Chapter 1—Introduction

The Forest Service wants to ensure that you are fully qualified to operate Forest Service owned, leased, or rented vehicles and equipment safely and effectively (FSH 7109.19, sec. 60.3).

This orientation course includes reading material that covers:

• Working capital fund (WCF)
• Mileage records (USE)
• Use of the Government fleet fuel credit card
• Accident reporting procedures
• Official use of Government vehicles
• Preventive maintenance policies
• Scheduled maintenance and repairs
• Emergency repairs

Supplemental videos or other training materials may be provided by your local unit and include:

• Driving on mountain roads and under unique conditions
• All-wheel drive (4x4) vehicle operation
• Use of antilock brake systems (ABS) and air bags

This training pertains to the care and operation of the equipment during normal and emergency work assignments in Forest Service employment. Before you will be issued an OF-346 (U.S. Government Motor Vehicle Operator's Identification Card) or equivalent driver/operator authorization, you must possess a valid State driver's license for the types of Forest Service vehicles you will be driving, including any necessary endorsements (FSM 7134.1).

When you have finished reading this guide, you will be familiar with vehicle requirements and may be tested based on the information provided.

Additional training and testing will be required for vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and specialized equipment. Authorization to operate additional equipment will be added to your OF-346, after certification of successful completion of training and testing.

OF-346, U.S. Government Motor Vehicle Operator's Identification Card

Steps for Obtaining Your OF-346

The driver completes the following:

• Application for Authorization To Operate Government Vehicles and Equipment, sec. 1 (FS-7100-184)
• Physical Fitness Inquiry for Motor Vehicle Operators (OF-345)
• Current driver record information (National Driver Register or State record check)
• Forest Service driver orientation (this guide)
• Basic test (may be waived for vehicles under 10,000 GVWR, per local requirements)
• Specialized equipment training and test(s), if required

The driver's supervisor completes the following:

• Application for Authorization To Operate Government Vehicles and Equipment, sec. 2

The driver examiner completes the following:

• Application for Authorization To Operate Government Vehicles and Equipment, sec. 3

When you, your supervisor, and the driver-operator examiner have successfully completed all the requirements, you will be issued an OF-346 or equivalent. Your OF-346 must be accompanied by your valid State driver's license. Both must be in your possession at all times while driving or operating Government-owned or -leased vehicles and equipment (FSM 7134.2; FSH 7109.19, secs. 61.1 and 61.2)

You must complete the minimum required training and testing for specialized equipment. Previous training, testing, and experience—when verified—may be accepted for qualification in place of Forest Service on-the-job training. Experience must have been within the previous 4 years.

Your supervisor will have to verify your skills. Written and performance testing will still be required (FSH 7109.19, sec. 64.1).

A commercial driver's license is required for:

• Vehicles 26,001 pounds GVWR or heavier
  
  
• Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GTWR (gross trailer weight rating) of the towed unit is 10,000 pounds or more (some States have more restrictive license regulations for towing)
  
  
• Tank trucks carrying 1,000 gallons or more
  
  
• Passenger vehicles carrying more than 10 passengers in California or 16 or more passengers in all other States
  
  
• Vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placards or markings

You must be able to pass a physical and the commercial driver's license test(s) to qualify to operate these types of Forest Service vehicles. Employees whose position requires a commercial driver's license will be enrolled in the agency drug and alcohol testing program (FSH 7109.19, sec. 63.4) and shall maintain a current medical certificate, which must be carried while operating Forest Service vehicles.