We get how exciting it is to think about getting behind the wheel in Cincinnati. The process starts by getting your temporary instruction permit card (TIPIC). The Cincinnati BMV has several branches where you can do this. If you're getting your license for the first time, you'll also need to complete a course at one of the BMV-approved driving schools for Cincinnati, Ohio.
Locating Drivers Exam Stations In Cincinnati, Ohio
You have a choice of two Cincinnati BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) driver's exam stations. When you're ready for the knowledge and vision tests, you can make an appointment through the BMV website. The most central Cincinnati BMV driver's exam (DX) station is:
Hamilton Avenue (DX)
11177 Reading Road, Suite 201
Sharonville, Ohio 45241
You can also locate an additional Drivers Exam Station north of the city in Hamilton, located at 1720 South Erie Boulevard, Suite B. The Drivers Exam Stations serving Cincinnati are open Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Steps to Get a Driver's License in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati residents who are 15 years and six months old can get a TIPIC. This is the first step in getting a regular license. Steps to get this include:
Providing proof of full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number (see the documents you can use for this)
Passing the knowledge and vision screening. You can locate study materials for the knowledge test on the Ohio BMV website.
While you apply for your TIPIC at a driver exam center, you pick up your TIPIC at a deputy registrar license agency. Luckily, there are more of these locations throughout the Cincinnati area, making it easy to find one near you (but more on that below).
Getting Ready to Take the Driving Test in Cincinnati, Ohio
After you get your permit, you'll need to take 24 hours of driver's ed, as well as eight hours of driving instruction time. You'll also need 50 hours of experience on the road (including 10 hours of night driving) with an adult.
Once you've completed these and held your permit for six months, you can take your driving test.
What if you're over 18? You're eligible for an abbreviated adult driver training course that lets you skip the 24-hour course. You'll just need to take a four-hour class instead, along with four hours of driving with a licensed instructor.
Scheduling Tests at the Cincinnati BMV
It's simple to schedule your driver's test for an Ohio driver's license online. Just have your TIPIC at-hand, and be able to provide your date of birth, first letter of your last name, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This will access your Ohio BMV records.
Getting a TIPIC or Drivers License Issued in Cincinnati, Ohio
The tests you need to pass to get the TIPIC and a provisional or regular driver's license occur at Cincinnati BMV Driver Exam Stations. These tests are free of charge. When it comes time to get your license issues, there is a license charge depending on your age and circumstances. You make an appointment and pay the fees at a deputy registrar license agency.
Cincinnati has eleven Deputy Registrar License Agency (DR) offices, which is where you go to pick up your license or permit. The central DR office in Cincinnati is located at 138 E. Court St, Room 100. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This is the final step! Now all that's left is to enjoy your new driver's license in Cincinnati, Ohio.