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 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. “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.
TCPC also partners with Atlantic Driving School of Florida, and All Class Drivers.
