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Demystifying ELDT: What Every CDL Applicant Needs to Know

Semi trucks on the highway
Demystifying ELDT Regulations

Some say obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) has become more complicated because of the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

We disagree!

License/Endorsement ELDT Verification Occurs Before: Is Theory Training Required? Is Behind-the-Wheel Training Required?
Class A CDL (new or upgrade) CDL skills test Yes Yes – Range and Public Road
Class B CDL CDL skills test Yes Yes – Range and Public Road
Passenger (P) endorsement P skills test Yes Yes – Range or Public Road
School bus (S) endorsement S skills test Yes Yes – Range or Public Road
Hazardous materials (H) endorsement H knowledge test Yes No

FSCMA Training Provider Registry Frequently Asked Questions

All CDL applicants are also subject to an age requirement, a DOT physical, fingerprinting, and a background check to confirm identity, driving history, and training.

Smart Horizons provides online theory training that can be completed on your schedule.

Questions? We’re here to help!

Forward this email to anyone who could benefit from this training.

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.

ELDT Theory Training Contact Us

Here to support your journey,

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

Posted in Blog on October 30th, 2025. No Comments.



Strengthen Your Emergency Preparedness


OAPT Conference
Emergency Procedures: Best Practices

Recent events may have prompted you, your department, or your organization to reevaluate Emergency Procedures. Our friends at School Training Solutions are proud to provide these FREE Emergency Procedures: Best Practices.

Download Infographic Contact

*Download time may vary based on internet speed.

OKAPT continues to be a driving force for pupil transportation safety. We are known for quality conferences, innovative training, and influencing legislative initiatives for transportation safety. As always, if we can assist your transportation department in any way, please reach out.

We’re driving the force forward,
 
OKAPT Training
P.O. Box 1626
Guthrie, OK 73044
405-514-4606

 

Posted in Blog on October 21st, 2025. No Comments.



STS Highlights: October 2025

October

STS Highlights: October 2025

Staying Safe on Halloween, Staying Connected, and Looking Ahead

This fall brings both exciting opportunities and important reminders for our community. Safety remains a top priority, whether it’s staying alert on Halloween night or making sure your department is prepared with updated emergency procedures. We’re here to provide resources that help with planning, training, and response so you can stay focused on what matters most. At the same time, we’re looking forward to the NAPT 2025 Conference and Trade Show in Grand Rapids. As a longtime NAPT Partner, we’re eager to connect with you, share updates on our online training courses, and work together to meet training needs at every level including state, district, school, and department.

Thank you for your continued partnership,

    Patrick


Success

Our Annual Halloween Reminder – Vigilance Saves Lives

Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for children. Please stay alert while driving. Trick-or-treaters are often excited, distracted, and hard to see. Slow down, stay vigilant, and watch your surroundings to help keep everyone safe.

See Halloween Safety Tips


Experience NAPT ACTS 2025

It’s not too late to be part of the 2025 NAPT ACTS!

The NAPT 2025 Conference & Trade Show brings together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the country to share best practices, explore new solutions, and shape the future of school transportation. We look forward to seeing you in Grand Rapids, MI!

Register for the Conference


Child boarding bus

Basics of ELDT Requirements

Some say obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) has become more complicated with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. We disagree! At its core, ELDT involves theory training, behind-the-wheel and/or range training, and a skills or knowledge test. CDL applicants must also meet age requirements, pass a DOT physical, complete fingerprinting, and undergo a background check to verify identity, driving history, and training. Smart Horizons makes it easier by offering online THEORY training.

ELDT Answers

Smart Horizons Training


Active Shooter Response Training

Active Shooter Response Training

We recognize that this is a difficult but necessary topic. To help schools and staff prepare, we offer Active Shooter Response Training designed to promote awareness, prevention, and readiness. The course includes two independent lessons (2 Hours / .02 CEUs) and is available for immediate enrollment.

This theory training is built to provide staff with clear, practical guidance for protecting themselves and others should the unthinkable occur.

Enroll in Training


STS Universal crossing signals

Emergency Procedures: Best Practices for Safety

Recent events may have prompted you, your department, or your organization to revisit emergency procedures. This Best Practices flyer is available as a quick reference to support planning, training, and response.

Flyer Download Options


SS Titanic

AI Continues to Improve

ChatGPT passed the Turing Test. Now what? In a recent trial, 73% of participants believed they were talking to a human, sparking fresh questions about the future of machine and artificial intelligence.

Read the Article at the Popular Science Website


Children running to the school bus

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Customize Your Training Plan

We offer a custom option that allows districts to choose the exact lessons your team needs. Whether you’re focusing on in-service, professional development, or building career ladders, you can tailor a training plan that aligns with your goals.

Peruse Our Course Catalog

Create a Training Plan


Children running to the school bus

We’ll See You in Grand Rapids, MI!

As a longtime NAPT Partner, we are always excited for the NAPT Conference and Trade Show. You can find me at the Trade Show, in sessions, and at other conference activities. I’ll be available to answer questions about our online training courses and look forward to working with state, district, school, and department leaders to meet their training needs.

Learn More About the NAPT Conference

Learn More About School Training Solutions


Posted in Blog on October 16th, 2025. No Comments.



It’s Not Too Late: Secure Your Spot at NAPT 2025!

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ACTS 2025

Be There When the Industry Comes Together

Advance Your Career with Resources from NAPT

It’s not too late to be part of the premier event in pupil transportation!

The NAPT 2025 Conference & Trade Show brings together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the country to share best practices, explore new solutions, and shape the future of school transportation.

  • Gain insights from expert speakers
  • Network with peers and partners
  • Explore the latest products and technologies
  • Earn valuable professional development credits

You don’t want to miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.

Register today to secure your place at NAPT ACTS 2025!

Conference Registration

We look forward to seeing you there,

Patrick Willi
School Training Solutions
pwilli@schooltrainingsolutions.com
1-800-261-6248  Customer Support

Posted in Blog on October 9th, 2025. No Comments.



Strengthen Your Emergency Preparedness


Police lights
Emergency Procedures: Best Practices
School Bus

Recent events may have prompted you, your department, or your organization to reevaluate Emergency Procedures. Please feel free to utilize this Best Practices Flyer as a quick reference resource for planning, training, and response.

If you have a training need, we’re confident we have courses that will benefit your employees, strengthen organizational preparedness, and help you meet compliance and training goals. Our programs are designed to be flexible, practical, and immediately applicable in the workplace.

Explore our catalog today and let us know how we can support your safety and professional development initiatives.

*Download time may vary based on internet speed.

Full Course Catalog* 21st Century Training Topics Contact

Simplify your training,

Patrick Willi
School Training Solutions
pwilli@schooltrainingsolutions.com
1-800-261-6248 Customer Support

Posted in Blog on October 2nd, 2025. No Comments.



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