Ohio House Passes Bill Clarifying Driver's Training Law for Military Personnel

COLUMBUS, OH –State Representatives Bernie Willis (R-Springfield) and Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek) today announced that House Bill 434 passed through the Ohio House of Representatives. The bill updates adult limited term driver’s license application requirements, strengthening training for limited-term license applicants while easing restrictions for military-affiliated individuals.

The legislation makes clarifying changes in the law as it relates to training requirements for temporary residents who are applying for first-time, limited-term driver’s licenses. The most recent Transportation Budget (House 54) included a provision aimed at making roadways safer for Ohio drivers by requiring most adult limited term license applicants, when applying for their first issuance, to demonstrate that they have completed the full driver training course and 50 hours of practice driving with an adult who has a valid Ohio driver’s license. House Bill 434 provides for a military exemption. 

“This ensures that individuals with military or federal ties, who hold valid foreign driver’s licenses and visas, are not burdened with duplicative requirements that were not meant for them. It is a measured, targeted fix that restores the law to what the legislature originally intended,” said Representative Willis

“For the base to serve its essential function to our state and our country, allies from overseas are frequently brought in to work collaboratively with the American military, and they can be stationed here with their families for a month, a year, or even more,” said Representative Lampton, “We don’t want them to be disadvantaged because they can’t legally drive until they complete driver’s ed. And we don’t want the operations of the base to be limited because of this sort of red tape.”

Under current law, certain applicants for a limited-term driver’s license are unintentionally subject to driver education requirements that were never intended to apply to them, creating unnecessary barriers for a narrow class of individuals who already meet appropriate standards for safe driving.

Key Provisions of H.B. 434:

• Enhanced Training: Requires 24 hours classroom instruction, 8 hours behind-the-wheel training, and 50 hours supervised driving for most adult limited-term license applicants.
• Military-Related Exemptions: Exempts individuals with a valid U.S. visa issued by the U.S. Department of State, foreign driver’s licenses, and military or Department of Defense affiliations from full driver education.
• Improved Processing and Penalties: Streamlines application processing, enhances record-keeping, and introduces penalties for false affidavits regarding driving experience.
   

The bill includes an emergency clause, ensuring immediate effect upon passage, to address urgent licensing challenges faced by military-related personnel.