FAQs

A program aimed at improving the driving skills of teen drivers and raising awareness about the need for better training of young drivers. KeyBank started the program in 2009 with one event at one school. In 2010, the program expanded to 8 events at 8 schools. In 2011, there will be 14 events in 11 communities in Ohio and Indiana.

Because vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among 15-to-20-year-olds, with more than 5,000 U.S. teens dying each year and another 400,000 injured. Many experts place the blame on inadequate training of teen drivers. Most states require just 50 hours of coaching for a teen to get a driver’s license, yet the average 16-year-old soccer player has had 1,500 hours of coaching—a disproportionate number that can lead to tragic consequences.

Any teen, age 15-1/2 or older, with a valid driver’s license or driving permit. Participants must also show proof of insurance and must have use of a vehicle for the event.

Professional driving instructors from The Mid-Ohio School, which is located at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Since 1993, The Mid-Ohio School has offered performance driving and defensive driving programs for adults and teens. More than 13,000 teens have graduated from the school’s Honda Teen Defensive Driving Program.

The program is free.

Yes. Participants do two driving exercises (web braking and emergency lane change) in their own vehicles. The third driving drill is in Mid-Ohio’s Honda Civic skid car.

Yes, two children can attend the same session and share a vehicle. For maximum practice time, you may want to consider signing them up for separate sessions.

You should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of your session. We will sign you in, collect your paperwork and do a quick inspection of your vehicle. Scheduled session times are 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Approximately three hours. Students receive about 40 minutes of classroom instruction and about 1.75 hours of driving exercises.

Parents are welcome to attend and observe the classroom and driving exercises. You might be surprised at what you’ll learn.

A vehicle to drive, valid license or permit, proof of insurance and completed paperwork (including a minor waiver form for teens under age 18) signed by a parent. You will receive all necessary forms via e-mail after you register your teen driver.

Comfortable clothes and shoes (no bare feet or flip flops).

Make sure all fluids are at proper levels and check tire pressures. Remove any loose items from the trunk or inside the car.

Pizza will be provided for those teens whose session is around the lunch hour. Bottled water and snacks will be provided throughout the day.

Yes, they get a goody bag and the opportunity to win door prizes from KeyBank, Kumho Tires, The Mid-Ohio School and other sponsors.

Go to www.keytosafeteendriving.com. Click on the location, date and time of the session you want to attend and you’ll be directed to the registration site. After completing the online registration, you will receive an e-mail with forms to complete. Your teen driver will need to bring those forms to his/her session.

KeyBank’s mission is to help clients and communities thrive. Key to Safe Teen Driving helps teen drivers thrive by teaching them skills that normal driver’s education does not teach.