual verification or providing updated information. If your driver’s license is expiring, has been renewed, or has otherwise changed, respond to the update request or email the updated information to risk@northwestern.edu.
  • Failure to complete the annual verification or provide requested updates in a timely manner may result in your driving status being made inactive.
Defensive Driving and Golf Cart Safety Recertification
  • When your Defensive Driving or Golf Cart Safety certification expires, submit a new Safe Driver Application to begin the recertification process.

Important: To ensure that you receive automatic email notifications, add RIAC@northwestern.edu to your address book.

List of Certified Student Drivers

To access the Certified Student Driver's list, it is necessary for you to log in using your Northwestern NetID.

VIEW LIST OF CERTIFIED DRIVERS (NetID)

Operational Rules and Trip Management for Students

Any exceptions to these rules require approval from Risk Management & Insurance. To request an exception, submit a Trip Exception Request, including a detailed itinerary and justification for the request. Exception requests should be submitted at least 15 business days before the planned travel date to allow adequate time for review.

  • 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.

Submit Trip Exception Request

Questions about the Safe Driver Program? 

Visit our Safe Driver Program FAQ for answers to common questions about applications, eligibility, training requirements, certification status, vehicle rentals, travel, and insurance coverage. 

View the Safe Driver Program FAQ