How To Get a Drivers' License in Ohio?

Do you know that discovering independence and freedom to use public roads is the best feeling ever in Ohio? Though the process of obtaining a driving license in Ohio is somewhat stringent, it shouldn’t deter you from getting behind the wheel.

It takes a lot of control, knowledge, and confidence to get into the driver’s seat on the road in Ohio. The good news is that everyone looking to acquire a license is a few steps away!

Ohio Driver's License

The time has come to begin the process, provided you are over 15.

Knowledge Test and Vision Screening

You start by taking and passing the Ohio written knowledge exam, including a vision screening to ensure that you can clearly see the road while driving. It’s a great way to reduce road accidents caused by poor eyesight.

For the screening and test, visit the local Driver Exam Station. If you pass the test, you are issued a temporary permit, but if you fail, you are given about 24 hours to retake it. After the fourth attempt, you must wait 6 months before retaking. So, remember to relax and take your time!

Get a Learner’s Permit

Within 60 days after passing the exams, you get a learner’s permit, and now you get to prepare for the driving test. However, individuals under 16 years old may drive only under supervision by a certified instructor, guardian, or parent.

To obtain a driver’s license in Ohio, a temporary learner’s permit is required. It’s also named as Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC), and to be eligible for one, you must:

  • Be 15 and a half years old.
  • Head to your local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office to take a screening test.
  • Pass the knowledge exam that consists of 40 multiple-choice questions.
  • After passing your test within 60 days, visit the deputy registrar’s licensing agency to obtain your TIPIC.

Get Behind-The-Wheel

It’s time to get behind the wheel! Now that you have enough knowledge about Ohio roads, you need to demonstrate your driving skills in a practical setting. With a permit in hand, you have the chance to begin driving. Visit the nearest offices of local and state-certified driving schools to register for a practical test.

It takes you at least 8 hours on the wheel while under a professional instructor, and teens need 50 hours of practice with their legal guardian or parents. Those over 18 years old need a licensed driver who is 21 or older, or a certified instructor.

Before taking the driving test, consider completing multiple online courses to help you pass it. After the practical test, apply for the license you’ve been looking forward to obtaining. Here, you will need to present:

  • The Driver Education Certificate of Completion
  • Your affidavit for the 50-hour driving test, which the guardian completes. It confirms that you attended and completed the test.
  • A valid TIPIC.
  • Your vehicle for the driving test
  • The required fees

For those under 18, their license is a probationary driver’s license until they turn 18.

  • A 16-year-old driver is not allowed to drive after midnight. They can kick-start from 6 am; however, if accompanied by a guardian, they have the right to use public roads in Ohio.
  • A 16-year-old driver may not have more than one non-family member in the car as a passenger unless a guardian or parent is in the vehicle.
  • The 17-year-old driver cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless a guardian or parent accompanies them.

Complete the Driver’s Course

Those taking the driver’s education course receive the Online Completion Certificate (OCC), which you bring to the school where you took the practical test to receive the Driver Training Completion Certificate (DT).

During the driver’s course, you can begin your driving practice and practical training. Or rathe,r you could complete the course first before doing any practicals. After the course, you are prompted to do a multiple-choice actual exam.

Note: You are required to complete the course within the first six months after enrollment.

Get the license!

After completing the driving test and course, it’s time to get a license. After passing both the learner’s permit and probationary driving license phases, you’ll need to obtain the full driving license in Ohio!

The school awards you a Certificate of Completion, which you present to your BMV office. Similarly, when applying for a TIPIC for the license, you need to bring certain forms to verify your identity.

Furthermore, you must present both the instruction permit and a 50-hour affidavit to demonstrate completion of all requirements. The significant part is that you will not have to take any more exams or visit the BMV. The license automatically updates to a full driving license without any restrictions after you turn 18.

However, if you are found guilty of a traffic offense after the first six months of holding the probationary license, a guardian will accompany you until you turn 17. After 18 years, you should avoid many traffic convictions. It could lead to license suspension for six months, mainly if found with alcohol-related issues.

Final verdict

Acquiring a driving license in Ohio is not as simple as getting a learner’s permit. Besides passing the knowledge test, there is more to do. You must pass the road test, which can be tough if you haven’t done much practice.

Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws has details that will guide you further regarding the licensure process. The information can also be accessed in Somali and Spanish. In addition, new residents with a valid license from another state seeking to obtain one in Ohio can find more detailed information in the Digest.

Kindly ensure to purchase auto insurance; you must have it to drive on the Ohio roads.