New Partnership Gives Polk County More Options for Road Tests

LAKELAND, Fla. – An exciting new partnership between the Office of the Tax Collector for Polk County (TCPC) and the Orange Osceola Safety Institute (OOSI) will allow more options for people to take a road test in hopes of securing their driver’s license!

“We want to expand the the opportunity for people to get a driver’s license without having to schedule a road test appointment very far in advance,” Polk County Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder said.

Orange Osceola Safety Institute’s new Lakeland location is at 901 E. Memorial Blvd., Unit 977.

“There’s just such high demand for driver license services in Polk County, like these road tests,” he continued, “that we’re working to not only meet people’s needs, but to exceed their expectations through partnerships like this.”

Polk County’s population growth, particularly in young people, is increasing tremendously! The TCPC experienced a 63% increase in road tests conducted in January 2024 compared to January 2023. A report by the GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida finds Polk the fastest-growing county in Florida, and seventh-fastest in the nation; the greatest growth is expected in the 18 and under age group.

This new option for road tests through OOSI in Lakeland offers convenient hours, with walk-in availability from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; additionally, appointments after 5 p.m. may be available at the customer’s request.

“We hope to be an asset to Lakeland and the greater Polk County community. We believe we will be, based on our experience in road testing and our background in careers in motorist services that span decades,” OOSI Owner & Founder Fran Iwanski said.

Appointments are preferred, and are now available at OOSI’s new Lakeland location at 901 E. Memorial Blvd., Unit 977. Click here to make an appointmentAs a reminder, TCPC also partners with Atlantic Driving School of Florida, and All Class Drivers.

For more information, visit www.PolkTaxes.com or contact Ashleigh Mills, Public Engagement Specialist, at AshleighMills@polktaxes.com.