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
Check Back for More Information and Registration
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 Certified Driver Trainer program. Current Certified School Bus Driver Trainers are elgible to take the following "Endorsements":
Special Needs Endorsement
This endorsement provides advanced training designed to support transportation professionals serving students with special needs. Participants will gain practical knowledge and skills to enhance safety, communication, and student success.
Topics include:
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- Behavior management strategies
- Understanding special needs classifications and eligibility criteria
- Current best practices in special needs transportation
- Wheelchair and occupant securement procedures
- Reading and understanding IEPs and transportation plans
- Effectively contributing as a member of the IEP team
- Creating a safe, supportive transportation environment that promotes student confidence, independence, and success
This course is designed to help transportation professionals become active partners in supporting students while ensuring safe and appropriate transportation services that align with each student's educational needs and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) requirements.
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Emergency Planning and Response
This special endorsement focuses on advanced preparation to help transportation professionals anticipate, prepare for, and respond to a wide range of emergencies, from routine incidents to the most critical situations. Student transportation operates in an environment filled with constantly changing conditions, unexpected challenges, and situations that often occur without warning.
Participants will explore practical strategies and best practices for managing emergencies such as medical incidents, severe weather, vehicle crashes, breakdowns, student-related emergencies, and unauthorized individuals boarding a bus. Emphasis will be placed on planning, communication, decision-making, and maintaining student safety during high-stress events.
By the end of the course, participants will have a stronger understanding of emergency preparedness principles and leave with practical ideas to help strengthen their transportation operation's readiness while enhancing the safety of their students, staff, and community.
