Driver License & ID Card

Driver License First Issuance

Probationary Driver Licensing – Under Age 18

At age 15 years and six months, an applicant may go to any driver exam station to take the knowledge and vision screening to begin the temporary permit process. Prior to testing, applicants must provide proof of:

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

Click HERE for more information about acceptable documents.

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

Prior to obtaining a 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.
• Driver must complete 50 hours of driving, with at least 10 hours of night driving, in addition to the driver education requirements.
• Driver must hold the TIPIC for at least six months.

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.

The knowledge test is available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Russian, Somali, and Spanish. All other languages must use an interpreter. Customers must be able to understand directions and read traffic signs printed in English.

Once the knowledge test and vision screening are passed, the applicant can proceed to a deputy registrar license agency to purchase a TIPIC within 60 days of passing the test. Applicants must provide proof of:

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

In addition, the applicant’s parent or guardian must present identification (driver license or ID card) to co-sign for the TIPIC.

Click HERE for more information about acceptable documents.

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.

Special Accommodations

If you have special accommodations for knowledge and/or road testing, please contact a local driver exam station.

License Restrictions

During the First 12 Months of Holding a License

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

• Accompanied by a parent or guardian
• 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)

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 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

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

• Accompanied by a parent or guardian
• 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 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 testing, visit any driver exam station in Ohio.
• For issuance, visit any deputy registrar license agency in Ohio.

More Information

• To schedule a road test visit: BMV Online Services
• Sample Driver License Knowledge Test
• Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicles
• Approved Driving Schools

Ohio Revised Code: 4507.05, 4507.07, 4507.21, 4507.071, 4511.19