📌 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.
