The announcement comes as a new state law takes effect, which now requires all new drivers under 21—not just those under 18—to complete a full driver education course to obtain a license.
“Being able to drive opens doors to jobs, school, and so many aspects of daily life,” Governor DeWine stated. “Through the Drive to Succeed program, we are making sure that more young people across Ohio have the chance to safely earn their license and build a stronger future for themselves.”
Targeting Financial Barriers and Safety
The program is a direct response to data showing that inexperienced drivers aged 18 to 20 pose a disproportionately high risk on the road. The funding aims to remove the cost barrier, which can range from $400 to $700 for the required 24 hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of behind-the-wheel training.
The $6 million will be distributed to four Educational Service Centers (ESCs):
* East Central Ohio Educational Service Center
* Fairfield County Educational Service Center
* Midwest Regional Educational Service Center
* North Central Ohio Educational Service Center
Each ESC will receive $1.5 million over the next two years to manage and distribute the scholarships in their respective regions. Officials estimate that since its launch in 2022, the Drive to Succeed program has already helped over 5,100 students afford the necessary training. The ESCs have up to 150 days to launch their new scholarship programs.
The funds are part of a broader state initiative to improve overall teen driving safety and reduce crash fatalities across Ohio.