Ohio Drivers License Requirements

Getting your driver license in Ohio might seem like a complicated process, but we’re here to make it as easy as possible for you.

So, you’re ready to get an Ohio driver license. It’s a big step in any person’s life, much like the first time you make it up to see the Great Lakes. Sure, getting your drivers license in Ohio might seem like a complicated process, but we’re here to make it as easy as possible for you.

Just follow our step-by-step guide and you’ll be driving on your own in no time.

4 Steps to Getting an Ohio Drivers License

1. Get Your Learners Permit (TIPIC)
2. Complete a Drivers Education Course
3. Practice Driving
4. Pass the Ohio BMV Driver License Exam

Step 1: Get Your Learners Permit

Before you can get a drivers license in Ohio, you must get a learners permit, also known as a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC). All you have to do to become eligible for a TIPIC is:

• Be at least 15 years and 6 months old.
• Head to your local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office to take a vision test.
• Pass a 40-question knowledge exam made up of multiple-choice questions.
• Within 60 days of passing the exam, go to a deputy registrar license agency to get your permit.

You can easily prep for the permit test by taking the first couple hours of an approved Ohio drivers ed course along with a practice test or two. You’ll gain some basic traffic law knowledge, and you’ll receive a drivers education Certificate of Enrollment, which you’ll need later in this process (more on that below).

When you go to the deputy registrar license office, you need to bring some forms that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate, your social security number and a valid identification card. Keep in mind that you’ll also have to pay a fee to purchase your permit.

After you do all that, you’re officially an Ohio TIPIC holder! Now, on to the actual driving part.

Step 2: Complete a Drivers Education Course

Get Started

If you already signed up for a drivers ed course before getting your learners permit, then you’re a step ahead. If not, you’ll want to get enrolled and complete the first two hours of the course to receive a Certificate of Enrollment.

While you’re working on your drivers education course, you can begin driving practice and behind-the-wheel training. Or you can choose to focus on finishing the program first before getting behind the wheel. With an online drivers ed course you get to choose.

At the end of your drivers ed course, you’ll be prompted to take a multiple-choice final exam. In order to pass the course, you need to score 75% or higher on the test. If you fail, you must wait 24 hours to try to pass the test again. You have three chances total before you will be required to start the course over.

Just pay attention to your drivers ed course and you’ll pass like the vast majority of other students!

Note: You must complete the drivers ed course within 180 days of enrollment. Most companies will require you to repurchase the course after 180 days, but your friends at Aceable won't!

Step 3: Practice Driving

Getting your full Ohio drivers license isn’t as easy as getting a permit. You have to do more than pass a knowledge test. You’ll have to pass a road test, and in order to do that, you need a lot of driving practice.

Behind-the-Wheel Requirements for an Ohio Drivers License

• 8 hours of drive time in a drivers ed program
• 50 hours of supervised training 10 hours must be at night

You read that right. The State of Ohio requires that teen drivers complete 58 hours of behind-the-wheel training before they can drive on their own.

Eight hours of driver training is completed at a state-approved professional driving school. This is where the drivers ed Certificate of Enrollment will be needed. You need it to prove that you’ve at least begun a Ohio drivers education program before you can take the training.

Logging Behind-the-Wheel Training Hours

Behind-the-wheel training is a bit of an honor system. The state is giving parents the benefit of the doubt when they say their teen driver completed the training.

To prove that you’ve completed the hours, parents or guardians need to fill out the 50 Hour Affidavit form. Get it signed and notarized, then bring it to the nearest Ohio BMV office when you’re ready to take the road test.

Step 4: Pass the Ohio BMV Driving Skills Test

Once you pass the final Ohio drivers ed exam and complete the behind-the-wheel training, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion to present to the BMV office. Just like when you apply for a learner’s permit, when you go to get your license, you’ll need to bring some forms that prove your identity. Also, make sure to bring your instruction permit and 50 Hour Affidavit to show that you’ve finished all your requirements.

Finally, it’s time to prove you know your stuff by passing the driving skills test. To take the test, you’ll have to bring your own vehicle (the driver exam station does not provide motor vehicles for you).

An agent will inspect the car to make sure it meets safety standards. After that’s done, you’ll perform a maneuverability test consisting of tasks like accelerating and braking, using your turn signals and backing up. If you want to practice, a full description of the test is available at BMV.Ohio.gov.

Once you pass the test and pay the fee you’ll get your probationary license, which is a restricted license for underage drivers. You’ll hold this probationary license with restricted driving privileges until you’re 18 years old. At that point, you’re eligible for a drivers license renewal that will give you full driving privileges.

Resources for Getting an Ohio Drivers License

Online Ohio Drivers Ed Course

Want to get started right now? You can complete a state-approved Ohio drivers ed course using your phone or laptop when you sign up with Aceable! It’s the easiest and fastest way to get your Ohio driver license. So, what are you waiting for?

Our Ohio drivers ed course is packed with entertaining memes, videos and interactive learning tools to make sure you become a world-class driver!

Ohio BMV Offices

The BMV issues learner permits and driver licenses. This is also where new drivers take the permit and driving test. Find the nearest Ohio BMV office location.

Driving Schools

Time to start behind-the-wheel training? Head to the Ohio Department of Public Safety search portal to look for approved driving schools in your area.

Learners Permit Restrictions

Learn more about the driving restrictions with a learners permit before getting behind the wheel.

Ohio BMV Forms

Find and download the most common Ohio BMV forms before you head into your local office. Whether you need an Ohio BMV drivers handbook, a change of address form, or anything else, we've got you covered!