Driving while on University of Oregon business — and following UO policy — just got easier and faster.

A new driver certification process started this month reduces the time to be certified from more than two weeks down to potentially a few minutes.

University policy requires employees to be certified, by documenting a solid driving record, while driving on any official UO business, whether using an employee's personal vehicle, a UO- or state-owned vehicle, a rental or something else.

The old process required a supervisor or administrative support colleague to put in a certification request on the driver's behalf and then wait weeks for state Department of Motor Vehicles records to show up before UO Parking and Transportation issued a paper card to the driver.

Now, drivers use an online form to vouch for themselves: They're asked to affirm any driving infractions and provide the name and email of a supervisor or department head who will sign off via email. After that approval, the certification is sent to the driver as an email with no need to carry it around; employees will usually only need to show proof of certification when obtaining a state motor pool vehicle.

New certifications are valid from the online approval date through the remainder of each academic year and expire Sept. 30. Certified drivers will get an email each year prompting them to renew by Sept. 30. Existing certification cards will be honored until their expiration dates.

Employees with any questions about the new program can call Parking and Transportation at 541-346-5444, or visit the Parking and Transportation website.