How to Get Your Ohio Permit & Drivers License


How Do You Get a Permit and Drivers License in Ohio?

TIPIC, Probationary License, Full License - it’s like the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) makes decoding the process the first step in getting a drivers license.

But don’t worry. We've done the decoding for you and compiled all the information you need to become a fully licensed Ohio driver. Let’s begin!

The 3 Ohio Drivers License Stages

It may seem like there are a lot of steps to getting an Ohio license, but it’s by design. There are three licensing stages that slowly ease teens onto the roads with all the knowledge necessary to be safe drivers.

What are the different types of Ohio drivers licenses, and when can I get them?

  • Temporary Instruction Permit: You can get this once you are 15 ½ years old.

  • Probationary License: You can get this after you turn 16 and have had your TIPIC for at least 6 months.

  • Full License: You can get this once you are 18 years old and have completed all the probationary license steps.

There is also an over 18 temporary permit for people who wait until after they are a legal adult to get a drivers license.

What is an Ohio TIPIC and How Can I Get One?

You turned 15 ½, which means you can finally get a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC). A parent or guardian will need to accompany you to the nearest driver licensing exam station to pick it up.

What do I need to bring to the BMV to get a TIPIC?

  • US Birth Certificate or US Passport

  • Social Security Card or W-2 Form

  • A document that proves your street address like a utility bill or school record

Check out this BMV form with more information on acceptable documents.

At the BMV, you must pass a knowledge exam as well as a vision exam. No need to panic - the 40 question multiple-choice test should be easy once you’ve completed the first few hours of the Aceable Ohio drivers ed course. The BMV also offers a free practice testwhich we highly recommend you take a look at.

If you fail the knowledge test, fret not! After waiting 24 hours, you can attempt the test again with no limit on the number of times you can take it.

Once you pass both tests and pay the $23.50 fee you’ll receive a receipt. You’ll have 60 days to take your receipt to the nearest DMVdeputy registrar's office. There you’ll get your temporary instruction permit identification card.

What driving restrictions do I have with a TIPIC?

  • If you're under 16, you have to be accompanied by either a parent, guardian or driving instructor every time you drive.

  • If you’re over 16, any licensed individual over the age of 21 can be in the passenger seat from 6am to midnight.

  • If you’re under 18, you cannot drive from midnight to 6:00 am unless you are with a licensed parent or guardian.

What drivers ed requirements do I have to meet?

Before you can move on to stage two and get your probationary license, you must fulfill these driving requirements:

  • 24 hours of classroom instruction, which can be done with Aceable’s drivers ed app.

  • 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.

  • 50 hours of driving practice with a licensed parent or guardian (10 hours must be at night).

What is an Ohio Probationary License and How Do I Get One?

If you’re over the age of 16, have had your TIPIC for at least 6 months and met the education and driving requirements you can schedule your road test online. Take this time to study up before taking the exam at your local BMV.

What do I need to bring to the BMV to get my probationary license?

  • Your parent or guardian

  • Certificate to show you completed an Ohio driver’s education course.

  • Form BMV 5791“Fifty Hour Affidavit” to prove you’ve driven 50 hours with 10 hours being at night.

  • A car to take the driving test

  • Cash, check or money order to pay the license fee. Note: Fee varies depending on age:


    • 16 years old: $25.75

    • 17 years old: $24.50

    • 18 years old: $23.25

After passing the road test, another vision test and providing proof of all 50 hours of driving practice, you’ll get your probationary license! No more driving with mom and dad - unless it’s late at night. With this license, you can drive alone, but of course, there are some restrictions.

What restrictions do I have with a probationary license in Ohio?

  • For the first year that you have your probationary license, you cannot drive between midnight and 6:00 am unless you are with a parent or guardian, are driving to work, are driving to a school function or are in an emergency.

  • You may not have more than one passenger who is not a family member if you are driving without a parent or guardian.

  • Everyone must wear a safety belt.

  • No mobile device may be used while driving.

Note:

  • A conviction of a traffic offense within the first six months of having a probationary license may result in a parent or guardian having to drive with you for six months or until you're 17 years old.

  • Multiple traffic convictions before your 18th birthday may result in a license suspension. For alcohol-related convictions, your license will be suspended for at least six months.

What is a Full License and How Do I Get One in Ohio?

Once you have passed through both the TIPIC and probationary license phases of the licensure process and have turned 18, you now have a full drivers license in Ohio!

The best part is you don't have to take any more tests, and you don't even have to go to the BMV. Your license will automatically update to a full license with no restrictions on your 18th birthday.

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*This article was updated on 8/24/2020

Krista Doyle