Driver Training Overview

 

 

Nebraska Public Transit partners offer driver training to support the safety and professionalism of transit systems across the state. Training is developed and facilitated by the Nebraska Safety Center (NSC), a program of the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK).

 

These courses are available to drivers employed by Nebraska transit agencies that receive 5310 or 5311 funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT).

 

Since Jan. 1, 2014, all 5311 sub-recipients receiving state or federal operating assistance for public transit systems in Nebraska must comply with driver training requirements (listed on the right). This applies to all transit drivers—including full-time, part-time, substitute and volunteer drivers. Non-compliance may affect future funding. The NSC maintains the official training records and driver list.

 

Costs & Reimbursement

 

All courses—whether in-person or online—are 100% reimbursable to transit systems. The NDOT funds the training through the Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) and funds are administered by the NDOT's Local Assistance Division. RTAP reimbursement requests for in-state travel should be submitted via the Transit Manager Portal.

 

Eligible reimbursements include:

  • Allowable travel expenses

  • Straight-time driver compensation

 

Transit Manager Responsibilities

 

  • Add and update driver records via the online dashboard
  • Ensure drivers are registered for required courses on time
  • Submit reimbursement requests for eligible training expenses

 

 

Driver Training Requirements

 

*Scroll to the bottom of the page to see course offerings

 

In-Person Courses (Required & Refresher)

 

View the 2025–26 driver training schedule for in-person courses through the Transit Manager Portal. These courses meet the required training as proposed by the NDOT and currently required by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Requirements include:

 

  • Core Curriculum (both required within 2 months of hire)

    • Defensive Driving (8 hours)

    • Passenger Service and Safety (PASS) (8 hours)

  • Electives and Refreshers (2 hours each)
    Drivers must complete 4 hours of continuing education annually, with at least one in-person course. Available in-person electives:

    • Emergency & Evacuation Procedures
    • Defensive Driving & Emergency Procedures
    • Advanced Mobility Device Securement
    • Distracted Driving
    • Dealing with Difficult Passengers
    • CPR/First Aid

 

Online Courses (Optional Continuing Ed)

 

Provided through UNK's NU Advance, a system-wide platform that hosts online continuing education courses, these self-paced modules offer a flexible way to enhance driver knowledge. These are not required, but may count toward the 2 hours of annual continuing education that can be completed online.  If registering drivers for online training, please follow these enrollment instructions.  

 

 

 

Need Help?

   

Rural Transit Lead Trainer

Mitchell Locken
Nebraska Safety Center – UNK
lockenm@unk.edu
402-817-2013

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

Driver Training Bootcamp

 

This two-day interactive training includes Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity (PASS) and Defensive Driving (DD). Participants may attend one or both days—typically, PASS on day one and DD on day two. In addition to the standard 8-hour curriculum, Bootcamps feature guest speakers, hands-on activities, door-to-door and driving simulations, fire-extinguisher demos, and other engaging exercises. Breakfast and lunch are provided each day.

 

Defensive Driving (DD)

 

This 8-hour course includes several topics pertaining to transportation drivers and providers, with an emphasis on safe driving techniques. Including: 

 

  • Professional Excellence
  • The Fatal Four
  • Risk Management
  • SIPDE Defensive Driving process
  • Vehicle Dynamics
  • Managing and Eliminating Driver Distractions
  • Rules of the Road
  • Restraints and Airbags
  • Safe Vehicle Operations

 

 

 

 

   

Defensive Driving Core Refresher

 

This core refresher course meets the 2-hour professional development requirement and reviews topics introduced in the 8-hour Defensive Driving training. Classroom topics include:

 

  • Professionalism
  • The Three D’s: Drunk, Distracted, Drowsy
  • Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
  • SIPDE Defensive Driving System
  • Signs, Signals, and Markings
  • Laws and Regulations
  • Train Safety

Distracted Driving

 

This continuing education course meets the annual 2-hour professional development requirement. Attendees learn how to recognize and mitigate distracted driving. Classroom topics include: 

 

  • Common distracted driving behaviors
  • The types of distracted driving
  • Cell phone use while driving
  • Hands-free devices
  • Preventing distracted driving

 

 

 

 

 

PASS

 

This 8-hour course guides driver-passenger interaction, including hands-on activities with wheelchair securement and lift operation. Classroom topics include:

 

  • You, the Driver
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Disability Awareness
  • Mobility Equipment
  • Transporting an Aging Society
  • Accidents and Emergencies

 

PASS Core Refresher

 

This core refresher course meets the 2-hour professional development requirement and reviews topics introduced in the eight-hour PASS training, including:

 

  • Driver Responsibilities
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Disability Awareness
  • Mobility Devices and Lift Operation
  • Transporting the Aging Passenger
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Accidents and Emergencies
  • Evacuations

 

 

 

 

  

Advanced Wheelchair Securement

 

This continuing education course meets the annual 2-hour professional development requirement. Attendees learn and practice mobility device securement. Classroom topics include:

 

  • Wheelchair and mobility device securement.
  • A demonstration of proper securement techniques.
  • Hands on opportunity to secure wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

Dealing with Difficult Passengers

 

This continuing education course meets the annual two-hour professional development requirement. Attendees learn techniques to improve driver and passenger safety when dealing with difficult passengers. Classroom topics include:

 

  • Responsibilities of the agency, driver, and passenger
  • Communication
  • Managing difficult situations
  • Managing emotions
  • Approaching the agitated passenger
  • Review of disability awareness

 

 

 

 

 

   

Heartsaver First Aid, CPR & AED

 

The American Heart Association’s Heartsaver course prepares students to provide first aid, CPR, and use an AED safely and effectively. Instructor-led in a classroom setting, the course includes hands-on practice, group interaction, and skills testing. Topics include first aid basics, medical and injury emergencies (e.g., choking, bleeding, burns), environmental emergencies (e.g., bites, temperature-related issues, poisoning), and responding to life-threatening situations with CPR and AED use.

 

Heartsaver CPR & AED

 

This class is for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs training in CPR and AED. Students will learn how to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); use an automated external defibrillator (AED); and relieve choking in a safe, timely, and effective manner.

 

 

 

   

Heartsaver First Aid

 

This class covers first aid basics (scene safety, identifying the problem, calling for help), medical emergencies (choking, breathing issues, shock), injury emergencies (bleeding, broken bones, burns), and environmental emergencies (bites and stings, temperature-related issues, poisoning). The course includes hands-on skills practice and testing with the instructor.

Emergency & Evacuation Procedures

 

This continuing education course meets the annual 2-hour professional development requirement. Attendees learn proper procedures for emergency and evacuation situations, including:

  • Vehicle and personal preparation
  • Hazards and Threats
  • Managing a crisis
  • When to evacuate
  • Assisting the passengers
  • Situations which may require evacuation
  • Deciding the best way to evacuate
  • Identifying the escape routes in the vehicle

 

 

   

 

NATP Statewide Roadeo and Driver’s Training

 

Put your skills to the test and learn from the best at the annual NATP Statewide Roadeo and Driver’s Training. This hands-on event offers public transit drivers across Nebraska the chance to sharpen their abilities, receive valuable training, and compete in a fun, supportive environment. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with peers, celebrate excellence in transit, and promote safety and professionalism behind the wheel. More details coming soon!

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

New Transit Driver Training 

 

 

Distracted and Aggressive Driving

 

 

Inclement Weather Driving

 

 

PPE Safe Service Solutions

 

ADA Hot Topics

 

 

ADA and Emergency Procedures in Rural Transit 

 

 

Customer Service Across Generations and Riders' Needs First in Transit