Plow operators sharpen skills with in-person, virtual trainings

December 1, 2025

Snowplow drivers from Anoka County, City of Minneapolis, City of St. Paul, Ramsey County, and Washington County gathered to tune up their driving skills on a variety of course configurations at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for the 10th annual Snow Plow Operations Training (SPOT) Roadeo event September 15–26.

Participants from the partnering agencies are pictured at right during V.I.P. and Media Day on September 19—an opportunity for local government officials and area media to learn how agencies educate and train operators, while drivers get valuable hands-on experience driving through the training course.

A partnership between MnLTAP, MnDOT, and Driving Training Services facilitated trainers’ visits to eight locations across the state throughout August and September with their mobile snowplow simulator to help prepare a total of 216 drivers for winter.

Pictured at right are trainer Daniel Harman with Mike Buboski, Jerry Holt, Mike Conrin, and Ramone Villalobos from West St. Paul Public Works inside the mobile trailer and at the (virtual) wheel. The simulator can create an unlimited combination of hazardous conditions—just like what plow drivers will face when clearing our roads.