Eligibility/Retention Criteria

Vanpool drivers must have a valid, unrestricted (prescription lenses acceptable), non-probationary driver’s license and five years of verifiable licensed driving experience. Probationary licenses are indicated with an asterisk (*) on the front of the license.

Below is an eligibility and retention criterion utilizing a point system.  The total points are compared with an acceptable risk of three or below.  Each citation/accident appearing within a three-year period is counted except as noted below.  Citation/violation activity should be verified to the best of the Vanpool Coordinator’s ability. 

Vanpool drivers will not be eligible or will no longer be eligible to drive a vanpool van if the following appears on their driving record:

• Never Eligible Offenses - Any conviction surrounding a fatal accident (vehicular homicide, manslaughter, etc.), using a vehicle in commission of a felony, and/or vehicular assault appears on their driving record – LIFETIME INELIGIBILITY

• 10 Year Ineligible Offenses - Any conviction for negligent driving, reckless driving, hit and run, leaving an accident scene, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – 10 YEARS INELIGIBILITY

• 5 Year Ineligible Offenses - Any conviction for suspension/revocation related to a 4 point offense - 5 YEARS INELIGIBILITY

• 3 Year Ineligible Offenses – Any conviction or combination of convictions earning 4 or more points (see Table) – 3 YEAR INELIGIBILITY

Important Interpretations:

• Department of Licensing Administrative Sanctions – Any action resulting in a suspension, revocation or loss of driving privilege shall be considered a conviction for the purposes of the eligibility to drive a vanpool vehicle.

• Deferred Prosecution – A deferred prosecution for 10 Year Ineligible Offense (negligent driving, reckless driving, hit and run, leaving an accident scene, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol) shall be given 4 points.  A deferred prosecution or a deferral for any other offense shall be given the points based on the underlying offense.

Points Related to Accidents in the Van or Personal Vehicle

Not at fault means the Vanpool Coordinator concludes the most responsible party in the accident was NOT the Vanpool driver or Vanpool driver applicant.  At fault means the Vanpool Coordinator concludes the most responsible party in the accident WAS the vanpool driver or vanpool driver applicant.  Accidents involving animals, wild or domestic, may be deemed as NO fault without points.  Also, no additional points are added for the accident being in the transit agency vehicle. 

Vanpool Driver Eligibility / Retention Offense Point Table

Volunteer Vanpool Driver Function List

As a Volunteer Driver you must be able to:

• Understand and adhere to state traffic laws.
• Understand and adhere to Kitsap Transit Vanpool policies and procedures.
• Understand and apply the principles of defensive driving.
• Safely operate a 15’ to 21’ van while
  • Carrying up to 15 passengers;
  • In potentially heavy traffic;
  • Over a variety of roadways, including narrow city streets;
  • On a planned route; and
  • While adhering to an established time schedule.
• Meet the requirements of the state law, which requires that seatbelts be properly worn at all times by you and your passengers.
• Enter and exit the van’s driver seat, sit upright in seat, bend, reach, kneel, stretch, and turn as appropriate to inspect all items on the van that you are going to operate.
• Bend, reach, stretch, and turn as appropriate to manipulate all vehicle controls while safely operating the vehicle.
• Read vehicle instrument panel/gauges, traffic signs, look for pedestrians and take prompt effective action to deal with them safely.
• Provide for the well-being of yourself and passenger in emergencies and special situations.
• Communicate effectively with public, Vanpool participants, transit agency representatives and if necessary, public safety officers.
• Ensure that written and verbal reports are completed accurately and on time.
• Ensure that daily pre-trip inspections, weekly and monthly vehicle maintenance inspections are performed in accordance with established checklists and vehicle receives servicing at established intervals.
• Ensure the vehicle interior and exterior is cleaned at established intervals.
• Ensure that vehicle is safely fueled at self-service pumps and check tire pressure and wear every fueling.
• Be reachable by cell, telephone or email during normal business hours.
• Be able to recognize when a physical or mental condition or required medication may impair the ability to safely operate a Vanpool vehicle and take appropriate action to find a substitute or make other arrangements.