What to Expect from DoT at AASHTO: Experience the Driver Challenge!

The future of mobility isn’t just about technology, it’s about people. And this year at the AASHTO conference, Drivers of Tomorrow (DoT) is proud to bring a powerful, hands-on exhibit that puts workforce development, empathy, and immersive training front and center.

Whether you’re a transportation leader, state DOT official, or simply curious about the next wave of transit innovation, our booth is a must-visit destination.

Our expected layout for our empathy based educational suite at AASHTO

Here’s what you can expect:

🚦 1. The Driver Empathy Challenge

Think you can handle driving a 40-foot bus through city traffic?

Step into our custom-built simulator where you’ll use everyday car controls to tackle five realistic driving zones. It’s not just a game, it’s an eye-opening experience that shows what bus operators face every day, from tight turns to pedestrian hazards. Perfect for decision-makers who want to feel the impact of transit design and policy.

A virtual driving scene similar to the one we'll show at the event.

🛞 2. Virtual Reality: Wheel Well & Beyond

Strap on a headset and dive under the bus, literally. Our mixed reality Wheel Well module lets participants explore bringing parts of the bus into your room! Alternatively, try the virtual reality version and explore the bus in fully immersive 3D. This virtual hands-on experience highlights key components, safety checks, and the complexities of electric transit maintenance, making it ideal for trainees, operators, engineers, technicians, and training leaders.

Mixed Reality wheel well training - a view from the user in a headset

First person view of the virtual reality training

🧠 3. Knowledge Quiz

Put your transportation smarts to the test with our interactive Knowledge Quiz. It’s a fun, fast-paced challenge covering everything from safety, driving best practices, and road awareness - a great way to kick off deeper conversations about the future of mobility.

Why It Matters

DoT is on a mission to bridge the gap between innovative tech and real-world readiness. At AASHTO, we’re showcasing how immersive training and empathy-driven design can unlock safer roads, smarter planning, and a stronger transit workforce. We believe the future of transportation depends on building understanding, not just infrastructure.

📍 Visit us at the AASHTO Exhibit Hall – Ballroom A

Whether you're looking to explore XR training, rethink how we prepare operators, or just want to have some fun behind a virtual wheel, we’ve got something for you.

We can’t wait to connect, share ideas, and experience the future - together.

#AASHTO #DriverChallenge #DoTChallenge