Safe2Drive Blog

Heads up, Ohio drivers! Ohio’s rules for limited term licenses have been updated. Here’s what’s new, why it matters, and how Safe2Drive’s Ohio Driver Education online course can help you qualify.

What Is a Limited Term License?

A limited term license is a special type of Ohio driver license issued to temporary residents. That includes international students, temporary workers, or visitors with a valid authorization to stay in the U.S. The license is valid only for the period of lawful stay and cannot be renewed or converted to a standard license.

What Changed on July 1st, 2025?

Starting July 1st, 2025, applicants for a limited term license must complete the full 24 hours of driver education classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind the wheel training, just like any other new driver. Temporary residents will also need 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 hours at night, with a licensed adult and will need to provide a notarized affidavit.

Why the Change Matters

• It ensures all drivers receive complete driver training before getting behind the wheel.
• It promotes consistent and high quality driver education across the state.
• It boosts road safety by making sure every driver is thoroughly prepared.

Safe2Drive offers an Ohio DPS-approved online Driver Education course that covers the full 24 hours of classroom instruction required for limited term license applicants. This course includes:

• 25 interactive lessons with videos, animations, and quizzes
• A 50-question final exam with free certificate delivery by email
• Convenient mobile and desktop access
• Certificate acceptance at all Class D driving schools in Ohio

It’s a convenient, state-approved way to complete your classroom requirement before arranging behind the wheel instruction.

How to Get a Limited Term License in Ohio

Here’s how getting your limited term license works in Ohio:

• Register and complete an approved 24-hour Ohio driver training course.
• Enroll in a Class D driving school for the required 8 hour behind-the-wheel training.
• Log 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, with an adult and submit a notarized affidavit.
• Collect your Certificate of Completion, supervised driving affidavit, and documents like passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, proof of legal presence and Ohio address.
• Submit your full packet to your local BMV office.

Who Should Apply

If you are an international student, work visa holder, exchange visitor or other temporary resident planning to drive in Ohio, this license is for you. Make sure you complete both the classroom and behind the wheel requirements of driver education to qualify.

Ohio’s new policy ensures all drivers have the full training needed to drive safely, even temporary residents. Safe2Drive’s online Ohio Driver Education course provides an efficient way to check the 24-hour classroom requirement off your list.

Heads up, Ohio drivers! Ohio’s rules for limited term licenses have been updated. Here’s what’s new, why it matters, and how Safe2Drive’s Ohio Driver Education online course can help you qualify.

Big news for Florida teens working toward their first license: driver education requirements are changing, and the deadline to act is fast approaching.

Starting August 1, 2025, if you’re under age 18, you’ll no longer be able to meet your licensing requirements with the 4-hour TLSAE course. Instead, Florida is rolling out a new 6-hour course called DETS (Driver Education Traffic Safety). That means if you want to use your TLSAE certificate to get your learner’s permit or license, you must complete the course before August 1st and you must get your license within one year of the completion date on your TLSAE certificate..

This update is part of Florida’s effort to improve safety education for teen drivers. The new DETS course is designed to be longer and more comprehensive, giving new drivers a stronger foundation before they hit the road.

What does that mean for Florida teens?

• If you’re under age 18: Complete your TLSAE course before August 1st and use it to get your license within one year of the completion date on your TLSAE certificate to ensure it still counts. After that date, the TLSAE course won’t meet the state’s licensing requirements for teens.
• If you finish your TLSAE course before August 1st: You’re in the clear! Your course certificate will still be valid for one year from the completion date on your certificate.
• If you’re age 18 or older: You’re not affected by this change. You can continue to take the 4-hour TLSAE course to meet your licensing requirement.

We’re already working behind the scenes to bring you the new DETS course. While we’re not approved to offer it just yet, we hope to have an update soon. In the meantime, if you’re under age 18 and ready to get started, don’t wait! Complete your TLSAE course now to stay on track. It takes four hours to complete. Just be sure to finish it before August 1st!

Big news for Florida teens working toward their first license: driver education requirements are changing, and the deadline to act is fast approaching.

Summer is here, and with it comes more drivers on the road, more road trips, and lots of times, more traffic enforcement. For new drivers, especially teens, a traffic stop can feel intimidating. The flashing lights, the unexpected interruption of your drive, and the uncertainty of what’s going to happen next can all create anxiety. But the truth is, traffic stops are a normal part of driving. Staying calm, respectful, and informed will go a long way in helping you handle the situation safely and smoothly.

Whether you’ve just started driving or you’ve been on the road for a while, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind if you ever get pulled over.

1. Pull over safely and quickly.

If a police officer signals you to pull over, engage your turn signal right away and look for a safe place to stop. That could be a wide shoulder on the right side of the road, a parking lot, or a quiet side street--anywhere that keeps you and the officer out of traffic. Try not to panic or slam on the brakes. Just slow down gradually and come to a complete stop. If it’s dark, turning on your interior lights can help the officer see you clearly, which may put both of you more at ease.

2. Stay still and keep your hands visible.

Once you’ve stopped, roll down your window and place both hands on the steering wheel. Wait for the officer to approach and give you instructions. Quick or unexpected movements can make the officer nervous, so keeping your hands where they can see them is important. When the officer asks for your license, proof of insurance, and registration, let them know where these items are located and ask if it’s okay to reach for them.

3. Be polite, and know your rights.

It’s always a good idea to stay calm and respectful during a traffic stop. Answer the officer’s questions honestly and clearly. If you’re not sure why you were pulled over, it’s okay to ask. You don’t have to admit guilt or offer extra information beyond what’s asked. If you’re uncomfortable with a question, you can say something like, "I would like to remain silent," or, "I’d rather not say."

Also, remember that you have rights. You can ask if you’re free to go, and in most situations, you don’t have to consent to a search of your car unless the officer has a warrant or probable cause. That said, it’s best to stay calm and not argue. If you feel your rights were violated, you can follow up later. Trying to handle it during the stop will only make things harder.

If you’re under 18, it’s okay to ask the officer if you can call your parent or guardian. Many officers understand that young drivers may be nervous and want a trusted adult involved. While the officer may not allow a call during the stop, especially right away, it’s reasonable to ask politely. If you’re issued a citation or if anything feels confusing or overwhelming, your parent can help you understand what to do next. Just remember to stay respectful, follow instructions, and save any disagreements or questions for after the stop is over.

4. Know what documents to have ready.

The officer will likely ask for your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Make sure you always know where these items are, and that they’re up to date. Fumbling around or handing over expired documents can make the stop take longer and increase your stress.

5. Breathe. It’s normal to feel nervous.

Even experienced drivers get anxious during traffic stops, so it’s completely understandable if your heart is racing. Take slow, deep breaths and remind yourself that this is a routine part of driving. You’re not in trouble just because you’ve been pulled over. Most traffic stops are resolved quickly and calmly, especially if both the driver and the officer stay respectful.

Nobody wants to be pulled over, but it happens to nearly every driver at some point. The key is to stay calm, follow directions, and treat the situation with patience and respect. By understanding what to do and how to respond, you’ll be better prepared and more confident if it ever happens to you.

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Summer is here, and with it comes more drivers on the road, more road trips, and lots of times, more traffic enforcement. For new drivers, especially teens, a traffic stop can feel intimidating. The flashing lights, the unexpected interruption of your drive, and the uncertainty of what’s going to happen next can all create anxiety. But the truth is, traffic stops are a normal part of driving. Staying calm, respectful, and informed will go a long way in helping you handle the situation safely and smoothly.

June is a big month for summer road trips, but it’s also peak tornado season in many parts of the U.S., especially in the South and Midwest. While it’s not super common to see a tornado while driving, it’s always good to know what to do just in case. This blog post will help you stay safe if you’re ever on the road and spot severe weather.

Watch for the Warning Signs

Tornadoes can happen fast, but there are some clues that one might be forming. Keep an eye out for:

• A dark, greenish sky
• Large, low-hanging clouds that may start to rotate
• A loud roar that sounds like a freight train
• Debris being blown around in the air

If you’re hearing tornado sirens or see a tornado warning on your phone, take it seriously and act quickly.

Where NOT to Go

One of the biggest myths out there is that hiding under an overpass is a good idea during a tornado. It’s not! Wind can actually be stronger under an overpass and turn it into a wind tunnel full of flying debris. Stay far away from overpasses.

Best Places to Seek Shelter

Your number one goal is to get to a sturdy building if possible. Gas stations, rest stops, or any solid structure can offer protection from flying debris and high winds. If there’s a building nearby, get inside and go to the lowest level, away from windows.

What If You’re On the Highway?

If you’re on a highway and can’t get to a building, don’t keep driving toward the tornado. Try to exit the highway and find shelter. If that’s not an option and the tornado is nearby, your best bet is to get low and either lie flat in a ditch or low area and cover your head, or stay buckled in your car, keep the engine running, and cover your head with something like a jacket or blanket to protect from glass and debris.

Driving in a City or Rural Area

In a city, try to pull over safely and get into the nearest sturdy building. In rural areas, if there’s no shelter nearby, a ditch is often safer than staying in your vehicle. Wherever you are, don’t take shelter under trees or bridges, and stay alert for flooding as well as high winds.

Tornadoes are scary, but knowing what to do ahead of time can help you stay calm and make smart decisions. Stay weather-aware, check the forecast before road trips, and trust your instincts--if something doesn’t feel safe, it probably isn’t.

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

June is a big month for summer road trips, but it’s also peak tornado season in many parts of the U.S., especially in the South and Midwest. While it’s not super common to see a tornado while driving, it’s always good to know what to do just in case. This blog post will help you stay safe if you’re ever on the road and spot severe weather.