Supervisor Recommendation - DTC
Driver Trainer Certification Program Covers:
- Student Transportation Orientation
- Presentation Skills
- Student Needs and Management
- DOT Reasonable Suspicion Certification
- DOT Clearinghouse
- Entry-Level Driver Requirements Review
- Missouri Code of State Regulations
- How to Develop a Safety Program
- Students with Disabilities and Proper Securement Usage
- Accident & Emergency Response and Preparedness
- How to prepare CDL Candidates for the Test:
- Pre-Trip
- Skills Course
- On Road
- Resources for Transportation Review
And more
Click Here to see list of current Certified School Bus Driver Trainers
Missouri School Bus Driver
Trainer Certification Program
"Train the Trainer"
Next Session - Fall 2026
The Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation (MOAPT) is thrilled to offer the "Certified School Bus Driver Trainer Course", also known as the “Train the Trainer” Program, to both members and non-members of MOAPT!
In collaboration with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), this program delivers essential training for school districts and contractor staff. Designed for maximum flexibility, convenience, and cost savings, the course is structured into three easy-to-follow phases. Completion of all three phases is required to attain certification.
The MOAPT Certified Driver Trainer Program equips staff to train school bus drivers to DESE standards, ELDT, DOT Clearinghouse and prepares them for national certification through NAPT. For more on the NAPT certification, visit www.napt.org.
Program Phases:
Phase 1: Online Sessions through NAPT PDS
- Complete coursework online, on your schedule.
- Requires reliable internet access.
- Deadline to complete May 1, 2026.
Phase 2: Webinar
- Attend one live webinar (9:00 am – 2:00 pm):
- Dates: April: 21 or May 5, 2026
- Requires reliable internet access.
Phase 3: In-Person Session
- Attend a 1-day in-person session (9:30 am – 3:30 pm). Lunch is included.
- Locations & Dates:
o East Area: May 12, 2026 – St. Louis Area
o Central Area: June 9, 2026 – Columbia Area
o West Area: June 11, 2026 – Kansas City Area
o Additional sessions may be offered.
Certification Maintenance:
- Keep your "S" endorsement up to date.
- Attend an MOAPT recertification event every three years.
Qualifications to Attend:
- CDL Class C or higher with Passenger & School Bus Endorsement.
- Minimum of 2 years of school bus driving experience to meet ELDT requirements.
- Must meet school bus driver qualifications in Missouri.
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Program Fee: $400.00
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Includes lunch on the in-person training day
The Initial Certification is valid for three years. To maintain certification attendance at a recertification session every three years or more often if desired is required.
Driver Trainer Recertification
Recertification is offered twice a year:
- Option 1 - Annual Conference and Trade Show
- Recertification is included in the Full and 1-Day registration at no additional costs
- The Conference is typically held the week after the fourth of July week
- Look for details and registration to be posted each January
- Option 2 - Columbia MO
- First week of August (August 5, 2025)
- 10:00 am - 1:30 pm
- Fee: $215.00, Includes Lunch
- Details and registration is typically available in late May
Driver Trainer Endorsements
MOAPT recognizes driver trainers as a vital part of school bus operations. Initial training serves as a foundational step, but deeper, specialized training in various areas is essential to ensure drivers are equipped to meet the evolving needs of students, staff, and communities.
To support this, MOAPT is developing advanced training modules called "Endorsements" for those who have completed the MOAPT Certified Driver Trainer program. Driver trainers who initially received their training through Warrensburg must complete the MOAPT Certified Driver Trainer program to qualify for these endorsement trainings.
In 2025, MOAPT will launch its first endorsement program in "Special Needs Transportation." Individuals who have completed the MOAPT School Bus Driver Trainer Certification Program are eligible to enroll. The endorsement class will take place in at MOAPT annual conference on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
