Overview & Eligibility

Connecticut College requires all individuals driving college vehicles to complete the Driver Approval Process prior to driving. This requirement applies to:

  • Students: Driving for student clubs, organizations, athletic teams, or academic/administrative departments.
  • Faculty & Staff: Reserving or driving a college vehicle through Transportation Services.
  • Department Employees: Anyone working in a department that requires driving a college vehicle as part of their duties.

Step-by-Step Approval Process

1. Submit Driver Application Download and complete the Driver Application (also accessible on CamelWeb under Transportation Services).

Submission Options:

  • Email (Preferred): Scan and email your completed application directly to driver.application@conncoll.edu. (Note: Do not send applications to CamelCard, main Campus Safety, or general Transportation emails).
  • In Person: Drop off at the Campus Safety Office (Hamilton House, lower level).
  • Campus Mail: Send via campus mail addressed to Campus Safety.

2. Complete MVR Background Check

  • You will receive an automated email directly from First Advantage (formerly Sterling), our third-party Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) vendor.
  • Action Required: Follow the emailed instructions immediately. Invitations are time-sensitive and expire after 48 hours. This step must be completed directly by the applicant.
  • Tip: Check your spam/junk folder if you do not see the email in your main inbox.

3. Record Evaluation

  • Once First Advantage provides your records, Campus Safety will evaluate your driving history to determine eligibility.
  • Discrepancy Clarification: You may be contacted by Campus Safety to clarify any details found on your MVR report.
  • Finality: If your application is denied at this stage, you are ineligible to continue. Decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

4. Sign Driver Agreement & Complete Safety Training

  • After your driving history is approved, you will receive an email link to sign the College Vehicle Driver Agreement and access the required online training courses (e.g., Driver Safety & Passenger Van Safety).
  • Submission: Email your signed agreement and official course completion certificates directly to driver.application@conncoll.edu.
  • Note: Only official completion certificates are accepted; academic or course transcripts will not be accepted.

5. Final Approval & Certification

  • Campus Safety will verify all submitted materials and issue a final determination on your application.
  • You will receive an official confirmation email once approved.

Important Policies & Guidelines

  • Apply in Advance & Time Sensitivity: This process is strictly time-sensitive. Applications with no action for two weeks or subject to unreasonable delays will be marked inactive and rejected. Because MVR checks vary by state and some states require additional forms sent by First Advantage, last-minute approval requests are often not feasible. Please submit your application as far in advance as possible.
  • Certification Status: You are not authorized to drive college vehicles until you receive an official email explicitly confirming your approval and addition to the certified driver list.
  • Accommodations: If you require accommodations at any stage of this process, please reach out to Campus Safety so we can assist you.
  • Questions & Inquiries: For questions or submitting completed documents, email driver.application@conncoll.edu.