Ohio marks 25 years of student driver signs and safer teen driving

The Ohio Traffic Safety Office, a division of The Ohio Department of Public Safety which oversees driver training, is proud to mark the 25th anniversary of the student driver sign. This simple yet powerful tool has helped make Ohio roads safer for teens and families. This milestone honors the vision and determination of Jonna Saul-Anderson, a mother from Hilliard, whose advocacy led to a state law change in 2004 allowing student driver signs to be displayed in vehicle windows.

What began as a mother’s effort in 2001 to protect her daughter, Jessica, during the required 50 hours of supervised driving became a statewide movement. “I designed the first signs myself and put them in our car windows,” Saul-Anderson recalled. “When I learned they were illegal, I thought, ‘That needs to change.’ It took three years, testimony at the Statehouse, and a lot of persistence – but we did it.”

On Jan. 7, 2004, Governor Bob Taft signed the bill into law – on Jessica Anderson’s birthday. “That was icing on the cake,” Saul-Anderson said. “It taught her how government works and how one voice can make a difference.”

Since then, Ohio has made significant progress in supporting teen drivers and their families:

• Ohio’s Graduated Driver Licensing system was revised in 2007 to enhance protections and requirements for young drivers, giving them a safer, phased approach to full licensure.
• Online classroom training options have been launched, making driver education more accessible and affordable.
• Under the leadership of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, OTSO’s Drive to Succeed Scholarship Program was introduced in 2022 and has awarded more than 6,200 scholarships to help low-income families afford driver training.
• In 2025, the Teach Your Teen to Drive Campaign and website was refreshed, and the Governor announced the new RoadReady Ohio app with features to log practice hours, get feedback on driving skills and sync with BMV records.
• Driver education requirements were expanded in 2025 for all first-time drivers under age 21.

“Our approach has evolved dramatically since the early 2000s,” said OTSO Director Emily Davidson. “Parents are the first and most influential driving teachers their teens will ever have. That’s why we invested in resources like TeachYourTeentoDrive.ohio.gov and the RoadReady Ohio app – to make the process easier and safer.”

“The signs are about visibility and safety,” Saul-Anderson said. “They tell other drivers, ‘This person is learning – give them space.’ That protects the teen, the parent, and the community.”

Today, student driver signs are widely accepted and available at any BMV location when a temporary permit is issued or given upon request. “Seeing them on cars still makes me smile,” Saul-Anderson said. “If you see something that needs to change, don’t be afraid to try. One idea can make a big difference.”

Emily Davidson, director of OTSO, said, “This anniversary is a reminder of how far we’ve come. Jonna’s advocacy sparked a movement that continues to raise awareness and save lives. Our goal remains the same: empower families and teens to make safe choices behind the wheel.”

For resources to help parents and teens navigate the learning-to-drive process, visit TeachYourTeenToDrive.ohio.gov or download the RoadReady Ohio app.