Is It Safe to Fast-Track Driver Trainees?
A dire need of drivers, both substitute and regular, has prompted some school districts and contractors to “fast-track” recruits through the pre-servi...
A dire need of drivers, both substitute and regular, has prompted some school districts and contractors to “fast-track” recruits through the pre-service training program. The question, however, is whether these new drivers are fully prepared for their responsibilities. Driver trainers have a range of opinions on the subject. “I often try to put trainees on the fast track because they can sometimes draw out the training process by not making training a priority,” says Jason Sherman, contract manager for First Student Inc. in Bloomington, Ill. “Often there are other jobs, school, etc., to work around and before you know it the training either drags on and on or just fizzles out.” He adds, however, that trainees are tested only when the trainer is confident that they are ready. “There should not be time limits,” says Tonya, a driver trainer in Ohio. “Each individual is different and may take longer than someone else to train. I feel our jobs as bus drivers should not be taken lightly and increased time for a new driver to learn is to our benefit.” “I agree that putting a green recruit on the road should not be the norm,” says Larry Morris, transportation director at Northwestern Lehigh School District in Tripoli, Pa. Morris says that his pre-service training program spans 28 hours, eight beyond state requirements. But he adds that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation allows certification at the mid-point of training due to the need for drivers. Morris points out that a shortage of drivers creates its own concerns. “There is a danger to safety when assignments and schedules are stretched to compensate for a lack of drivers,” he explains.
More Management

Annette Brown Always Takes the Extra Time: Meet Our 2026 School Bus Driver Hero
For more than 30 years, the Wa-Nee Community Schools driver has treated students like family, combining safety, compassion, and servant leadership to make a lasting difference on and beyond the school bus.
Read More →How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?
Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.
Read More →
School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships
STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport; Durham School Services adds a new district in California; First Student expands in New Jersey; and Minnesota Coaches rebrands and acquires Halo Transportation.
Read More →
Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families
A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.
Read More →
From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT
A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.
Read More →
NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee
Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership, plus its newest Hall of Famer.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.
Read More →
How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict
What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.
Read More →

