The 50th Annual OKAPT Conference & Trade Show was a fantastic opportunity to connect with transportation professionals from across Oklahoma and beyond. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended, participated in presentations, and shared their insights throughout the week.

This year’s conference theme, “Driving the Force Forward,” highlighted the dedication and innovation that continue to shape student transportation. From discussions about driver recruitment and retention to evolving training requirements and safety initiatives, one thing was clear: transportation departments are committed to preparing for the future while continuing to provide safe and reliable service every day.

For 20 years, Smart Horizons School Training Solutions has proudly partnered with OKAPT to support the online certification course, an innovation in itself. Whether you are onboarding new drivers, maintaining compliance, providing annual in-service training, or meeting ELDT theory requirements, our programs are built to help districts train efficiently without sacrificing quality.

We appreciate everything you do to support students and communities across Oklahoma. We look forward to continuing the conversation and helping your team move forward with confidence.

OKAPT Training
P.O. Box 1626
Guthrie, OK 73044
405-514-4606

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

Smart Horizons is serving Utah via Contract #MA4886 to provide Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory!

Ready to add a School Bus (S) Endorsement to your CDL? Our Smart Horizons ELDT Theory Course streamlines the process.

As an FMCSA-approved Training Provider, we meet federal ELDT requirements. Once you complete the theory course, your record is automatically submitted to the Training Provider Registry (TPR), keeping you compliant and ready for the next step.

To qualify for an S Endorsement, drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Pass a DOT medical exam
• Complete fingerprinting
• Clear a TSA background check

With Smart Horizons, you can complete the theory training requirement online, on your schedule, and be fully prepared for behind-the-wheel instruction and the skills test.

📩 Questions? We’re here to help!

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

Online curriculum tracks and individual lessons are also available without TPR reporting.

Stay safe and drive smart,

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

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