A Brief History of the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools

In the 1950s the Federal Government established guidelines and recommended standards for teaching truck drivers. Amous Nihard was the father of driver education. He was responsible for legislation in most states that determined the method of road instruction used today.

1960s — Many publicly funded colleges and schools see the need and start truck driver-training programs using Federal recommended standards.

1964-1984 — The colleges and schools hold many state and regional meetings. They begin to share ideas on curriculum, equipment, and facilities. They discuss the importance of working closely with trade allies to create partnerships.

1984-1986 — A group of private schools invites public schools to take part in their meetings of the National Association of Truck Driving Schools (NATDS).

1987 — The Federal Government begins work on the Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL).

1990 — The first meeting of the Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (APFTDS) is held. Representatives from schools throughout the country attend. A decade later “National” will be added to its name to reflect the Association’s growth nationally.

1990 1st Annual Convention – New Orleans, LA
1991 Chuck Collins – 2nd Annual Convention – Sparks, NV
1992 3rd Annual Convention – Tulsa, OK
1993 Barry Cope – 4th Annual Convention – Las Vegas, NV
1994 John Hale (appointed when Allan Bullis left a vacancy) – 5th Orlando, FL
1995 6th Annual – Charlotte, NC
1996 John Theroux  - 7th – Las Vegas, NV
1997 Van O’Neal – 8th – Orlando, FL
1998 Don Hess – 9th – Orlando, FL
1999 10th Orlando, FL
2000 Wade Westphal – 11th Orlando, FL
2001 12th – San Antonio, TX
2002 Robert McClanahan – 13th Las Vegas, NV
2003 14th – Memphis, TN
2004 Bill Fath – 15th – Las Vegas, NV
2005 16th – Nashville, TN
2006 Arlene Kirby – 17th – Orlando, FL
2007 Dave Terry – 18th – Houston, TX