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 a bit stringent, that shouldn’t deter you from getting behind the wheels.
It takes a lot of control, knowledge, and confidence on the road to get in a driver’s seat in Ohio. The good news is that everyone looking to acquire a license is a few steps away!
The time is here to begin the process; however, you must be over 15 years old.
Knock out the knowledge test and vision screening.
For the screening and test, visit the local Driver Exam Station. If you pass the test, you are awarded a temporary permit, but you are given around 24 hours to retake if you fail. After the fourth attempt, you must wait for six months to do a retake. So, remember to relax and take your time!
Get Learners 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, for people under 16 years old, you can only drive while under supervision by either a certified instructor, guardian, or a parent.
To acquire a driver’s license in Ohio, a temporary learner’s permit is a must-have. 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 the local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office to have a screen test.
- Pass the knowledge exam that consists of 40 multiple-choice questions.
- After passing your test within 60 days, visit the deputy registrar license agency for your TIPIC.
Get Behind-The-Wheel
It’s time to get behind the wheel! Now that you have enough knowledge regarding the Ohio roads, you need to show your driving skills practically. With a permit at hand, it grants you the chance to begin driving. Visit the nearest offices to register for a practical test; you should ensure the offices are local and state-certified driving schools.
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 above 21 years or a certified instructor.
Before you take the driving test, it’s advisable to do multiple online courses that will help you pass the actual test. 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 of the 50 hours driving test that the guardian fills out. 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 years old, their license is known as 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 the public roads in Ohio.
- A 16-year-old driver is not allowed to have more than one non-family 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 are given the Online Completion Certificate (OCC), which you take to the school where you did the practical test to be awarded a Driver Training Completion Certificate (DT).
While doing the drivers course, it’s possible to start the driving practice and practical training. Or rather 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 the driving test and completing the driving course, it’s time to get a license. Once you manage to pass both the learner’s permit and probationary driving license phase, you now need to obtain the full driving license in Ohio!
The school awards you with a Certificate of Completion that you present to your BMV office. Similarly, when applying for a TIPIC for the license, you need to carry some forms to prove your identification.
More so, you need to show the instruction permit and a 50-hour affidavit to show you completed all the requirements. The great part is that you will not do 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 with a traffic offense after the first six months of acquiring the probationary license, it results in a guardian accompanying you until you are 17. After 18 years, you should avoid many traffic convictions. It could lead to license suspension for six months, especially 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 is hard too 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 as well be accessed in Somali and Espanol too. In addition, for new residents with a valid license from a different state and seeking to get one from Ohio, they can get more detailed information from the Digest.
Kindly ensure to purchase auto insurance, you must have it to drive on the Ohio roads.