Mount St. Mary's University Student Driver Program

Any student requesting to drive a university van for a university project must be on the university's list of approved drivers. Public Safety is the department assigned the task of coordinating the Student Drivers Program.

Public Safety is responsible for conducting a written and road test exam to determine the driving knowledge and skills of each applicant. All applicants must have at least one year of driving experience.

The driver license history (MVR) of each applicant will be reviewed by Public Safety. These license history checks (MVR) need to be supplied by the student before they will be approved to drive a University vehicle. The privilege of driving a university vehicle will be denied to any applicant with any points for moving violations on their MVR.

It is the responsibility of each department, athletic group, student organization or faculty member who requires student drivers to have those students contact Public Safety and arrange to enter the program.

Procedure for Written Test:

1.  At the time of the written exam students must bring their MSM ID card and their valid driver’s license. Students must have a minimum of one year of driving experience with a valid license. A copy of the student's ID and driver's license is made and attached to the test papers. The student must have a current copy of their MVR at this time.
2. The student will first read the Motor Vehicle Use Agreement and the Student Driver Sign-Out Sheet. The student must then sign the use agreement. This portion of the agreement is copied and attached to the test papers on completion of the written portion of the test. This proves that the student has read the rules and is aware of his or her responsibilities as a driver.
3. Written test is then issued in presence of a proctor. The student must obtain a score of at least 75% (15 out of 20 questions).
4. Upon successful completion of the written exam, a road test portion of the exam will be completed.
5. If the student fails the written test, he/she will not be able to do the road test until they pass the written test. The student will be instructed that he or she can return to the office to retake the written test if he/she so desires. Then another appointment will be scheduled for the road test.

Road Test Procedures:

1. The student will meet with a Public Safety representative on the scheduled date and time.
2. The representative will go over the use agreement that the student has already signed. He or she will also discuss with the student the Student Driver Check-Out Sheet, the Vehicle Utilization Record and any questions from the written test that the student missed.
3. The officer will demonstrate to the student the external and internal inspection process that every driver is encouraged to conduct on an MSM vehicle before departing.
4. The representative will give the student an opportunity to see and become familiar with the difference in size of a van and other motorized vehicle.
5. The representative will then accompany the student to an on- and off-campus road test, observing the student's driving habits and ability to drive the van.
6. If the student is successful and passes, the representative will sign the test and see that the student’s name is added to the Authorized Drivers List.
7. If the student fails the road test, he or she will need to discuss with the officer what improvements need to occur before another test can be scheduled. The student will not have to retake the written test.