Ohio Driver License and Coursework
Overview
Securing a driver license can provide students with a wide range of opportunities to improve their employability and to access opportunities for further learning. Recognizing the value for students in securing a driver’s license, effective March 23, 2022, changes in Ohio law were enacted regarding students obtaining an Ohio driver’s license. Students engaged in coursework to earn a driver’s license can now apply these efforts toward their high school graduation requirements. This document is designed to assist schools and districts to implement the changes provided by Ohio Revised Code 3301.17 and Ohio Revised Code 3313.6113.
Industry-Recognized Credentials
Ohio maintains a list of industry-recognized credentials and licenses approved under the committee established in law. Following the process of approval, the Ohio driver’s license has been added to the list under all career fields at a “one point” value. A student earning this credential can combine it with other credentials earned in any one of 13 career fields. The Ohio driver’s license will be available on the Ohio Department of Education’s List of Approved Industry-Recognized Credentials beginning in school year 2022-2023.
Driver Education Course
Ohio law now allows students to apply credit earned in a driver education course toward their high school diploma requirements. A student who successfully completes a driver education course offered by their district may earn a half credit towards high school elective credits. The district must either directly offer or contract with a third-party that offers driver education. Students must have five elective credits, in addition to other required credits, to earn a high school diploma. The general education elective course Driver Education utilizes the subject code 210100.
Awarding Credit or Credential Points for Graduation Requirements
The Ohio Revised Code allows a student who takes a driver education course through their school to use that course to earn either:
- 0.5 Credits toward their elective requirements for a diploma; or
- One point of industry-recognized credentials earned when reporting the Ohio driver’s license as earned.[i]
A student may not use the successful completion of a driver education course to earn both 0.5 elective credits and one point of industry-recognized credentials. Schools must choose which of these options to report to the Ohio Department of Education through the Education Management Information System (EMIS). Either option reported as earned by the student would apply toward their high school graduation requirements.
[i] ORC 3301.17 authorizes up to two points for the driver’s licenses as an industry-recognized credential. The Industry-Recognized Credential Review Committee determined to allow one point for this credential.