Ford to Host Free Advanced Driver Training for Teens at the Ford Sharonville Transmission Plant

For most teens, getting behind the wheel for the first time is a rite of passage. Ford wants to make sure what comes next – driving safely – isn’t left to chance for teens in Cincinnati and across the country. Ford Philanthropyis teaming up with the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office to bring four free, hands-on Ford Driving Skills for Life clinics to the Ford Sharonville Transmission Plant in Cincinnati over Memorial Day weekend, May 23-24, 2026.

Established in 2003, Ford Driving Skills for Life pairs newly licensed or permitted teen drivers with professional instructors for advanced behind-the-wheel training designed to help inexperienced drivers develop the skills needed to recognize hazards, control their vehicles and make safer decisions on the road. Each session combines instruction with hands-on exercises that allow teens to practice important driving techniques in a controlled environment.

“Ford has a deep-rooted history in Cincinnati, employing more than 2,000 community members at our Sharonville Transmission Plant, which has been in operation since 1958,” said Joe Provenzano, Mobility Director with Ford Philanthropy. “We want our community to be as safe as possible. That’s why we’re bringing Ford Driving Skills for Life here to give young drivers the hands-on experience and confidence they need to handle real-world driving challenges.”

Participants will work with professional instructors to learn how to manage driving situations – like distracted driving, oversteering and hard braking – and understand how their choices behind the wheel affect others on the road.

Why sign up?

• Hands-on training with professional driving instructors
• Real-world driving skills including hazard recognition, vehicle handling and skid control
• Strategies for avoiding distractions and staying focused while driving
• Safety in Mobility module covering awareness of pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter riders

“Inexperience is the number one reason why teen drivers crash, and Ford Driving Skills for Life helps teens gain that experience in a safe, hands‑on environment,” said OTSO Director Emily Davidson. “This two-day event is a great opportunity for guided practice that helps teens recognize hazards, respond appropriately to challenging situations and ultimately become safer, more responsible drivers.”

The Ford Driving Skills for Life free training is designed to give teens experience practicing advanced driving techniques they may not encounter during traditional driver’s education courses. Parents, guardians and teen youth groups are encouraged to participate. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Register today at drivingskillsforlife.com/training.