COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio teens will have the opportunity to sharpen their driving skills this summer as the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) brings back free hands-on training sessions designed to reduce crashes among young drivers.
For the second consecutive year, OTSO is teaming up with three Advanced Driver Training programs to offer specialized courses that teach crash-avoidance techniques, including skid recovery, anti-lock braking system (ABS) exercises, and emergency maneuvers. These sessions, conducted on closed courses with licensed instructors, aim to address the leading causes of teen crashes and provide practical experience that traditional driver’s education may not cover.
The summer series aligns with the “100 Deadliest Days”—the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when traffic fatalities involving teens typically spike. In 2024, Ohio recorded 90 fatal crashes involving young drivers during this high-risk timeframe. Data from the Ohio Department of Public Safety shows that the most common causes of these fatal and serious crashes involving drivers aged 15 to 23 include:
- Driving off the road
- Failure to yield
- Unsafe speed
Where and when are training sessions happening?
The 2025 Advanced Driver Training summer series kicks off June 7 at Owens Community College in Wood County, with additional sessions planned across the state:
| DATE | LOCATION | COUNTY |
|---|---|---|
| June 7-8 | Owens Community College | Wood |
| June 10-11 | Apollo Career Center | Allen |
| June 11-12 | Clark County Fairgrounds | Clark |
| June 24-25 | Ohio University Zanesville | Muskingum |
| August 9-10 | IX Center – Cleveland | Cuyahoga |
| September (TBD) | Manheim Cincinnati | Butler |
Who can participate?
Newly licensed drivers and teens with a valid temporary permit are eligible to attend one of these free training sessions. Registration is required and can be completed through the OTSO Advanced Driver Training webpage once sign-ups open.
In addition to these sessions, Ford Driving Skills for Life, a nationally recognized teen driving program, will return to Ohio in August and September for two additional training events. Parents interested in Ford’s program can sign up on their website to receive registration alerts once enrollment opens.
A proven impact on teen driver safety
Last summer, 760 teen drivers participated in Ohio’s first Advanced Driver Training series. Many of those teens would not have had access to this type of training otherwise, according to OTSO. By continuing to expand these programs, state officials hope to equip young drivers with the skills needed to stay safe on Ohio’s roads.