Frequently Asked Questions

DoT is an acronym for DRIVERS OF TOMORROW. We are a one-stop-shop (hardware and software) for advanced driver training needs, offering full lifecycle training for operators, drivers, and trainers of buses, cars, and trucks. We provide all driver simulator hardware along with the relevant software for your vehicles and training curriculum, along with support and additional related tech including PCs, Virtual Reality headsets, virtual smells, haptic feedback systems, speaker transducers and exciters, and much more. Our modular bus driver simulator platform combines realistic VR pre-trip inspections, simulated Core & Advanced driving skills, and tablet/mobile training, helping transit agencies reduce costs, boost CDL pass rates, and train drivers anywhere, anytime.

Our address is: 3200 1st Avenue South, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98134 Full contact details can be found HERE The core mission of DoT is to provide next generation training experiences to bus drivers. While our solutions are currently focused on the United States, they can readily be adapted for anywhere in the world. While we focus on bus drivers, we also cater to other vehicles including cars, trucks, helicopters, airplanes, and spacecraft. For these extended use cases please refer to our parent company www.MXTreality.com

VR training is highly scalable, making it suitable for large bus operators and smaller transit authorities alike. Companies can deploy our virtual training solutions in small rooms or across multiple locations, ensuring consistent training quality and accessibility for a large number of drivers. We can adapt our devices, simulators, and software solutions to match your room size, trainee program size, and budget.

At Drivers of Tomorrow, we believe in playing our part to create learning programs that are accessible for all. Our training includes specific modules on providing exceptional service to all passengers, regardless of ability, ensuring every bus driver is equipped to handle diverse needs. We have experience creating experiences for empowerment, empathy, and research for a wide variety of disabilities and personal situations, with a special focus on paralysis, wheelchair use, body movements, vision concerns, neurodiverse behaviors, and many more. For additional information, please visit www.mxtreality.com

The best place to learn how to drive a bus depends on your location and the type of bus you want to drive. Generally, you'll need to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger and possibly school bus endorsements. Here are some options: Local Transit Agencies like King County Metro, Pierce Transit, or Lewis Transit - obviously, these are from the greater Seattle areas, so you should explore around where you live. Bus Driving Schools like Edison Truck and Bus Driving School in Los Angeles or Ferrari Driving School in New York offer professional CDL training. Community Colleges such as San Jacinto College in Texas provide CDL programs with bus and passenger endorsements. Training Centers/Education Service Centers offer state-mandated school bus driver safety certification courses. Other Organizations like IRU (International Road Transport Union) provide comprehensive bus driver training globally. Consider your location, the type of bus, cost, and certification requirements when choosing a training program. Most places require passing a CDL test and completing safety courses. But then of course, you have additional options... like learning to drive virtually. Our clients are currently the only ones in the world to offer fully virtual training (i.e. you can even potentially get a loaner VR and/or portable sim, and train at home or anywhere!) If you are in the Seattle area, you might just be in luck... yet fret not, more geographic locations coming soon!

Buses handle very differently from cars due to their size, weight, visibility, braking systems, and overall design. Understanding these differences is critical for anyone pursuing a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) or training to become a professional bus driver. Here are the key differences: Size and Weight: A bus is significantly longer, taller, and heavier than a car. This affects everything from acceleration and braking to cornering and clearance. Bus drivers must leave extra space for stops and turns. Turning Radius: Buses have a wider turning radius, meaning they need more space for left and right turns. This is especially important in urban and tight-route driving scenarios. Braking System: Most buses use air brakes, which feel and function differently than the hydraulic brakes in passenger vehicles. Air brakes require specific timing and pressure management, which can take practice to master. Maneuverability: Cars can easily weave through traffic or fit into tight parking spots. Buses are less agile and require careful planning for lane changes, backing, and tight turns, especially when passengers are on board. Visibility and Blind Spots: Bus drivers sit much higher, which improves forward visibility, but also creates larger blind spots. Proper mirror usage and scanning techniques are essential to safe operation. Suspension and Ride Feel: Buses are designed to carry many passengers comfortably. Their suspension systems and weight distribution give them a smoother ride, but also a different response to turns, bumps, and braking. Why This Matters in Training At DoT, our bus driver simulators and VR training platforms are designed to replicate all of these key differences, giving drivers a safe, immersive space to learn how a bus handles, without risking real-world consequences. Trainees using Drivers of Tomorrow can practice: Mastering wide turns and off-tracking Managing air brakes and stopping distances Navigating urban streets and tight spaces Improving mirror checks and lane awareness And so much more! Learning to drive a bus isn’t just about size, it’s about developing an entirely different set of skills and habits. Our simulators make that process safer, faster, and more effective. We also offer empathy emulator simulators that allow you to drive a bus with the physical controls of a car, perfect for new drivers, trainee bus drivers, or anyone who wants a better appreciation of what it takes to drive a large vehicle safely. Read our blog or here or here for more.

At Drivers of Tomorrow, we are dedicated to preparing the next generation of bus drivers and transit operators with cutting-edge training and technology. Our comprehensive curriculum equips both new and experienced drivers with the skills they need to safely and efficiently navigate today’s ever-evolving transit environment. Our virtual bus driver training is a state-of-the-art Software as a Service (SaaS) solution that provides an immersive, computer-generated simulation, designed to give bus drivers highly realistic driving experiences. This comprehensive training platform allows drivers to practice and refine their skills in a safe, controlled environment by simulating a wide range of driving conditions and scenarios. From navigating challenging weather conditions to handling busy urban traffic, our virtual training prepares drivers for real-world situations without the risks of on-road training. Our driver specific training software is comprised of a suite of modules that can be experienced on virtual reality (VR) headsets and multiple 2D monitors and screens. Our non-driving software helps trainees learn about vehicles, maintenance, pre-trip inspections, emergencies, customer engagement, and more and works on mobile phones, iPads, computers, and the web, as well as any headset or similar device that can handle virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality devices.

Yes, We’re developing a comprehensive electric and low-no emission buses curriculum! With 5339(c) grants, many transit agencies can access customized training through us, often at low-no prices! Learn more on this webpage

Our curriculum includes bus knowledge, driving techniques, and real-life scenarios, with a focus on pre-trip inspections, beginner through expert driving skills, and safety procedures.

Our training program is compatible with various devices including mobile phones, tablets, computers, and VR headsets, allowing for flexible, anytime, anywhere learning.

We continuously update our software and training modules based on feedback from transit training staff and changes in industry standards to ensure relevance and effectiveness. We have a two year roadmap, and clients can expect updates quarterly.

We provide comprehensive support including installation assistance, regular software updates, maintenance services, and customer support to ensure seamless operation

Our solutions provide engaging and interactive training experiences, which improve knowledge retention, increase pass rates, and make learning enjoyable, ultimately attracting and retaining more drivers. Further, our hardware and software solutions are built in close collaboration with our transit training clients. These solutions are built by you and for you!

Yes, our modules are designed to cater to drivers at all levels, from novices to experienced professionals, offering tailored learning experiences to meet their specific needs. For beginners, we recommend starting with the mobile modules that include general knowledge quizzes, 3D components, Augmented Reality parts of the bus, 360 training modules, and Virtual Reality modules. For those new to driving the bus, we recommend our virtual cabin experiences. For expert drivers, we have an array of unlimited advanced settings allowing users to never have the same experience twice. Some of these levels are gamified, so you can try your skills against your peers. We also have specialized training, safety training, retraining, and scenario reenactments for unique situations that require special knowledge and attention.

In addition to training for pre-trip inspections, driving situations and scenarios, and general bus knowledge, our training programs include specific modules on vehicle maintenance, emergency situations, and passenger interaction. Key elements of this holistic approach includes mini-quizes, guided testing, and self-testing to ensure that drivers can not only safely operate the bus but also manage the day-to-day complexities of transit operations. We partner with transit agencies and authorities to provide comprehensive testing and certification for drivers. While we do not offer direct certification, our courses prepare drivers to meet all the regulatory requirements, ensuring they are fully qualified to operate in a variety of urban and rural environments. After completing our curriculum, drivers undergo rigorous state-specific tests to evaluate their knowledge and skills, from operational safety to passenger accessibility. We aim to collaborate with transit authorities to ensure every operator is ready to serve the public with the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

Simply contact our sales team for a consultation. We'll guide you through the process, from selecting the right modules and hardware to installation and training. For more details see https://www.driversoftomorrow.com/contact