Vanpool Driver Information
Medical Examination Requirements
DMV Medical Examination
The State of California requires all drivers to pass a medical examination before they can drive a vanpool.
Click here for a list of some of the clinics by county that offer this exam. If you prefer, you may make an appointment with your own physician. Be sure to have both the DMV Medical Examination Report form and the wallet-sized Medical Examiner’s Certificate (provided by your doctor) filled out and signed by the examining physician.
Proof of Medical Certification
You must keep the wallet-sized Medical Examiner’s Certificate with your license whenever you drive the van. Keep the 81/2” x 11” DMV Medical Examination Report form in your private records. Please do not send the DMV Medical Examination Report form to SNCI. If you should lose the wallet-sized Medical Examiner’s Certificate, your DMV Medical Examination Report form can be used as proof of certification. Please remember that the State of California requires that you renew your medical certification every two years.
Examination Fee
The fee for the DMV Medical Examination varies. Call several clinics if you wish to compare prices. SNCI provides medical reimbursements, for up to $75 of the examination cost. For each full-size (11-15 passenger) vanpool the primary driver and one back-up driver is eligible. This subsidy is available every two years based on State of California requirements.
To apply for reimbursement, you must fill out the medical reimbursement form and return the following within four months of your medical examination to SNCI, One Harbor Center, Suite 130, Suisun City, CA 94585.
1. Medical examination receipt (noting it is for a DMV physical)
2. Copy of wallet-sized Medical Examiner’s Certificate
3. Medical Reimbursement Request form
4. Vanpool Driver & Participant List
License Requirements
For the driver of vans designed to seat 11-15 adults the following requirements apply:
· A van used primarily for nonprofit, work-related transportation of adults, for the purpose of ridesharing, is considered a vanpool vehicle.
· A Class C drivers’ license, a valid medical certificate and sworn statement that the driver has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or hit-and-run offense in the last five years are required.
· The medical certificate must be renewed every two years and the sworn statement must be renewed every year.
Equipment Requirements
For vans designed to seat 11-15 adults the following applies:
· Vans must have a 10-unit first aid kit and an operable fire extinguisher rated at least A:B:C. Both must be mounted and readily accessible.
· Vans must also have a “Vanpool” sign on each side and on the read of the vehicle visible from a minimum distance of 50 feet.
Maintenance Requirements
For vans designed to seat 11-15 adults the following applies:
· Driver must keep a 12-month maintenance history of their vehicle in the van at all times. After repairs are made, a copy of the work order must be kept in the van. Maintenance records must identify service performed, person performing it, date and vehicle mileage at time of service.
· A safety inspection must be performed every six months or 6,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The inspection must include an in-depth inspection of the vehicle’s brake and lighting systems, steering components, wheels and tires. Documentation showing that this work has been done must be kept in the van.
*Wheels must be taken off for visual inspection and brake fluid levels must be checked. Steering connecting arms and knuckles must be inspected for wear and play. Wheels must be inspected for cracks. Tires must be inspected for proper tread depth (4/32 front; 2/32 rear tires) and wear. Tail, brakes and turn signal lights must be checked to see that they work properly.