Ohio Driver’s License Requirements
You’ll need to pass a knowledge, vision, and road test to get your license in Ohio.
Drivers need to be at least 16 years old, provide valid identification, and have proof of residence to obtain an Ohio driver’s license. The process of applying for your license includes taking a driver's education course, passing a knowledge and vision exam, and completing a road test.
Earning your driver’s license is a big moment in anyone’s life. The licensing process is different between states, and some states can be more complicated than others.
Jerry
, the licensed car insurance
broker, is here to break down what is needed to get your driver’s license in the state of Ohio. Plus, we've got some tips to help lower your Ohio car insurance costs
.Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
What are the requirements for a driver’s license in Ohio?
You need to be at least 16 years old to get a driver’s license in Ohio. Before you head down to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for your Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC), you’ll need to provide proof of the following:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Legal presence in the US
- Social Security number
- Two documents proving your Ohio street address
- Proof of name change (if applicable)
Applicants who have medical or physical conditions that may impair their driving skills are required to report the condition when applying for an Ohio license, including epilepsy. Sometimes they will be required to submit a medical evaluation within 20 days.
A physician will determine whether or not the applicant can drive safely. If the applicant can drive safely, they will be issued a restricted license for six months, which is then subject to review.
What are the requirements for young drivers?
Any license applicant under 18 needs parental or guardian consent and will need to obtain a TIPIC and hold it for at least six months. Eligibility for a TIPIC begins at age 15 years and six months of age.
Drivers under 18 will also have to submit the following:
- Certificate of completion from a licensed driver training school, which includes 24 hours of classroom time and eight hours of driving time
- Certificate of completion of 50 hours of driving with a licensed driver over the age of 21, 10 hours of which must be completed at night
What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?
If you’re looking to convert your out-of-state license to an Ohio driver’s license, all you need to do is visit a deputy registrar license agency and bring the documentation needed for licensure. You do not need to take a road test, knowledge exam, or complete a vision test.
If you are a resident of another country, you can drive for up to one year using your country’s driving license. Military members stationed in Ohio also do not have to convert their licenses, though their families must.
How to get a driver’s license in Ohio
For new drivers: take an approved driving course
If you’ve never gotten a driver’s license anywhere and you’re under 18—Ohio or otherwise—you’ll need to attend 24 hours of classroom instruction to satisfy your TIPIC requirements.
You can attend a class from
any approved driving school
either online or in the classroom. You’ll also need eight hours of driving practice with an instructor.If you are over 18, you’ll only need to satisfy your TIPIC requirements.
Vision test
You can’t drive if you can’t see the road. All drivers in Ohio must pass a vision test to receive a TIPIC.
You must meet Ohio’s
minimum visual acuity standards
to receive an unrestricted license. This requires you to have at least 20/40 or better vision and 70 degrees of side vision in each eye.Knowledge exam
You must also pass a knowledge exam to receive your TIPIC. You can schedule a knowledge exam at a
driver exam school
. Applicants must answer 75% of the questions correctly, or get 30 out of 40 questions correct.The driving test in Ohio will cover Ohio’s traffic laws, road safety, and road signs. You can take
a practice exam
to make sure you’re ready for official testing. Road test
You’ve passed your knowledge exam, taken your vision test, received your TIPIC, and completed all 50 hours of practice driving—now what? Well, you’re ready for your Ohio road test! You can schedule a road test with
BMV online services
.You’ll need to bring a vehicle in good condition to your road test, which the examiner will inspect. Once there, you’ll present your TIPIC and your driver's education certificate if you’re under 18. The road test has two parts: driving and maneuverability.
You will be tested on the following for the driving portion:
- Stop and start
- Turn around and back up
- Perform turns
- Use vehicle turn signals
- Drive in the correct lane
- Maintain a safe following distance
The maneuverability test has two parts:
- Forward through markers
- Backward through markers
To complete the test, drivers must remove their vehicle from the test area without performing disqualifying actions or running over testing markers. It is an immediate failure if a driver runs over or knocks down a test marker, or removes a marker from its designated area.
After passing the driving and maneuverability tests, a driver can go to any deputy registrar to receive their license. At this time, they must surrender the TIPIC.
How to save money on car insurance in Ohio
You’re ready to become a road warrior! Now that you’ve passed your tests and have your license in hand, you’ll have to get a vehicle and purchase at least the
minimum car insurance required
by Ohio. Don’t be intimidated, though— Jerry
is here to make it easy for you.Once you download the
trustworthy super app
, enter your information, and wait just 45 seconds for Jerry to compile the most competitive car insurance quotes
based on a comparison of over 50 insurance companies. You’ll then choose the ultimate rate and coverage, and Jerry will take care of the paperwork. Jerry even has car insurance experts on call in case you need help.
“I’m young and just got my first car, so choosing an insurance company for the first time was scary. My friend recommended this app to me andJerrymade everything simple! I put in my info and got something more affordable than what I expected for my age!” —Leslie T.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees, ever
FAQs
Compare Car Insurance Quotes For Free
Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. Members save $872/year.
Start saving money!
You might also be interested
