Learn how to get your OH learner's permit or driver's license and schedule your driving test in Ohio with this step-by-step guide. Discover what to expect, things you need, and how to get behind the wheel faster.
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The Buckeye State offers everyone a lot of opportunities to travel. Going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland or Ohio Stadium in Columbus, exploring 228 miles of the Historic National Road or Main Market Route 3 requires a lot of driving. This step-by-step guide will help you get, renew and transfer Ohio driver’s license and enjoy your life in The Heart of It All.
p style="margin: 30px;line-height: 1.4;">Pro tip: Maneuvering through Ohio's varied landscapes requires a driver who is adept at both urban and rural driving conditions. Our guides on manual driving and parallel parking will enhance your road readiness. Practice reverse parking and three-point turns to complete your driving skill set. Check that your mirrors are properly aligned for safety. Our Online Driving Simulator is a beneficial tool for practice, and for international drivers, make sure to understand Ohio's international driver's license requirements.
It is the most common driver license that allows you to drive common cars and trucks which are not commercial motor vehicles. Read the OH Motor Vehicle Laws Digest or take a free OH BMV practice test.
These are commercial driver licenses (CDL) that allow you to operate any combination of vehicles with gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more provided the GVRW of the vehicle towed is more than 10,000 pounds (Class A); any vehicle with GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or towing a vehicle with GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds (Class B); any single vehicle that transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or is placarded for transportation of hazardous materials (Class C). Read the OH CDL Manual or take a free OH CDL practice test.
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It allows you to operate a motorcycle or motor scooter on public roadways. You must get either a motorcycle license or endorsement. Read the OH Motorcycle Operator Manual or take a free OH Motorcycle practice test.
To apply for your first driver license in Ohio, you must gather documentation and pass a vision screening, knowledge and road test. This is your complete plan of action depending on your age.
Apply for Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) Apply for Probationary Driver License Apply for (Adult) Driver LicenseYou must apply for TIPIC if you have never been licensed. The permit allows you to drive supervised at all times. If you are under the age of 16, you may be accompanied only by your parent/guardian or a licensed driving instructor in the front seat. If you are 16+, you may be supervised by any licensed driver 21 +, except between midnight and 6 a.m., when you must be supervised by your parent/guardian only. Note that the supervising driver may not be intoxicated.
Choose appropriate documents from this list.
It has 40 multiple-choice questions about Ohio traffic signs and regulations. If you fail the test, you may retake it in 24 hours. You may retake the test as many times as needed. Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Knowledge Test and practice with free OH BMV practice tests before you go.
You must purchase your TIPIC here no later than 60 days after passing the tests. Choose an agency close to you here.
You may choose to apply for a compliant or standard card depending on your needs. To get a compliant card, bring the proof of the following:
If you choose to get a standard card, one proof of your Ohio address is enough.
Your parent/guardian must co-sign your application and present proper identification (driver license or ID card).
Your TIPIC will be valid for one year. Hold it for at least 6 months if you are under 18 years of age.
If you are over 18 years of age, your next step is to apply for adult driver license.
You may get this type of license if you are under 18 years of age. It allows you to drive unsupervised but with a number of restrictions:
During the first 12 months:
After the first 12 months and if you are still under 18 years of age:
If you choose to get a standard license, one proof of your Ohio address is enough.
Your license will expire on the 20th day after your 21st birthday, unless it is an SB251 license. An SB251 minor license expires on the 20th day after your 21st birthday or in 3 years, whichever comes first. Between your 21st birthday and the expiration of your minor driver license, you must renew your driver license; this time, you will be issued a full adult driver license.
If you have never been licensed, you must first apply for TIPIC (Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card).
If your TIPIC expired, you will have to reapply for it and take both vision and knowledge tests. If you have a valid TIPIC, start with step 1.
When you feel confident about your driving, you may schedule the test online, by phone at (614) 752-7600 or contact the driver exam station of your choice directly. If you can't make it to the appointment, let the driver exam station know as soon as possible.
Bring a vehicle in good condition and your valid TIPIC. The test checks your ability to perform some driving patterns and drive safely. Read about the road test procedure and requirements here. If you fail, you must wait at least 7 days before retaking it. If you fail 4 times, the waiting period is extended to 6 months.
If you pass, your examiner may give you a receipt certifying the test completion.
You may choose to apply for a compliant or standard license depending on your needs. To get a compliant driver license, bring the proof of the following:
If you choose to get a standard license, one proof of your Ohio address is enough.
Your permanent license will arrive within 7-10 days in the mail and will be valid for 4 years in most cases. You may check the processing status of your license here.
There are 40 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, regulations and signs. You must answer at least 75% of them correctly to pass. You may find a sample test at the official BMV website.
How to prepare for the test?Study OH Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws as all questions are based on the information provided there. Then prepare with the help of our free practice tests available here. When you feel comfortable with your score, you are ready! You can also download our free DMV Genie app to study on the go. Get it on the App Store or on Google Play.
What common errors must I avoid when taking the OH knowledge test?The most common mistake comes from not knowing enough information out of the digest. This happens when people study solely with practice tests. Make sure you read the digest first. Another problem is rushing through questions. Take your time and remember what you have studied.
Can I use the digest when taking the actual test? No, it’s considered cheating. Moreover, you mustn’t use your phone or other wireless devices. Can I take the test in another language?Yes. The tests are available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Russian, Somali, and Spanish. You may use an interpreter for other languages. However, you must be able to understand directions and read traffic signs printed in English.
What if I require special accommodations for my test? Contact your local driver licensing office. What happens if I fail the test?You will wait for at least 24 hours before taking it again. You may retake it as many times as you need.
The test consists of 2 parts: driving and maneuverability. You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to drive safely with the traffic and perform basic driving patterns.
You may schedule the test online, by phone at (614)752-7600 or contact the driver exam station of your choice directly. If you can't make it to the appointment, let the driver exam station know as soon as possible.
Arrive in good time and have the following with you:
The vehicle you bring for the test must be in good working order, it must be able to pass a standard Ohio vehicle inspection. Your test will be cancelled if the vehicle doesn't pass the examiner's inspection. Check the following elements before your arrival for the test:
You will usually start with the maneuverability test. It consists of 2 steps.
This video will help you understand the steps of the maneuverability test better.
You will lose points if you
You will fail automatically if you knock down or run over the marker.
At the end of the maneuverability test, you must remove your car from the test area without running over markers.
If you pass the maneuverability test, you will start the driving test. It will check your ability to drive safely. Your job will be to listen to the examiner's instructions and follow them. Keep your seat belt on at all times and drive with both hands on the steering wheel.
The examiner will evaluate the following skills:
Parallel parking is not assessed during the Ohio driving and skills test.
Your examiner will let you know if you pass or fail. If you pass, you may go to the Deputy Registrar and get the driver license.
If you fail the test, you will have to wait at least 7 days before retaking it. If you fail only one part of the test (maneuverability or driving) and pass the other, you will have to retake only the one you failed.
If you fail 4 times, you will be required to wait 6 months before retesting.
Note that if you are over 18 years of age and you fail your maneuverability or driving part, you will be required to take an abbreviated adult driver training course before you retake the test. You may choose one of the following options:
Choose schools that offer the abbreviated adult driver training courses here.
Before the second attempt, provide a certificate of completion and (if applicable) a completed and notarized Form BMV 5789.
If you fail the second time, you don't have to take the course again.
If you move to Ohio and would like to keep driving here, you must transfer your license no later than 30 days after becoming an OH resident.
Not sure if you are a resident of Ohio?You’re considered resident for driver license purposes if you move to Ohio and establish your permanent home here (get a job, sign a lease, buy a house, get your children enrolled in school, etc.).
Residing temporarily? Good news!You don't have to convert your existing license to the OH driver license if:
To transfer your out-of-state driver license, you will be required to pass vision screening, present documentation and pay for your new license.
Plan of ActionChoose appropriate documents from this list.
If you choose to get a standard card, one proof of your Ohio address is enough.
Note that if you are under 18, you will have to bring proof of driver education.
Your New Ohio driver license will be valid for 4 years. If your out-of-state license is expired, you will be required to take the knowledge test as well.
If you have a foreign driver license and a vehicle with your national license plates, you may drive up to one year holding your foreign driver license. When you buy a car in Ohio, you will need to get an Ohio driver license. To get it, you will be required to take vision screening, knowledge and driving tests. Check how to apply here.
