Ohio Driver’s License Requirements Change for 18 – 20 Year Olds | September 2025
Everything You Need to Know About Ohio’s Changes Driver Training Requirements (Ages 18 -20)
Beginning September 30, 2025, Ohio is making one of its biggest updates to adult driver licensing in decades. If you’re 18, 19, or 20 years old and planning to get your Ohio driver’s license, you’ll now be required to complete full Class D driver training and 50 hours of supervised driving practice before you can schedule your BMV driving test.
Previously, adults 18 and older could take their road test without any formal Driver Education. Only those who failed their first attempt were required to complete an Abbreviated Adult Driver Training Course to become eligible for a retest. As a result, many teens postponed licensure until age 18 specifically to bypass the training requirement.
That option is going away.
Under the new law, no one under 21 can bypass Driver Education.
So what exactly is changing, who does it affect, and how do you get started? Let’s break it down.
What Are the New Requirements for Drivers 18–20 Years Old?
Ohio’s new Under-21 Driver Training introduces a more comprehensive, safety-focused licensing process that aligns with the current requirements for 16- and 17-year-olds. Before scheduling a road test, drivers must complete the following:
1. Ohio-Approved Class D Driver Training
Ohio drivers (ages 18 – 21) must complete a full Class D driver training program, which includes 24 hours of online instruction AND 8 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a licensed driving instructor. This program is designed to teach safe driving habits and prepare drivers for the skills test. Training must be completed through an Ohio-licensed driving school—such as Top Driver.
2. 50 Hours of Behind-the-Wheel Practice
Drivers must log 50 hours of supervised driving with a licensed adult, including:
- Daytime driving
- Nighttime driving
- Real-world practice in various conditions
This must be completed before you can test with the BMV.
3. Completion Required Before Your Driving Test
All coursework and supervised practice must be finished before scheduling your driving test with an Ohio driver’s license examiner.
Why Is Ohio Making This Change?
The Ohio Traffic Safety Office cites increased crash rates among young adults who bypass formal driver training. This new structure aligns licensing for 18–20-year-olds more closely with teen
requirements—aiming to build safer, more confident drivers through education and real-world practice.
This is also a major shift from the old system, where:
- Adults 18+ could go straight to the test, and
- Only those who failed had to complete the abbreviated adult course.
The new requirements ensure all new drivers under 21 receive thorough training—no shortcuts, no skipping
driver ed, and no waiting until 18 to avoid coursework.
Who Does This Impact?
These requirements apply to:
- Adults age 18, 19, and 20 seeking a valid Ohio driver’s license for the first time
- New Ohio residents under 21 who are becoming licensed for the first time in the state
Anyone under 21 who begins the licensing process on or after September 30, 2025 must follow the new Class D rules.
What Is the Class D Program?
Ohio’s Class D driver training includes the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to safely operate a motor vehicle. It consists of:
- State-approved coursework (online or in-person)
- Behind-the-wheel instruction
- Preparation for the skills and maneuverability test
You’ll receive a Class D Certificate of Completion, which is required before scheduling your driving test.
Get Ahead of the Change — Enroll in Your Class D Program Today
Top Driver is one of Ohio’s leading providers of state-approved Class D training for adults and teens. Our expert instructors and flexible training options make it easy to complete your requirements and build confidence behind the wheel.
If you’ll be 18–20 years old on or after September 30, 2025—or if you want to get started early—now is the perfect time to plan ahead.