Contributed NEW OWNERSHIP — Ameridrive Driving School, with locations in Wintersville and St. Clairsville, is under new ownership.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Ameridrive Driving School is under new ownership.

The previous owner, Mary Lyons, retired after 24 years of service to area students.

The new owners are Bethany and Josh Baxter. They were employed for years with the previous owner — Bethany as office manager and Josh as an instructor. They have completed all state requirements to own a driving school.

They plan to continue instructing students at 58 Maplewood Ave. in Wintersville as well as the main office at 157 E. Main Street, St. in Clairsville.

Ohio requires that students under age 18 complete a driver education course prior to testing for their driver’s license. Students may begin the class portion at 15 years, 5 months of age. Students must have a completion certificate for the class portion prior to scheduling the behind-the-wheel instruction.

The class instruction can be completed online or in person. The online classes may be completed under any certified online provider. The next in-person class in St. Clairsville is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. March 3. The next in-person class in Wintersville starts at 5 p.m. March 10. Classes are held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for two weeks. There is no fee to attend the in-person classes.

Ohio requires eight hours of driving instruction by a certified driving instructor. Ameridrive’s new owners are currently offering $25.00 off the regular fee for behind-the-wheel instruction. The driving school employs male and female instructors who have completed extensive training and background checks.

There is no waiting list to drive, depending on student availability, they may complete the driving in less than a week. Text or call Bethany Baxter at (740) 695-0054 for information or to schedule driving times.