In an effort to recruit and train new instructors, the Ohio Traffic Safety Office has launched two programs to support driving schools across Ohio.

The Instructor Development Grant and New Instructor Incentive are designed to increase capacity at licensed driving schools as a new law takes effect today requiring new drivers under age 21 to complete driver education before getting a license, according to a news release.

Through the Instructor Development Grant, eligible driving schools may apply to become one of up to six regional training centers to conduct instructor training and assessments on behalf of other driving schools. Training centers will be reimbursed up to $1,500 for each instructor trained.

In addition to the grant, OTSO also will pay new Class D driving instructors a one-time $1,500 bonus once their instructor license is issued and they actively train students for three months, the release detailed. The New Instructor Incentive will be available for a limited time from Jan. 1 to June 30.

OTSO is dedicating $1 million to instructor development through the grant and instructor incentive over the coming year.

“Safe driving starts with quality education at a young age,” said Emily Davidson, OTSO director. “The Instructor Development Grant and New Instructor Incentive gives driving schools the tools they need to prepare more instructors, so every new driver has access to the training that will help keep our roads safe for everyone.”

Licensed driving schools that wish to receive an Instructor Development Grant must submit their application by noon on Oct. 31. The complete grant proposal, eligibility requirements and grant guidelines can be found on OTSO’s website at https://otso.ohio.gov/grants/driver-training-grants/instructor-development-grants.

Newly licensed Class D instructors whose instructor applications were approved after Sept. 25 must fill out the webform on the OTSO website after they have trained students for three months in order to receive their bonus. Eligibility information is available at https://otso.ohio.gov/grants/driver-training-grants/instructor-incentive-program.

The change in driver’s education requirements was included in House Bill 96, the biennial state budget, signed in June by Gov. Mike DeWine.