OnPoint Driving School’s bright green driver’s education car. OnPoint offers in-person classes and behind-the-wheel training to Adams County students, with the goal of teaching safe and responsible driving skills. (Photo provided by Cheri Rice)
By Ryan Applegate
People’s Defender
OnPoint Driving School is putting down roots in Adams County, giving local students and families more access to quality driver’s education. The school, founded by owner and instructor Cheri Rice, offers behind-the-wheel instruction in addition to classroom and online training. For parents and teens in Adams County, the expansion means they no longer need to travel far for trusted driving lessons. OnPoint will be running their next in person class from September 29 – October 4 from 4 – 8:15 p.m.
Rice and her family moved to West Union in 2023 after living in the Dublin area near Columbus. The move brought them closer to extended family and gave Rice a chance to better understand the needs of her new community. “We realized there was a real need for a local option,” she said. “I wanted to bring this service closer to home so kids here don’t have to drive an hour away to get the help they need.”
The school’s Adams County students are being served through its office in Russellville. The site is located at 203 East Main Street inside the Rambler Center, sharing the building with the police department. Rice said the location isn’t just practical, it’s symbolic. “It’s important for young drivers to see law enforcement close by and understand that driving is a serious responsibility,” she explained.
OnPoint is a fully licensed driving school under the State of Ohio. It is also bonded and insured, giving parents peace of mind that their children are being trained by qualified professionals operating under state guidelines. Rice said she emphasizes that point whenever families are researching schools. “These are your children,” she said. “You want to be sure the program you choose meets every standard.”
At the Russellville office, students have the option to take in-person classroom instruction in addition to behind-the-wheel sessions. Rice said this flexibility is especially helpful for families who prefer a structured learning environment rather than relying on online-only coursework. “Some kids do better in a classroom setting where they can ask questions and learn with their peers,” she said. “We make sure that option is available right here in Adams County.”
OnPoint also continues to offer online coursework for students who prefer working at their own pace, with the opportunity to schedule driving sessions once the academic portion is complete. “It’s about meeting students where they are,” Rice said. “Every family has different needs, and we’re committed to making driver’s education accessible in whatever form works best for them.”
The behind-the-wheel sessions are where OnPoint really shines, according to Rice. She emphasizes patience, practical demonstrations, and a personal connection that helps calm nervous students. “I’m known for being thorough,” she said. “If a student is nervous, they won’t take in as much. I make sure they feel comfortable, build rapport right away, and then teach them to really observe and learn.”
One of her teaching hallmarks is a special technique for maneuverability training, a portion of the driving test that often makes students anxious. Rice said her method makes the process less stressful and more approachable, ensuring students are confident before they face the test. “It’s about making it easy for them,” she added.
On the road, safety is always the top concern. Rice has seen plenty of risky behavior while accompanying students. She shared that impatient drivers sometimes pass the marked OnPoint vehicle even when her students are obeying the speed limit. “People will pass us only to cut us off,” she said. “That’s dangerous, especially for someone who’s just learning. We need the community to give these kids space.”
To protect students and instructors, all OnPoint vehicles are equipped with cameras. This not only ensures accountability but also helps reassure families. Rice said parents are grateful to know their children are supervised in a secure and professional environment. “Please, if you see our cars, stay back and be courteous,” she added. “We’ve all been new drivers. Space is your best friend.”
Students and parents have come to recognize OnPoint’s green car on the roads. The vehicle, Rice noted, has become something of a local icon. “The kids love it because it screams ‘drivers ed, stay away from me,’” she joked. “Parents tell us they like that it stands out. With some companies, you have to look hard to know it’s a driver’s ed car, and that’s not good. Ours is easily spotted, which makes everyone safer.”
The school plans to add another training vehicle soon, but Rice said the green car will remain a signature. Reviews from families across Southern Ohio highlight not only the car but also the quality of instruction. Many note the solid eight-hour behind-the-wheel program and the fact that OnPoint helps students move through the licensing process quickly and confidently.
OnPoint is more than just a business to Rice, it’s personal. The idea for starting the school came years ago after she was struck by a vehicle on the Ohio State University campus. “The officer who handled the accident handed me my license back and said, ‘I hardly ever see one this clean. You should be teaching people to drive,’” she recalled. “I took his advice. I wish I could tell him where it led.”
Community support has been a driving force behind OnPoint’s growth. Rice said she is grateful for the families who have left positive reviews on social media, recommended the school to friends, and trusted her with their children. “We are proud members of the Chamber of Commerce and we support other small businesses,” she said. “We want to give back to the people who have supported us.”
While the main focus today is on serving Adams County and the surrounding region through the Russellville office, OnPoint is also preparing to open a new site in Cincinnati. The upcoming location will allow the school to serve Montgomery, Indian Hill, Loveland, Madeira, and Milford. Rice called it an exciting step but said her heart remains with the families who welcomed her when she relocated to West Union.
Ultimately, Rice said, OnPoint is about more than licenses or test scores. It’s about helping teens develop life-saving skills and an understanding of the responsibility that comes with driving. “These are your children,” she said. “Choose your driving school wisely. Make sure whoever you choose is thorough and nothing short of it. Our goal is always to make sure your student is not just a number.”
For more information about OnPoint Driving School, visit onpointdrivingeducation.com
