School transportation departments across the country continue to face growing workforce challenges. As experienced drivers retire and recruitment becomes increasingly competitive, many districts are working to find ways to strengthen driver readiness, improve retention, and support long-term transportation operations. At the same time, school bus drivers continue to play a critical role in student safety and daily school operations.

Several factors contributing to ongoing driver shortages include:

• An aging workforce and driver retirements
• Increased competition from commercial driving positions
• CDL and endorsement requirements for new drivers
• Part-time schedules and split shifts
• The daily responsibilities tied to student safety and behavior management

As transportation departments work to recruit and retain qualified drivers, accessible theory training can help support workforce development efforts by reinforcing foundational knowledge, safety expectations, and professional confidence.

School Training Solutions offers flexible online theory training designed to support school bus drivers and today’s evolving transportation workforce.

Not every commercial driver starts with experience, but every driver starts in the same first place: theory training.

• Before the road time.
• Before the pre-trip inspections.
• Before the CDL is in hand.

There is a moment where a new driver decides: “I’m going to do this.” That’s where training matters most. It’s the difference between memorizing answers and building confidence. Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory isn’t just a requirement. It’s where drivers learn how to think instead of react, understand real-world safety, and see why procedures matter. Getting a CDL doesn’t start on the road. It starts with theory training.

That’s why Smart Horizons delivers ELDT theory training that helps future drivers:

• Start immediately, without scheduling delays
• Progress at a steady, manageable pace
• Build a strong foundation of knowledge

Have questions or need assistance? We’re here to help!

Smart Horizons is serving Utah via Contract #MA4886 to provide Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory. Details are available from the Utah Division of Purchasing and General Services.

Where drivers begin their journey,

Patrick Willi
850-475-4024 Office
800-261-6248 Customer Support
pdwilli@smarthorizons.org

Student transportation doesn’t operate in isolation. It connects directly to district leadership, priorities, and decisions that shape daily operations. That’s what makes this year’s keynote worth your time.

At the Oklahoma Association for Pupil Transportation’s 50th Annual Conference, Dr. Jason Perez, Superintendent of Deer Creek Public Schools, brings a rare perspective shaped by more than two decades in education as teacher, principal, state leader, and district superintendent.

His session goes beyond theory. It connects what happens on the route to what’s happening at the district level, including:

• Staffing and workforce challenges
• Operational expectations across multiple schools
• Safety priorities from leadership and communities

It’s a side of the conversation transportation professionals don’t always get to hear but one that directly impacts how teams train, plan, and operate.

Join us June 7–11 in Durant and be part of the session that sets the tone for the entire conference.

👉 Learn more and register today.

Ensure your drivers are prepared, compliant, and ready for the road.

Keeping school bus drivers trained and ready isn’t just about meeting requirements. It’s about maintaining safe, reliable transportation for your students every day.

School Training Solutions offers flexible, online training built specifically for school bus drivers and transportation teams. Whether you’re onboarding new drivers or supporting experienced staff, our programs are designed to fit your schedule without disrupting operations.

With STS, you can:

• Deliver required in-service training anytime, anywhere
• Support theory training requirements for new drivers
• Track completion and maintain records with ease
• Reduce administrative workload with streamlined reporting

In today’s environment, having a dependable, well-trained driver workforce is critical. STS helps you stay ahead without adding complexity.

Explore how School Training Solutions can support your team and keep your drivers moving safely.