| Ohio at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Driver’s ed required | Everyone under 21 (since Sept 30, 2025) |
| Classroom/online | 24 hours |
| Behind the wheel | 8 hours with an instructor |
| Supervised practice | 50 hours, 10 at night |
| 60+ discount | Required, amount varies |
| Under 60 | Voluntary discounts only |
Sources listed below. Rules and prices checked October 2026.
The under-21 rule
Before the change, Ohioans aged 18 and over could skip driver’s ed. Now the full requirement applies to everyone under 21:
- 24 hours of classroom or online instruction.
- 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an instructor.
- 50 hours of supervised practice with a licensed driver, including 10 at night.
The classroom part can be done online. Once licensed, young drivers face high premiums, so ask about good-student and driver training discounts and compare quotes.
The 60+ discount
Ohio requires insurers to offer a discount to drivers 60 and over who complete an approved accident prevention course. The amount isn’t fixed. Ask your insurer which courses qualify before you enroll.
Drivers in between
For drivers aged 21 to 59 there’s no required discount, but some insurers give one voluntarily for a defensive driving course.
Under 21? OH driver’s ed (online classroom, Driverz). Drivers 60+: Insurance discount courses (online). (sponsored link) Always confirm the course is accepted by your court, state agency or insurer before you enrol.
How to do it, step by step
- Check whether you need driver’s ed: everyone under 21 now does.
- Complete the 24-hour classroom part, online or in person.
- Book 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor.
- Log 50 hours of supervised practice, including 10 at night.
- Once licensed, compare quotes and ask about young-driver discounts.
Is it worth it?
For families, the bigger cost is usually the insurance once a young driver is licensed. Ask about driver training and good-student discounts, and compare quotes. Drivers 60 and over should ask their insurer what discount it gives for an approved accident prevention course.
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Common questions
Do 18-year-olds need driver’s ed in Ohio?
Yes. Since September 30, 2025, everyone under 21 must complete it.
Can Ohio driver’s ed be done online?
The 24-hour classroom part can be done online; the 8 behind-the-wheel hours can’t.
Is there a senior discount in Ohio?
Insurers must offer drivers 60+ a discount after an approved course.
Does the Ohio rule apply to 20-year-olds?
Yes, it covers everyone under 21.
Who sets the 60+ discount amount?
Each insurer; the law requires the discount but not a percentage.
Sources
- News 5 Cleveland: New Ohio driver’s ed requirements (Sept 2025)
- Kiplinger: States where insurers must give a defensive driving discount (May 2026)
Prices, discounts and rules change often and vary by state and driver. Figures were checked in October 2026; confirm details with the insurer or your state insurance department.