COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine announced that Ohio will invest $6 million through the Ohio Traffic Safety Office’s Drive to Succeed program to expand access to driver education for young people in all 88 counties. The initiative will provide scholarships to help more than 10,000 eligible applicants under age 21 complete state-required driver training courses.
According to the Governor’s Office, the grants are intended to reduce financial barriers that prevent many teens and young adults from enrolling in certified driver training programs. Each region of the state will be served by an Educational Service Center (ESC), where applicants can apply for funding and connect with approved driving schools.
The Drive to Succeed program is part of a broader statewide effort to improve roadway safety and prepare young drivers for new training requirements taking effect September 30, 2025. Under changes enacted in the state’s 2025 budget, all first-time drivers under age 21 must now complete 24 hours of classroom instruction, 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and 50 hours of supervised practice before earning a license.
Previously, only drivers under 18 were required to take a full course, while adults aged 18 to 20 could obtain a license through an abbreviated program. The new law eliminates that shortcut and brings all drivers under 21 under the same training standard.
State officials said the changes were driven by data showing higher crash and fatality rates among drivers aged 18 to 20. By combining stricter education requirements with financial assistance, Ohio aims to make roads safer while ensuring young people across income levels can meet the new standards.
Educational Service Centers across the state are administering the scholarship program, including the North Point ESC, which serves Erie and Lorain counties. Applications and details are available through the Ohio Traffic Safety Office and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Governor DeWine said the goal is to make driver education accessible to every young Ohioan. “We want to give all Ohioans the opportunity to become safe and responsible drivers,” his office stated in the official announcement.
More information about eligibility and applications for the Drive to Succeed program can be found at publicsafety.ohio.gov and education.ohio.gov.