COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Ohio has seen significant growth in its driver education industry one year after expanding training requirements to include all new drivers under age 21.
Since Sept. 30, 2025, drivers ages 18 to 20 have been required to complete driver training before obtaining a license. Previously, the requirement applied only to drivers seeking licenses at ages 16 and 17.
According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Traffic Safety Office, the number of licensed driving instructors has grown nearly 50% to more than 1,900 since the law was signed.
The state has also added 45 driver training businesses, bringing the total to 225 programs. An additional 25,000 people completed driver training before obtaining a standard license, an increase of nearly 30% from the previous year.
Ohio is on track to issue nearly 130,000 driver training certificates in 2026. If reached, that would be the highest annual total on record and 43% above the five-year average.
Gov. Mike DeWine said the expansion in training capacity is helping meet demand as the state works to improve roadway safety.
The state’s efforts also include the Drive to Succeed scholarship program, which has helped more than 10,000 low-income students access driver education.
The Ohio Traffic Safety Office also offers an Instructor Development Grant to help train and credential new instructors and an Instructor Incentive Program designed to reward and retain high-performing instructors.
