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During this past September, a new driving law took effect, requiring drivers aged 18-20 to complete a full driver’s education course before obtaining their license. This law was passed to increase road safety, since data from The Ohio Traffic Safety Office’s 2024 key findings stated that 58% of fatal crashes were caused by 18 t0 19-year-olds.
The requirements for obtaining a license are still the same—an approved driver training course (which includes a 24-hour classroom instruction and eight hours of behind-the-wheel driving with an instructor), and aspiring drivers need to log 50 hours of driving time with an adult 21 years old or older. However, what's different is the age at which these requirements apply. Before September 30th, if someone was 18 years old or above, there were no mandatory driver's education requirements. Individuals only had to have a permit and pass the road test.
The updated law includes financial concerns for some students, as well as possible restrictions in their ability to participate in extracurricular activities.
“It's prevented me from getting my license, so I can’t get a car, so I can’t drive myself to school, so I can’t get a job. I can’t have the independence that comes from having a license,” Pervin Kucukkaya (12) said.
For teenagers, learning the importance of independence allows many to transition smoothly into adulthood and gather a stronger sense of responsibility. In fact, many students start getting their temps and license as early as they can.
“I'm just excited, and my older sister got her license 4-5 years ago, and since then I’ve been ready to get mine. I’m ready for it to be my turn,” Mary Overbey (10) said.
In sum, the new license requirements may impact students both socially and financially. And while the idea of getting a license may be delayed for some, students are still eager to be on the road.
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