Ohio now requires driver education for new drivers under 21, not just under 18. Passengers must identify themselves at traffic stops since October 2026, SR-22 filings were cut to one year, and a school bus bill passed.
DZ DMVZone editorial · November 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer
Since September 30, 2025, new Ohio drivers under 21 must complete driver education: 24 hours of class or online instruction, 8 hours behind the wheel and 50 hours of supervised practice. Since October 7, 2026, House Bill 492 requires drivers and passengers to give their name, address and birth date at a traffic stop. Point suspensions that start after April 9, 2025 need only one year of SR-22 insurance.
Driver's ed now required to
Age 21
Traffic stop ID law
Oct 7, 2026
SR-22 after points suspension
1 year (was 3)
School bus bill
HB 3, passed June 2026
Ohio's traffic deaths fell for a fourth straight year in 2025, to 1,125 in early figures. The state points to its 2023 distracted driving law, which was followed by an 11% drop in deaths over two years. The newest laws push in the same direction.
The changes, newest first
October 7, 2026: Traffic stop ID (HB 492)Drivers and passengers must give name, address and date of birth when an officer suspects a traffic violation. Refusing is a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
June 2026: School Bus Safety Act passes (HB 3)Raises the first-offense fine for passing a stopped bus to $250 to $1,000 and funds bus safety grants. Check the effective date.
September 30, 2025: Driver's ed to age 21Passed in the 2025 state budget. New drivers 18 to 20 now take the same training teens do.
April 9, 2025: Shorter SR-22 periodFor 12-point suspensions starting after this date, proof of insurance is needed for one year, not three.
Driver's ed for 18 to 20 year olds
Class
24 hours in a classroom or online
Behind the wheel
8 hours with an instructor
Practice
50 hours with a licensed driver
10 of them at night
The Road Ready Ohio app can log them
Good to know
Turning 21 soon? Drivers 21 and older still do not need driver's ed, but they do need to pass the knowledge and road tests.
Check yourself3 questions
Since 2025, Ohio driver's ed is required for new drivers under what age?
Answer: C. The requirement now covers new drivers under 21.
How many supervised practice hours must an Ohio new driver under 21 log?
Answer: C. 50 hours, including 10 at night.
What must passengers give at an Ohio traffic stop under HB 492?
Answer: B. Name, address and date of birth, if an officer suspects a traffic violation.
Questions about the changes
Can driver's ed be online in Ohio?
The 24 hours of instruction can be done in a classroom or online. The 8 hours behind the wheel are with an instructor.
Where can I read Ohio bills?
On the Ohio Legislature website at legislature.ohio.gov. Search by bill number.
Did Ohio change its phone law again?
No. The 2023 distracted driving law still applies, with $150 to $500 fines.
Sources
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official Ohio DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.
