Driver License & ID Cards

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Temporary Permit / Probationary Driver Licensing – Under Age 18

At age 15 years and six months, an applicant may complete the knowledge test online at Ohio BMV - Online Services; or go to any driver exam station to take the knowledge test and vision screening, to begin the temporary permit process. If testing online, the vision screening will be performed at any deputy registrar license agency at the time of purchasing the temporary permit.

If you choose to test in person at a driver exam station, applicants must bring acceptable documents that provide proof of your:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security number (if assigned)

Visit the Acceptable Documents page for a full list of identity documents, including links to an interactive process to assist you with what to bring to a driver exam station, or deputy registrar agency.

Knowledge Test and Vision Screening

Applicants must pass both the knowledge test and vision screening to obtain a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC). The knowledge test is 40 multiple-choice questions about motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs. Applicants must answer 75 percent of the questions correctly to pass.

Prior to attempting the knowledge test download the Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicles to learn about motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs; and then take a Sample Driver License Knowledge Test.

The knowledge test is available in the following languages in both text, and audio: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Russian, Somali, and Spanish. In text, and video: American Sign Language.

If testing in another language is needed, you may schedule a proctored test with your interpreter by visiting a driver exam station. Customers must be able to understand directions and read traffic signs printed in English.

Test Failure

Applicants who fail the knowledge test must wait at least 24 hours before retesting. There is no limit on how many times the knowledge test can be taken in person. Online knowledge testing is limited to two attempts in a six-month period.

ADA Accommodations

For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please contact the Ohio Department of Public Safety's ADA Unit at HRRequestADA@dps.ohio.gov to request a disability accommodation in conjunction with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Disability accommodations should be requested prior to arriving to take your test. Same day disability accommodation requests may not be readily available due to scheduling. NOTE: Paper, and ASL DVD, tests are available at all Driver Exam Station locations upon request.

Purchasing your Temporary Permit (TIPIC)

Once the knowledge test and vision screening are passed (the deputy registrar will conduct the vision screening if you took your knowledge test online), the applicant can proceed to a deputy registrar license agency to purchase a TIPIC within 60 days of passing the test.

NOTE: An applicant who is a minor (Under 18 years old, and unemancipated) must be accompanied by a responsible person who is willing to assume the obligation imposed under section 4507.07 of the Ohio Revised Code. The responsible person must present identification (driver license or ID card) to co-sign for the TIPIC.

Applicants applying for a TIPIC must bring acceptable documents that provide proof of your:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security number (if assigned)
Ohio residency
Citizenship or legal presence

If the applicant has an Ohio identification card, it must be surrendered when a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC) is issued.

Go to the Acceptable Documents page for a full list of identity documents and links to use our interactive process to assist you with what to bring to a deputy registrar agency.

TIPIC Restrictions for Minors

Drivers must carry the TIPIC at all times when driving.
If under age 16, drivers must have a parent, guardian or licensed driving instructor in the passenger seat when driving.
If the driver is age 16 or older, driving with any valid licensed driver over the age of 21 in the passenger seat is permitted, except from midnight – 6 a.m., when the driver must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, custodian, or a licensed driver 21 years or older named on a notarized BMV 2438.
The parent, guardian, custodian, or licensed driver 21 years or older named on a notarized BMV 2438, in the passenger seat shall not be intoxicated.
All passengers and driver must wear safety belts.

Probationary Driver License Requirements

Prior to a minor obtaining their probationary driver license, the following requirements must be met:

Driver must complete a driver education class at a licensed driver training school, which includes 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and 8 hours of driving time.
- To find a driver training school visit: Approved Driving Schools.
- A Driver Education Certificate must be provided at time of Driving and Skills testing.
Driver must complete 50 hours of driving, with at least 10 hours of night driving, in addition to the driver education requirements.

Download the BMV5791 Fifty-Hour Affidavit

Driver must hold the TIPIC for at least six months.
Driver must pass the Driving and Skills tests.
- To schedule a road test visit: BMV Online Services
- Visit Driving and Skills Testing for additional instructions about the tests
- Make sure to bring your TIPIC, a vehicle in good condition, and your Driver Education Certificate, to your driving and skills test appointment.

Purchasing Your Probationary Driver License

Once the driving and skills tests are passed, the applicant can proceed to a deputy registrar license agency to purchase a probationary Driver License within 60 days of passing the test.

Applicants applying for a probationary Driver License must bring acceptable documents that provide proof of your:

Go to the Acceptable Documents page for a full list of identity documents and links to use our interactive process to assist you with what to bring to a deputy registrar agency.

Probationary License Restrictions

You may not operate a vehicle from midnight - 6 a.m. unless:

Accompanied by a parent, guardian, or custodian

or licensed driver 21 years, or older, named on a notarized BMV 2438

Driving to or from work with documentation from the employer (see form BMV 2825)
Driving to or from an official school-sponsored event or a religious event with appropriate documentation from the event official (see form BMV 2826)

You may not operate a vehicle with more than one non-family member as a passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Driver and all passengers must wear safety belts.
Driver may not use any mobile devices, including cellular phones.

A conviction of a traffic offense within the first six months of having a license may result in a parent or guardian having to accompany the driver for six months or until the driver reaches age 17.

After the First 12 Months of Holding a License and Under Age 18

You may not operate a vehicle from 1 - 5 a.m. unless:

Accompanied by a parent, guardian, or custodian

or licensed driver 21 years, or older, named on a notarized BMV 2438

Driving to or from work with documentation from the employer (see form BMV 2825)
Driving to or from an official school-sponsored event or a religious event with appropriate documentation from the event official (see form BMV 2826)

Driver and all passengers must wear safety belts.
Driver may not use any mobile devices, including cellular phones.

Multiple traffic convictions before the driver’s 18th birthday may result in a license suspension.For alcohol-related convictions, the driver license will be suspended for at least six months (see Ohio Revised Code 4511.19).

Where Do I Go?

For online knowledge testing, visit Ohio BMV – Online Services.
For knowledge testing in person, visit any driver exam station in Ohio.
To find a driver training school visit: Approved Driving Schools.
To schedule driving and skills test visit: BMV Online Services and select the "Schedule a Driving or Skills Test" tile.
For Temporary Permit, and Probationary Driver License, issuance, visit any deputy registrar license agency.

More Information

Ohio Revised Code: 4507.05

Ohio Administrative Code: 4501:1-1-08,
4501:1-1-09, 4501:1-1-10

Temporary Permit – Over Age 18

An adult applicant may complete the knowledge test online at Ohio BMV – Online Services; or go to any driver exam station to take the knowledge test and vision screening, to begin the temporary permit process. If testing online, the vision screening will be performed at any deputy registrar license agency at the time of purchasing the temporary permit.

If you choose to test in person at a driver exam station, applicants must bring acceptable documents that provide proof of your:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security number (if assigned)

Knowledge Test and Vision Screening

Prior to attempting the knowledge test download the Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicles to learn about motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs; and then take a Sample Driver License Knowledge Test.

Test Failure

ADA Accommodations

Purchasing Your Temporary Permit (TIPIC)

Applicants applying for a TIPIC must bring acceptable documents that provide proof of your:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security number (if assigned)
Ohio residency
Citizenship or legal presence

If the applicant has an Ohio identification card, it must be surrendered when a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC) is issued.

Go to the Acceptable Documents page for a full list of identity documents and links to use our interactive process to assist you with what to bring to a deputy registrar agency.

TIPIC Restrictions for Adults

Once a driver is issued a TIPIC, he or she can practice driving only if accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older.

Before Purchasing Your Driver License

Driver must pass the Driving and Skills tests prior to purchasing their driver license. To schedule a road test visit: BMV Online Services

Visit Driving and Skills Testing for additional instructions about the tests
Make sure to bring your TIPIC, and a vehicle in good condition to your driving and skills test appointment.

Test Failure

Applicants for an initial driver license, who are age 18 or older and who fail their first attempt at the maneuverability or road portion of the driving test, will be required to take an abbreviated adult driver training course before attempting the driving test for a second time.

Before the second attempt at the driving test, the applicant must:

Provide a certificate of completion of an abbreviated adult driver training course; and
If applicable, provide a completed and notarized Twenty-Four Hour Affidavit (form BMV 5789).

Purchasing Your Driver License

Once the driving and skills tests are passed, the applicant can proceed to a deputy registrar license agency to purchase a Driver License within 60 days of passing the test.

Applicants applying for a Driver License must bring acceptable documents that provide proof of your:

Go to the Acceptable Documents page for a full list of identity documents and links to use our interactive process to assist you with what to bring to a deputy registrar agency.

Where Do I Go?

For online knowledge testing, visit Ohio BMV – Online Services.
For knowledge testing in person, visit any driver exam station in Ohio.
To find a driver training school visit: Approved Driving Schools.
To schedule driving and skills test visit: BMV Online Services and select the "Schedule a Driving or Skills Test" tile.
For Temporary Permit, and Probationary Driver License, issuance, visit any deputy registrar license agency.

More Information

Ohio Revised Code: 4507.05, 4507.11

Ohio Administrative Code: 4501:1-1-10

Knowledge Test

Complete the Knowledge Test ONLINE

Applicants must pass the knowledge test to obtain a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC). The knowledge test is 40 multiple-choice questions about motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs. Applicants must answer 75 percent of the questions correctly to pass.

Prior to attempting the knowledge test download the Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicles to learn about motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs; and then take a Sample Driver License Knowledge Test.

Knowledge Test Online

An applicant may complete the knowledge test online by selecting the “Complete the Knowledge Test ONLINE” button above, or by visiting Ohio BMV - Online Services. If testing online, the vision screening will be performed at any deputy registrar license agency at the time of purchasing the temporary permit.

If you choose to complete the Knowledge Test online, please read the following answers to the frequently asked questions:

Q: Can I use a touch screen device (a mobile phone, or tablet) to take the Online Knowledge Test?

You may take your Online Knowledge test with a computer or laptop that must have a functioning webcam.

Q: When do I need a supervising adult?

All applicants who are 15.5 years old but younger than 19 must have a supervising adult present.

Q: What type of verification services do I need to pass in order to test online?

Applicants must pass Social Security and OHBMV Verification checks. All Supervising Adults, and Applicants who are 19 or older, are required to pass the Lexis Nexis Identity Verification process prior to the test for identity verification purposes.

Q: What do I do if my, or my supervising adult’s, data cannot be verified?

If you receive a verification error message, you will not be able to continue your knowledge test online. If you believe you are eligible to take the Knowledge Test, you can test in person at a driver exam station. Follow the instructions below for Knowledge Test in Person.

Q: What do I do if I receive a message that said I failed due to “Suspicious Activity”?

If you receive a suspicious activity message you will not be able to continue your knowledge test online; if you believe you are eligible to take the Knowledge Test you can wait at least one calendar day and knowledge test in person at a driver exam station. Follow the instructions below for Knowledge Test in Person

Q: My license expired more than 6 months ago and I need to begin the temporary permit to apply for my license, can I take the Knowledge Test online?

Yes, if your license is not suspended, and it has been more than 6 months since any previously issued Ohio license has expired, you may complete the Knowledge Test online

Q: Who is not able to Knowledge Test online?

Applicants with the following conditions cannot take the Online Knowledge Test. If you believe you are eligible to take the Knowledge Test you must take it in person at a driver exam station. Follow the instructions below for Knowledge Test in Person
- Applicants who have a Suspended License
- Applicants who have a Medical Flag on their License
- Applicants who have an Active Out of State License
- Applicants who need Special Assistance taking the Knowledge Test
- Applicants who would like to obtain a Motorcycle/Moped License; or a Commercial Driver License

Q: How often can I take the Knowledge Test online? ?

You can attempt the Knowledge Test online up to two times in a six-month period. You must wait 24 hours in between the two attempts.

Knowledge Test in Person

If you choose to begin the temporary permit process by taking the knowledge test in person at a driver exam station, you must pass a vision screening, and bring acceptable documents that provide proof of your:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security number (if assigned)

Test Failure

ADA Accommodations

Where Do I Go?

For online knowledge testing, visit Ohio BMV Online Services.
For knowledge testing in person, visit any driver exam station in Ohio.
To find a driver training school visit: Approved Driving Schools.
To schedule driving and skills test visit: BMV Online Services and select the "Schedule a Driving or Skills Test" tile.
For Temporary Permit, and Probationary Driver License, issuance, visit any deputy registrar license agency.

More Information

Ohio Revised Code: 4507.05

Ohio Administrative Code: 4501:1-1-08,
4501:1-1-09, 4501:1-1-10

Driving and Skills Test

Schedule a Driving Skills Test ONLINE

Once a driver is confident with their capabilities and all requirements have been met, a road test can be scheduled. To schedule a driving test:

The applicant must present his or her TIPIC, and if under age 18, the applicant must present a driver education certificate. Applicants also must provide a vehicle in good condition for testing. An inspection will be performed before the test begins.

The road test has two parts: driving and maneuverability. During the driving test the following will be performed:

The maneuverability test has two parts:

Forward through markers
Backwards through markers

Maneuverability Test Step One

Drive forward through a 9’ by 20’ box formed by four markers. Measurements are taken from the center of the marker.
Examiner will direct driver to steer to the right or the left of the center marker.
Steer straight ahead and stop when the rear bumper of the car is even with the center marker and generally parallel with the course.

Maneuverability Test Step Two

From a stopped position at the end of step one, driver must back past the center marker.
Straighten the car and back through the box, coming to a stop with the bumper even with the two rear markers and generally parallel with the course.

Before the test is complete, the driver must remove the vehicle from the test area without running over markers or performing any other disqualifying actions. Stopping, bumping markers, misjudgment of stopping distance, and not being parallel with the test area are all deductions from the overall point total. It is an immediate failure if a driver runs over or knocks down a marker, or removes the marker from the designated area.

After passing the driving and maneuverability tests, drivers may go to a deputy registrar to be issued a driver license. The driver must surrender the TIPIC at this time.

Test Failure

Applicants who are under 18 who fail a driving or skills test, must wait two days before retesting.

Before the second attempt at the driving test, the applicant must:

Provide a certificate of completion of an abbreviated adult driver training course; and

If applicable, provide a completed and notarized Twenty-Four Hour Affidavit (form BMV 5789).

ADA Accommodations

Pease note that tests will not be scheduled by email. You will need to visit Ohio BMV - Online Services to schedule your driving test. For any additional assistance, please visit our contact us page, Ohio BMV.

Where Do I Go?

For online knowledge testing, visit Ohio BMV – Online Services.
For knowledge testing in person, visit any driver exam station in Ohio.
To find a driver training school visit: Approved Driving Schools.
To schedule driving and skills test visit: BMV Online Services.
For Temporary Permit, and Probationary Driver License, issuance, visit any deputy registrar license agency.

More Information

Ohio Revised Code: 4507.05

Ohio Administrative Code: 4501:1-1-08,
4501:1-1-09, 4501:1-1-10

Abbreviated Adult Driver Training Course

An applicant for a driver license, who is age 18 or older and who fails the first attempt at the maneuverability or road portion of the driving test, is required to take an abbreviated adult driver training course, if they have not complete a driver training course within the twelve months prior to the failed test, before attempting the driving test for a second time.

Options to Take the Abbreviated Adult Driver Training Course

There are four options for the applicant:

A 4-hour in-person class followed by 4 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor with a licensed abbreviated adult driver training school.
A 4-hour state-approved online course followed by 4 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor affiliated with a licensed abbreviated adult driver training school.
A 4-hour in-person class followed by 24 hours of driving with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older.
A 4-hour state-approved online course followed by 24 hours of driving with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older.

Applicants who choose the option for 24 hours of driving with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older cannot complete more than four hours of driving in one day. In addition, applicants who choose this option are required to complete the Twenty-Four Hour Affidavit (form BMV 5789).

Requirements

Before the second attempt at the driving test, the applicant must:

Provide a certificate of completion of an abbreviated adult driver training course.
If applicable, provide a completed and notarized Twenty-Four Hour Affidavit (form BMV 5789).

Where Do I Go?

To find driving schools that offer the abbreviated adult driver training courses, visit Approved Driving Schools.

More Information

If the applicant fails the second attempt at the driving test, he or she is not required to take another abbreviated adult driver training course. The applicant must wait at least two days before taking the driving test again.

Ohio Administrative Code: 4501-8

USCIS – SAVE Verification

Ohio and federal law require each state to verify an individual's immigration status through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services SAVE verification system. For more information about verification, visit USCIS – SAVE Verification.