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DGS Home Reservations Driver Authorizations Vehicle Use Policies Emergency Contacts Vehicles & Field Trips Forms 		Vehicles

DGS Vehicle Information

The Department maintains a fleet of 9, large capacity vehicles to support faculty and student field trips, field courses, and field research.

Our fleet currently consists of:

Door No. License No. Year Make Model Capacity
002 879-985 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 8
003 879-984 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 8
004 879-983 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 8
005 226-638 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 8
007 856-057 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 8
008 767-611 1999 Dodge Van 12
009 898-885 2006 Ford Van 12
010 026-809 2008 Chevrolet Van 12
017 831-972 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 8
021 220-282 2006 Chevrolet Pick-up 3
           
     

Fleet seating Capacity  =   

87

Reservations:


DGS vehicles are reserved through the department’s administrative office. Reservations should be made at least 48 hours before a trip. Requests are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis with the following priorities of use: 1) field courses, 2) class field trips, 3) student or faculty research and 4) other travel.

To submit a vehicle reservation, complete a Vehicle Reservation Form and return it to Lou Harwell in JGB 2.104, or to her via email. The reservation form must be filled out in its entirety; forms missing an account or course number for mileage charges will be returned for completion.

View the current DGS Vehicle Reservation Calendar.

Driver Authorizations:


To drive a state-owned vehicle you must first be authorized to do so. To be authorized requires:
  • A valid Texas Driver’s License (TDL).
  • An active appointment with UT Austin on the dates a vehicle is reserved. Examples: TA, RA, faculty or staff member. Simply being an enrolled student or having a fellowship appointment are not sufficient.
  • Successfully completing the iDrive Safely online course. Instructions for registering for the iDrive safely course are available below in the Policies and Forms area, or by contacting Danny Vinzant. After completing the course, the resulting "certificate of completion" (or a copy) must be on file with Danny.
  • Have a vetted driving record. This procedure, which requires a TDL, can take up to 4 weeks. Provide your date of birth and TDL# to Danny to initiate this process.

DGS Vehicle Use Policies:

  1. Only those who are authorized (see above) can drive. All passengers must complete and return a UT/Department liability waiver.
  2. Drivers are responsible for completing the vehicle mileage log in its entirety for every trip. View an example of a correct mileage log. All gas receipts must be saved and stowed in the vehicle log book.
  3. Vehicles must be returned on time and parked in designated/approved spaces.
  4. Moving violation and parking tickets are the responsibility of the driver.
  5. Safety first at all times. Drivers will ensure that all occupants are wearing a seatbelt and that all cargo is properly secured.
  6. Open alcoholic beverages are not permitted in UT vehicles at any time.
  7. Driving is not permitted between midnight and 6am.
  8. Upon returning the vehicle:
    • Clean the vehicle exterior and interior – this includes removing all trash from the vehicle, vacuuming, returning seats to their original position, and washing the vehicle at the UT car wash, if warranted.
    • Return keys and credit cards promptly upon return to JGB 2.104 or, if after hours, to the JGB 2.106 drop box.
    • Report any vehicle problems, no matter how seemingly trivial, to JGB 2.104 via email or in person.
    • Return any department equipment to its proper place.

 

Emergency Contacts:


For emergencies requiring medical attention, call 9-1-1. For a collision on campus call UTPD at 471-4441. 

If problems occur while on a local trip contact:

  1. Call DGS Main Office (512) 471-4982. If unavailable, call DGS Machine Shop (512) 471-4982.
  2. If no one at DGS is available, call the UT Manor Rd. Automotive Shop,
    (512) 471-4668.
  3. After hours, in the Austin area, call AusTex Towing & Recovery at (512) 836-7443 and have the vehicle towed to the UT Manor Rd. Automotive Shop.

Outside the Austin area, the Comdata gas credit cards can be used for repairs at any repair service that accepts MasterCard. If repair estimates exceed $300, please call the main office (471-4982) for authorization.

DGS Vehicles & Field Trips:


Please visit the Field Trip page for further information and forms required for field trips and field courses.

 

Forms and Documents for Vehicles:
 

Driving a Department Vehicle (pdf)
Vehicle Reservation Form (pdf)
Login Instructions for I Drive Safely Online Driver Course (pdf)
Sample UT Vehicle Mileage Log (xls)
Vehicle Return Checklist (pdf)

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