Ohio Plans Driver Education Expansion for Ages 18 to 20

Several states have introduced new laws requiring expanded driver's education for young drivers to improve road safety. In Florida, a new law effective July 1 mandates that drivers aged 15 to 17 complete a six-hour online Driver Education and Traffic Safety course, replacing the previous four-hour course, with driving school owners expressing support for the enhanced curriculum that addresses state-specific traffic laws and distracted driving. Ohio has expanded its driver's education requirements to include all drivers aged 21 and under, who must now complete a full driver's education course and 50 hours of supervised practice, with the changes aiming to reduce crash rates among younger drivers. Additionally, starting in October, Ohioans aged 18 to 20 who do not have a driver's license will be required to take driver training classes, extending existing requirements for those 16 and 17. Officials highlight safety concerns and data showing higher crash rates among younger drivers as the motivation behind these legislative changes.