Becoming a Pilot/Escort Driver in Western Australia requires a bit of thought and consideration, here are some helpful tips on getting started.

 

Western Australia has an Accreditation Scheme in place for Pilot/Escort Drivers, read the Guidelines below for more information.

 

If you are lucky enough to be employed by a Company that uses their own Pilot/Escort Drivers and vehicles, then skip Paras 1 - 5.

 

 

Assessment

   1.  Discuss with a reputable Pilot/Escort Contracting Company as to the viability, do a Business Plan

   2.  Talk to your Accountant about which is the best way to setup and operate;

             a.  Individual or Business or Company (pros and cons),

             b.  Banking, Invoicing, Purchases, Accounting Practices, etc,

             c.  Who's going to do your Bookkeeping (you, wife, bookkeeper, accountant, etc),

   3.  Means of Communications, e.g.,

             a.  mobile phone - for taking job bookings and general communications,

              b.  laptop, notebook - emails, web access for road & route information, electronic record keeping such as Guides, Invoicing, etc

   4.  If you already own a vehicle, assess;

             a.  will it be suitable for the work you are planning, e.g., working on the bitumen or driving offroad out to the mines,, etc

             b.  is it going to be reliable, free of breakdowns, 50,000kms plus each year is a regular mileage for pilots,

             c.  fuel is going to be a big expense - diesel and petrol/gas are the preferred,

              d.  if you are going to be on the road for days at a time, is it big enough to live out of,

   5.  Otherwise consider a new vehicle

   6.  If you are going to be away overnight or more, consider setting up living quarters in the vehicle, cheaper than staying in a Motel or

        Caravan Park every night.   There may be occasions that you are not anywhere near accommodation and meals, best to start off with the

        basics and add as you go.   To fully set up an existing vehicle could cost over $10,000, depending on your needs

   7.  If you are operating as a Individual/Business/Company, you may not get paid for jobs completed up to 30 days, sometimes more!   This             will mean that you will need some financial reserves to pay for operating costs up to 60 - 90 days (this could be up to $5.000)

 

 All Systems are go

   8. Main Roads WA has just recently changed the requirements for Pilot/Escort Drivers (28/11/2016), so please go to their Website and

       download the relevant information - 

• How to apply for a Pilot Licence,

• Medical Assessment Instructions,

• Medical Assessment of Fitness to Drive for Commercial Drivers,

• List of Accredited RTO's,       

• ​

   9.  Once you have completed your Training, head to WA Main Roads with your;

• Statement of Attendance,

• Drivers Lic.

• Medical Asesssment Form,

• appropriate fee and register for your Pilots Accreditation, WA Main Roads will carry out the following checks before your Accreditation can be issued;

• Criminal History check,

• Driving History check,

 10.  Register you vehicle as a Commercial Vehicle (if required),

 11.  Advise you vehicle Insurer as to the operational purpose of your vehicle,

 12.  Arrange for                                            - $20 million cover is the norm,

 

Up and Running

 13.  If you haven't got a customer or customers, register yourself with a reputable Pilot/Escort Provider, ring around and ask other Pilots

        who is the best to work for.

 14.  Have a look at the National Pilot Vehicle Drivers Association (NPVDA) website,                                 , this association keeps you up to                date with what is going on around the industry and Gov't Notices.   The NPVDA is a good source of Industry information and contacts.