(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced details today of a new program that will increase the number of quality driver training programs in Ohio.
The new Creating Opportunities for Driver Education Grant Program aims to provide more opportunities for teens to access affordable, quality driver education. The grants will be used to help educational service centers, school districts, and career technical schools establish or expand driver training programs in the high schools they serve.
“Driver training programs are critical to establishing safe driving habits for Ohio’s youth,” said Governor DeWine. “By bringing more affordable training options to the schools where students are, more teens will learn valuable driving skills in communities where there is currently limited or no access to driver training schools.”
A total of $4 million in state funds will be awarded by the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) to qualifying entities through a competitive grant process. The funding can be used to cover the cost of training vehicles, instructor salaries, online education, and other administrative costs.
“Parents know the value and importance of driver training, which is why many schools in Ohio are experiencing long backlogs and delays,” said Emily Davidson, OTSO Director. “More driver training schools and instructors mean more opportunities for students to get quality instruction to become safe, experienced drivers.”
Agencies that wish to receive a grant must submit their proposals before Dec. 15, 2023. The complete grant proposal and guidelines can be found on the “Driver Training Grants” page on OTSO’s website at: Ohio Traffic Safety Office | Department of Public Safety
This announcement follows a number of traffic safety initiatives for young drivers announced by Governor DeWine, including scholarships for teenagers from low-income families to enroll in driver training. Earlier this year, the Governor announced 25 governmental agencies received $575,000 in grants through the “Drive to Succeed” program.