? Drive to Succeed is an Ohio state-funded program designed to help eligible teens and young adults access scholarships for driver education and training — removing financial barriers to learning safe driving skills and earning a driver’s license.
? Official Program Website: https://drivetosucceed.org/
? Why This Program Matters
? Safety First: Formal driver training reduces crash rates among new drivers.
? Life Skills: A driver’s license unlocks access to jobs, education, and greater independence.
? Support for Families: Scholarships help families who might not otherwise afford driver education.
? Who Can Apply? Eligibility Guidelines
To qualify for a scholarship: ?
✅ Ages 15½ to 20
✅ Resident of Ohio
✅ Valid Ohio temporary driving permit
✅ Demonstrate financial need (e.g., SNAP eligibility)
✅ Complete pre-enrollment survey & sign agreement
??? Parent/guardian requirements (if under 18) include a parent online orientation course and signed agreement.
? Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
? How to Apply
? The application will typically ask for:
- Student’s full name, address, email & phone number
- Birthdate & school information
- Permit number
- Proof of financial eligibility
- Picture of temporary permit
- Choice of approved driving school
- Parent/guardian info (if under age 18)
? Apply Here: https://drivetosucceed.org/ — look for the ? “Apply Now” button on the homepage.
?️ Important Things to Know
? Scholarship Payment: Funds go directly to an approved driving school — they are not reimbursements.
? Approved Providers: You must choose a driver training provider that’s on the Ohio Traffic Safety Office’s approved list.
? Application Timing: Scholarships often run until funds are used up — apply early! (Some counties now accept applications through mid-2026 while funds last.)
? Additional Local Resources & Partnerships
? Some local educational service centers help administer the program — like the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio, serving various school districts.
? Columbiana County Educational Service Center also offers info and local contact options.
? Helpful Contacts
? Educational Service Center of Central Ohio — for school district-specific questions
? Address: 2080 Citygate Dr, Columbus, OH 43219
? Phone: (614) 445-3750
? Apply Now: https://drivetosucceed.org/ ?
? Program Info & Requirements: https://drivetosucceed.org/ ?
? Ohio Traffic Safety Office (Parent Orientation, Provider Lists): (via main site)
? Summary — Why It’s Valuable
✔ Helps teens & young adults gain crucial driver training ?
✔ Removes financial barriers ?
✔ Fosters safer drivers & better opportunities ?
✔ Scholarships awarded statewide in Ohio ?️
If you want, I can also help you find approved driving schools near Columbus, Ohio that participate in the program! ? Just let me know.
Yes please! Include approved driving schools in the central Ohio area that participate in the program and add a note that additional information can be found at the program website
Here’s a central Ohio–focused list of driving schools that are approved or commonly used for driver education (and can be used with a Drive to Succeed scholarship — scholarships must be applied toward a State of Ohio-approved driver training provider) ?️?. You can also use the Ohio Traffic Safety Office’s school finder tool to verify any provider’s current status: Ohio Traffic Safety Office Driving School Search.
? Central Ohio Approved / Common Driving Schools
? Main Central Ohio In-Person Driving Schools
- Schwartz Driving School – Grove City & multiple locations ?
? Offers standard 24-hr classroom + 8-hr behind-the-wheel teen driver education.
- Westland Driving School LTD – Columbus / Broad St.
? Family-owned driving school with state-certified teen & adult programs.
- Twins Driving School LLC – Hilliard
? Offers comprehensive teen driving lessons and in-car instruction.
- Inspired Driving Academy – Lewis Center
? Licensed Ohio driving school — good option near central/north Columbus.
- Right Direction Driving Academy – Westerville
? Driving school in the greater metro area that offers Ohio-approved training.
- Licking Valley Driving School – East of Columbus
? State-approved driver training school (serves Licking County area).
? Other Nearby & Nearby Approved Providers
These are also Ohio-approved and within driving distance of central Ohio — useful if central classes fill up:
- Driving Schools of Ohio – multi-location provider serving the region.
- MTHS/Dublin Driving School – Dublin area.
? (Tip: The State of Ohio’s driver training search tool lets you filter by county or city to find all currently approved providers near you.)
? How to Use This with Drive to Succeed Scholarships
✅ Once you’re approved for a scholarship, you must select your driver education provider from the approved list when filling out your Drive to Succeed application.
? Scholarships are paid directly to the school — not reimbursed to applicants.
? The Ohio Traffic Safety Office list (linked above) always has the most current approved providers.
? Need More Info?
For full details on Drive to Succeed eligibility, how to apply, and complete instructions, visit the official program site:
? https://drivetosucceed.org/ ?
You can also confirm that your chosen school is State of Ohio-approved through the Ohio Traffic Safety Office’s driver training search tool.
