Skip to main content
Hero background

Ohio

The Buckeye State isn't an easy place to get your license. Use our list of practice tests, such as the Ohio new-to-state driver's license test and the Ohio road signs practice test, as help. Getting your Ohio driver's license will never be easier.

PICK A Ohio BMV PRACTICE TEST TO START:

Driver's License
Just Moved? Renewing your License? Practice here!
Driver's License
Driver's Permit
Teens! Get your practice permit test here!
Driver's Permit
Motorcycle
Your Permit to Ride starts here!
Motorcycle
CDL
Get your Commercial Endorsements practice here!
CDL
Jump to:

Ohio BMV Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  • After You Have Passed the Driving Exam (or Road Test)
  • Applying for Your Ohio License
  • Preparing For Your OH Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Preparing For Your OH Permit Test
  • Renewing Your OH License
  • Taking Your OH Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Taking Your OH Permit Test
  • What If I Failed My Road Test?
  • What If I'm Moving to Ohio or Just Visiting?
If I'm under 18, are there any limits to my driver's license?

Yes. Ohio follows a graduated driver's license (GDL) system, which allocates different driving responsibilities over a period of time.

While practicing on your permit, you will only be able to drive while accompanied by certain people, including:

  • If you're under 16: Your parent or legal guardian only.
  • If you're 16 or 17: A fully-licensed driver who's at least 21 years old.

If you're under 18 and practicing on your permit, you will also only be allowed to drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., unless:

  • Accompanied by one of the above approved passengers.

OR

  • Driving to work, church, school, or a school event.

If you're under 18 and driving on your probationary license, you can only have 1 passenger who is not a member of your immediate family, unless accompanied by that person's parent or legal guardian.

What happens after I pass my OH road test?

After passing the Ohio road test, you'll be eligible to receive your license.

Once I have my permit, who can I drive with?

If you're under 16, you will only be allowed to drive with a parent or guardian while practicing on your permit.

Otherwise, while using an OH permit, you'll be able to drive with any fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

Once I get my OH permit, what do I need to do before I can drive with my parents?

Once you earn your Ohio learner's permit, you will automatically be eligible to drive with your parents.

What are the auto insurance requirements for OH drivers?

Ohio auto insurance minimum requirements include:

  • $25,000 for injury/death of one person.
  • $50,000 for injury/death of two or more people.
  • $25,000 for property damage in an accident.

Teen Learners Permit

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
unlimited
50
No
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$9.95
unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$19.95
1
20
No
No Cost

Drivers License Renewal

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
unlimited
50
No
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$9.95
unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$19.95
1
20
No
No Cost

New to State Drivers

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
unlimited
50
No
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$9.95
unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$19.95
1
20
No
No Cost

Motorcycle Permit

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
Motorcycle Permit Practice Packages
Test Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
State Specific Questions
$9.95
unlimited
50
$14.95
unlimited
100
No Cost
1
15

Commercial License

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
CDL Package Price
CDL Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
State Specific Questions
$9.95
unlimited
50
$14.95
unlimited
100
No Cost
1
20

How To Get An Ohio Driver’s License

Freedom and responsibility are two sides of the same coin. And nothing demonstrates that better than the act of driving.

In order to legally drive in Ohio, you must pass a number of tests that show the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) that you can handle a vehicle and follow the rules of the road.

Still, the process looks slightly different, depending on your age and the type of vehicle you want to drive.

Ohio Driver’s License (Under Age 18)

You can start the process of applying for your Ohio driver’s license once you turn 15 ½ years old. But if you’re under 18, there are a few extra steps you’ll have to complete first.

Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC)

The first step toward getting a full driver’s license in Ohio is getting your temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC).

Once you’re at least 15 ½, you can start by scheduling an appointment with the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles. At this visit, you’ll have to:

  • Bring proof of your:
    • Full name.
    • Date of birth.
    • Social Security number.
    • Ohio residence.
    • Legal presence in the United States.
  • Pass the:
    • Vision test.
    • Written driving test.

Your parent or guardian will have to be with you to sign paperwork on your behalf. They must also bring in the same types of identifying documents.

Once the paperwork is filed, tests passed, and fee paid, you’ll be issued your learner’s permit.

OH Learner’s Permit Restrictions

Your OH permit comes with some restrictions.

While practicing on your permit, you will only be able to drive while accompanied by certain people, including:

  • If you’re under 16: Your parent or legal guardian only.
  • If you’re 16 or 17: A fully-licensed driver who’s at least 21 years old.

If you’re under 18 and practicing on your permit, you will also only be allowed to drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., unless:

  • Accompanied by one of the above approved passengers.

OR

  • Driving to work, church, school, or a school event.

Probationary Driver’s License

After practicing on your permit, you’ll be eligible to apply for your full driver’s license. But before you can take the final step, you’ll need to:

  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Practice on your learner’s permit for at least 6 months.
  • Log at least 50 hours of driving practice.
    • At least 10 hours must be at night.
  • Pass a state-approved Driver’s Ed course.

Once those requirements have been met, the final step is passing your driving skills exam.

Schedule one more appointment with the BMV, and make sure to bring:

  • Your valid learner’s permit.
  • The appropriate identifying documents.
  • Your driving practice log.
  • Proof of completing your Driver’s Ed course.
  • The appropriate fee.
  • A parent or legal guardian to sign paperwork on your behalf.

You’ll also have to bring documents for the vehicle you’re testing in, including proof of valid and up-to-date:

  • Liability insurance.
  • Registration.

After passing the test and paying the fee, you’ll be issued your Ohio probationary driver’s license.

Probationary Driver’s License Restrictions

While driving on your probationary license, you can only have 1 passenger who is not a member of your immediate family, unless accompanied by that person’s parent or legal guardian.

Full License

The final step in the process is easy. To earn your full license in Ohio, you’ll simply have to turn 18.

Once that’s done, you’ll just need to go to the BMV, pay the appropriate fee, and wait for your full license to be sent out in the mail.

Driver’s License (Age 18+)

If you’re applying for a first-time driver’s license in Ohio and you’re 18 or older, the process is a bit more streamlined.

To start, you’ll have to visit the BMV in order to pass:

  • The written knowledge test.
  • A vision test.

To do so, schedule an appointment with your closest participating BMV office, and make sure to bring:

  • Proof of your:
    • Full name.
    • Date of birth.
    • Ohio residence.
    • Social Security number.

After passing the exam and paying the fee, you’ll be issued a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC). While practicing on this credential, you’ll only be able to drive while accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who’s at least 21 years old.

Road Skills Exam

To earn your full license, you’ll have to take the road skills exam. There’s no required waiting period to take this test in Ohio.

If you didn’t already after passing your knowledge test, schedule an appointment with the BMV. Make sure to arrive with a fully-licensed passenger who’s at least 21 years old, and bring:

The vehicle you test in will also need current and valid:

  • Liability insurance.
  • Registration.

After successfully passing the test and paying the fee, you’ll be issued your full driver’s license. Congratulations!

Transferring an Out-of-State License

Welcome to Ohio!

If you’re new to the state, you’ll have to transfer your out-of-state license within 30 days of relocating.

To do so, visit your closest participating Bureau of Motor Vehicles office and bring:

  • Your current, valid license.
  • Proof of your:
    • Full name.
    • Date of birth.
    • Ohio address.
    • Social Security number.
    • Proof of legal presence in the United States.
  • The appropriate fee.

If you’re under 18 but hold a license from another state, you’ll also need to:

  • Provide proof of at least 6 months of driving experience.
    • At least 50 hours, with at least 10 hours of night driving.
  • Provide proof of passing a Driver’s Ed course that meet’s Ohio’s standards.
  • Have a parent or guardian co-sign paperwork on your behalf.

If your driver’s license is expired, you’ll also need to:

  • Pass a vision test.
  • Pass the written exam.

Once all of the above credentials have been met, you’ll be issued your new Ohio license!

Ohio BMV Motorcycle Permit & License Info

To legally drive a motorcycle in Ohio, you can apply for either a:

  • “Motorcycle only” special license.
  • Motorcycle endorsement to be added to your regular license.

Regardless, the requirements are the same. In order to apply, you must:

  • Be at least 15 ½ years old.
  • Already have a valid Ohio license or permit.

OH Motorcycle Permit

The first step toward a license or endorsement is earning your motorcycle permit. This involves passing a:

  • Vision test.
  • Written motorcycle exam.

In order to do so, schedule an appointment with the closest participating DMV office and bring:

  • Your current, valid OH license or permit.
  • Proof of your:
    • Legal presence in the United States.
    • Full name.
    • Date of birth.
    • Ohio residency.
    • Social Security number.
  • A parent or legal guardian to sign paperwork on your behalf, if you’re younger than 18.

After the paperwork is filed and fees are paid, you’ll be issued your motorcycle permit.

OH Motorcycle Permit Restrictions

While practicing on your permit, you’ll have a few restrictions, including NO driving:

  • Between sunset and sunrise.
  • While carrying any passengers.

All new riders must also wear a helmet at all times.

Ohio Motorcycle License

To turn your motorcycle permit into an endorsement, you’ll need to pass the on-road skills exam.

If you’re under 18, there are a few more requirements you must complete before you can do so, including:

If you’re 18 or older, there are no other requirements or waiting periods.

Whenever you’re ready, schedule another appointment with the DMV (note, not all offices offer this service) and bring:

  • If you’re under 18:
    • Proof of passing the Motorcycle Safety Course.
    • Your Driver’s Ed certificate, if applicable.
    • The driving practice log.
    • A parent or guardian to sign paperwork on your behalf.
  • The appropriate identifying documents.

Once the above is complete and the test is passed, you’ll be issued your motorcycle license. Congratulations!

Ohio CDL Requirements

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) will allow you to drive much larger vehicles than the average car. Before you can start the process, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Already have a valid Ohio license.
  • Be cleared by a federally-approved doctor or receive a medical waiver.

Once the above is complete, you can begin the CDL process.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

The first step toward getting your commercial driver’s license is getting your commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

The process involves passing your written knowledge exam. To take it, visit your closest BMV office and bring:

  • Your current, valid OH driver’s license.
  • A completed medical self-certification form/waiver.
  • Proof of your:
    • Legal presence in the United States.
    • Full name.
    • Date of birth.
    • Ohio residency.
    • Social Security number.
  • The CLP fee.

After the paperwork is filed, the fee paid and the test passed, you’ll be issued your CLP. You must hold this credential for at least 14 days before you can take the road test.

While practicing on your permit, you are also required to drive with a CDL-holder who’s at least 21 years old.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

To turn your CLP into a CDL, you’ll have to pass the driving skills exam. Note, only some BMV offices will be able to schedule this test.

Make sure to bring with you:

  • Your current, valid CLP.
  • Your current, valid driver’s license.

You must arrive to this appointment with a CDL-holding passenger who’s at least 21 years old. The vehicle you test in must also have current and valid:

  • Insurance.
  • Registration.

After passing the test and paying the fee, you’ll need to return to a regular BMV office to:

  • Turn in your test results.
  • Pay the CDL fee.

After everything has been logged in the system, you’ll be issued your CDL.

Ohio BMV Handbooks

Ohio CDL Handbook

Ohio CDL Handbook

Ohio CDL Handbook
Ohio Driver's License Handbook

Ohio Driver's License Handbook

Ohio Driver's License Handbook
Ohio Motorcycle Handbook

Ohio Motorcycle Handbook

Ohio Motorcycle Handbook