Safe2Drive Blog

7/28/2025

Rule the Road: A Free Teen Driving Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

by Courtney Conley

If you’ve got a teen who’s currently in driver’s ed (or just finished), there’s a great opportunity coming up that you won’t want to miss. On Saturday, August 2, Indiana teens are invited to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a free, hands-on driving event called Rule the Road.

Teen Driver

This event is all about helping teens build safe driving habits in a fun and interactive way. It’s hosted by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and supported by the Indiana BMV, INDOT, AAA, and other traffic safety partners from across the state. Teens will get the chance to work one-on-one with certified instructors, practice real-world driving skills, and learn through cool safety demos.

What’s Included?

There’s a lot packed into this event! Teens will rotate through different stations where they’ll get to try things like:

  • A Controlled Braking Course
  • Evasive Maneuvering
  • Blind Spot Recognition
  • An Impaired and Distracted Driving Simulation
  • Quick Click Seat Belt Challenge
  • Seat Belt Convincer
  • Offset Lane Station

There’s even a chance to meet IndyCar drivers like Conor Daly, Tony Kanaan, and Josef Newgarden, which adds an extra layer of excitement to the day.

Note: Teens will need to have a permit or license to participate in the driving portions of the event.

Optional Car Seat Safety Clinic

Is your little one years away from becoming a driver, and still in a car seat? Now is a great time to get their seat inspected! There will also be a car seat clinic at the event, running from 9 am until 1 pm.

You can RSVP for the Rule the Road event or the Car Seat Safety Clinic online by clicking here.

Next Up: Safe2Drive’s Indiana Online Driver’s Ed

At Safe2Drive, we’re all about helping Indiana teens become safe and confident drivers. Programs like Rule the Road give teens hands-on experience, and our state-approved online driver education course is the perfect complement. Whether your teen is just starting their driver’s ed journey or looking to reinforce what they’ve already learned, our course helps them meet Indiana’s 30-hour classroom requirement in a flexible, engaging way.

Everything is online, self-paced, and designed to be as stress-free as possible for both students and parents. We want every teen to have the tools they need to stay safe behind the wheel, and we’re proud to support events like Rule the Road that share that mission.

If you’ve got a teen who’s currently in driver’s ed (or just finished), there’s a great opportunity coming up that you won’t want to miss. On Saturday, August 2, Indiana teens are invited to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a free, hands-on driving event called Rule the Road.

Back to TopRead More
7/21/2025

Summer Storms and Flash Floods: What Drivers Get Wrong

by Courtney Conley

July is all about sunshine, cookouts, and road trips, but it also brings its fair share of sudden summer storms. One minute the skies are clear, and the next you’re dealing with heavy rain, thunder, and roads that look more like rivers. These quick-moving storms can cause flash flooding and poor visibility in a matter of minutes, catching even experienced drivers off guard.

Rain

So what do drivers get wrong when the weather turns wild? Let’s break it down and talk about how to stay safe when summer storms roll in.

Mistake #1: Thinking Your Car Can Handle It

Most drivers think their vehicle can power through a few inches of water, but it doesn’t take much to lose control. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can cause your tires to lose contact with the road, and 12 inches of water can float a small car. When in doubt, don’t drive through flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown.

Mistake #2: Not Slowing Down

When the rain starts to pour, your first instinct should be to ease off the gas. Wet roads reduce traction and increase stopping distance. Hydroplaning (when your tires lose contact with the road and skim across the water) can happen at speeds as low as 35 mph. Slow down and increase your following distance so you have more time to react.

Mistake #3: Forgetting to Turn On Low-Beam Headlights

When visibility drops, make sure your low-beam headlights are on, even during the day. This isn’t just for you to see better. It’s so others can see you, too. Keep in mind that automatic headlights don’t always turn on in low-visibility situations, like during heavy rain or fog, so it’s smart to switch them on manually.

Mistake #4: Using Hazard Lights While Driving

This one trips up a lot of people. Hazard lights are meant to signal that your vehicle is stopped or disabled, not that you’re driving cautiously in the rain. Using them while driving can confuse other drivers and even be illegal in some states. If visibility is truly that bad, it’s safer to pull over and wait it out.

Mistake #5: Driving Through Low Spots Without Thinking

Floodwaters often collect in underpasses, low-lying roads, and dips in terrain. These areas can go from dry to dangerous in seconds. Always scan the road ahead and look for signs of pooling water. If you see barricades or "Road Closed" signs, they’re there for a reason, so don’t try to go around them.

Summer storms can pop up with little warning, but you can still stay one step ahead. Check the forecast before you hit the road, especially if you’re driving long distances. If flash flood watches or severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect, consider delaying your trip. Safety first!

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.

July is all about sunshine, cookouts, and road trips, but it also brings its fair share of sudden summer storms. One minute the skies are clear, and the next you’re dealing with heavy rain, thunder, and roads that look more like rivers. These quick-moving storms can cause flash flooding and poor visibility in a matter of minutes, catching even experienced drivers off guard.

Back to TopRead More
7/14/2025

Ohio’s Limited Term License Law Just Changed: Here’s What You Should Know

by Courtney Conley

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.

Back to TopRead More
7/7/2025

New Florida Driver Ed Requirements Take Effect August 1st

by Courtney Conley

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..

Teen Driver

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.

Back to TopRead More
Load More Posts