Ohio’s new driver education requirement for drivers under 21

OHIO – Today, September 30, 2025, Ohio enacts a significant change to how new drivers under age 21 obtain their licenses. Under the new law, the state is expanding formal driver training requirements to include those aged 18, 19, and 20 — a group that until now was exempt from the full driver’s education (ED) regimen required of minors.

What’s Changing?

Here’s a breakdown of the new requirements:

• All new drivers under age 21 must complete a full Class D driver training course before taking the driving skills test.

• The training includes:

  1. 24 hours of classroom instruction (which may be offered online or in person)

  2. 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed driving instructor

  3. 50 hours of supervised driving practice with a licensed adult (age 21 or older). This must include at least 10 hours at night.

• Previously, only drivers younger than 18 (i.e. 16- and 17-year-olds) were mandated to complete that full training.

• In addition, high school students are entitled to up to 8 excused hours from school to attend driver education instruction (limited to 2 hours per day, across up to 4 nonconsecutive days).

• The driver education course may be completed at any time while the applicant holds a valid Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP).

Why the Change?

Supporters of the new law argue that the expansion is necessary for safety, particularly given statistics showing a disproportionate number of crashes involving young adult drivers:

• In 2024, 58% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers in Ohio were caused by 18- and 19-year-olds.

• Many young adults were obtaining licenses without formal training and then learning (or making errors) on their own. Governor Mike DeWine has emphasized that driver training leads to safer driving behaviors and fewer deadly outcomes.

What It Means for Aspiring Drivers

For 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds who plan to get a license in Ohio:

• You will no longer be able to skip or shorten driver training. You must fulfill the full training before scheduling your driving test.

• You should budget extra time and possibly cost. Driving schools are preparing for increased demand.

• If you’re in high school, coordinating your class schedule to accommodate the training hours (especially for the 8 in-car hours) will be important.

Potential Challenges & Criticisms

Some observers and stakeholders have raised concerns:

• Access and cost: In rural areas or regions with few driving schools, meeting the required hours could be more difficult or more expensive.

• Impact on workforce mobility: For many 18- to 20-year-olds, having a driver’s license is essential for work or errands. Requiring extra training might delay or limit that access for some.

• Implementation strain: Driving schools may see surges in demand, which could stretch instructor availability and scheduling logistics.

As of today, new drivers in Ohio under age 21 must undergo much more comprehensive training before getting their licenses. The change closes the training “loophole” for 18–20-year-olds and aligns their requirements with those for younger learners. However, the success of the law in improving safety will depend in part on how accessible and well-resourced driver education becomes across the state.