Ohio Driver's License FAQs

You can get your probationary driver’s license at age 16 in Ohio after holding a TIPIC for at least six months. If you’re 18 or older, you can apply for a full driver’s license after meeting the requirements.

Here’s the process for getting a full driver’s license in Ohio:

• Get a temporary instruction permit by passing the written knowledge and vision tests.
• Practice driving with your permit (no mandatory waiting period if you’re over 18).
• Schedule and pass the driving test, including the maneuverability and road portions.
• After passing the test, visit the BMV to receive your driver’s license.

You must provide proof of identity, such as your passport or birth certificate, SSN, such as your Social Security card or W-2 form, and Ohio residency (two documents), such as utility bills, bank statements, or a lease agreement. If applicable, you must also provide proof of your legal presence in the U.S.

You can change your address online through the Ohio BMV website or in person at a BMV office. You must provide your current Ohio driver’s license number and proof of the new address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement).

No, even if you’re 18 or older, you must first obtain a temporary instruction permit before you can take the driving test and get your license.

There’s no mandatory waiting period if you’re over 18. You can schedule your driving test as soon as you feel prepared.

Restriction A indicates that the driver must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) while driving.

Restriction B means that the driver is required to drive only automatic transmission vehicles.

Ohio does not issue enhanced driver’s licenses. It offers a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license (indicated by a star in the upper-right corner).

Your Ohio driver’s license number is located near the top of your driver’s license card, usually above or below your name and address.

The issue date is printed on the front of your Ohio driver’s license card, typically below your date of birth.

Yes, there is a written knowledge test that you must pass to obtain a temporary instruction permit (TIPIC). This test covers road signs and traffic laws. Study Ohio driver's manual to pass your written knowledge test easily.

You can get your temporary instruction permit (TIPIC) in Ohio at the age of 15 and a half (15 years and 6 months).

To get your permit in Ohio, you need to provide proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security number (Social Security card), and Ohio residency (e.g., utility bill, school report card).

To get your Ohio learner’s permit, visit a local BMV office with the required documents, take and pass the written knowledge test and a vision test, and pay the required fee for your TIPIC. That way, you can begin practicing driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

Yes, a vehicle driven by a permit driver must be insured. The insurance typically applies to the vehicle, not the driver, so the vehicle owner’s insurance should cover the permit driver.

A permit driver in Ohio must be with a licensed driver at least 21 years old who must be in the front passenger seat. Other passengers are allowed in the vehicle, but the supervising adult must be present and responsible for the permit driver.

You can get your TIPIC, commonly referred to as "temps," at 15 and a half years old (15 years and 6 months).

Yes, if you’re 18 or older, you still need to obtain a temporary instruction permit before you can take the driving test and get your full driver’s license.

If you’re over 18, there’s no mandatory waiting period to hold your temps before taking the driving test. You can schedule the test as soon as you feel prepared.

To get your license in Ohio at 16, you must hold your temp for at least six months, complete a driver’s education course, log at least 50 hours of driving practice with a licensed adult, including 10 hours at night, and schedule and pass the driving test, which includes maneuverability and road tests.

A 16-year-old driver can only have one non-family passenger in the vehicle unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

A 16-year-old driver cannot drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless they are with a parent or guardian or driving to or from work or a school function with the appropriate documentation.

A 17-year-old driver can have no more than one non-family passenger in the vehicle unless with a parent or guardian. After the first 12 months of having their license, this restriction is lifted.

Getting a driver’s license in Ohio costs $27.25 for a standard 4-year license. If you're eligible for an 8-year license, the cost is $54.50.

The fee to get your "temps" in Ohio is $26.50.

The cost of the temporary instruction permit, which is the same as the "temps," is $26.50.

The fee to renew your driver’s license in Ohio depends on the type of license and the renewal period:

• Standard License: $27.25 for a 4-year license.
• 8-Year License: $54.50 (if eligible).

The fees are the same if you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license, but additional documentation requirements apply.

You can renew your license up to 6 months after it expires. However, driving with an expired license is illegal, so it’s best to renew it before it expires.

You can renew your driver’s license up to 6 months before the expiration date.

You can renew your driver’s license in three ways:

• In Person: Visit a local BMV office, pass a vision test, and provide the required documents.
• Online: Some drivers may be eligible to renew online through the Ohio BMV website.
• By Mail: If you are temporarily out of state, you may be eligible to renew by mail.

For a Standard License, you must provide proof of identity (e.g., current license), proof of Social Security number, and proof of Ohio residency (e.g., utility bill). You'll need additional documentation for a REAL ID-Compliant License, including a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and two proofs of Ohio residency.

No, you cannot renew a TIPIC before it expires. If it expires, you must retake the knowledge test to obtain a new permit.

Yes, some drivers are eligible to renew their licenses online through the Ohio BMV website.

You typically don’t need a birth certificate if you're renewing a standard license. However, you'll need a birth certificate or passport if you’re renewing to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license.

Yes, you need to provide your Social Security number. If the BMV already has it on file, you may not need to present the card, but bringing it just in case is a good idea.

The fee for a replacement driver’s license in Ohio is $27.25.

A temporary instruction permit (TIPIC) in Ohio is valid for one year.

Ohio driver’s licenses are typically valid for four years. However, if you are 21 years old or older, you may be eligible for an 8-year license renewal.

Your license can be expired for up to 6 months before you’re required to retake the driving test. After six months, you must start the licensing process over, including the knowledge and skills tests.

No, there is no official grace period for driving with an expired license in Ohio. You should renew your license before it expires to avoid fines and penalties.

Yes, if your TIPIC expires, you will need to retake the written knowledge test to obtain a new permit.

In Ohio, points from a traffic violation come off your license two years after the date of the violation.

You can check the points on your Ohio driver’s license by:

• Online: Visit the Ohio BMV website and use the online service to view your driving record.
• In Person: Visit a local Ohio BMV office and request a copy of your driving record.
• By Mail: You can request your driving record by mailing a form and fee to the Ohio BMV.

The Ohio permit test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. There are 20 questions on road signs and 20 questions on road rules. Pass your permit test easily with our Ohio driver's practice test. 

You can still pass the test if you miss five questions in each section. You must answer a minimum of 15 out of 20 questions correctly in both the road signs and road rules sections to pass.

If you fail your driving test, you must wait at least 7 days before retaking it.

If you fail your driving test 3 times, you must wait six months before you can retake it. This waiting period is to encourage more practice.

There is no set limit on how many times you can fail your driver’s test in Ohio. However, after 3 failed attempts, you must wait six months before trying again.

If you fail the maneuverability part of the driving test, you fail the entire test. You’ll need to reschedule and retake both the maneuverability and road test after waiting 7 days.

You can miss up to 25 points on the driving test and still pass. The test is scored out of 100 points, and you need 75 points to pass.

No, you cannot take the temps (permit) test online in Ohio. You must take the test in person at a BMV location.

You can schedule your driver’s test online through the Ohio BMV website or by calling your local BMV office. Choose a location, date, and time that works for you.

No, the permit test must be taken in person at a BMV location in Ohio.

Yes, you can use a backup camera during the driving test in Ohio, but you are also expected to demonstrate the ability to check your mirrors and surroundings.

No, you do not have to parallel park in the Ohio driving test. Instead, Ohio uses a maneuverability test, which involves navigating through a set of cones.

If you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, you generally do not need to take a driving test when transferring your license to Ohio.

Here’s how you can get an Ohio driver’s license from out-of-state:

• Visit an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office.
• Bring the necessary documents, including your valid out-of-state driver’s license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Ohio residency.
• Pass a vision test.
• Pay the required fee to receive your Ohio driver’s license.
• Surrender your out-of-state driver’s license.

Check the Ohio License Guide for further license information.

Visit a BMV office with the necessary documents, pass a vision test, pay the fee, and surrender your out-of-state license to receive an Ohio driver’s license.

Here’s how to apply for a CDL in Ohio:

• Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge tests specific to the type of CDL you need (Class A, B, or C) at an Ohio BMV office.
• Hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
• Complete the required Entry-Level Driver Training from a certified training provider.
• Pass the CDL skills test.
• Return to the BMV to receive your CDL.

Yes, you must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a certified training provider before you can take the CDL skills test. This federally mandated training includes both classroom/theory instruction and behind-the-wheel training.

The Ohio CDL general knowledge permit test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. Depending on the endorsements you want (like HazMat, passenger, or air brakes), you may have additional tests with 20-30 questions each.

Yes, you need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license or a separate license to legally operate a motorcycle in Ohio.

The minimum age to apply for a motorcycle permit in Ohio is 15 and a half. To get a full motorcycle endorsement or license, the minimum age requirement is 16.

Here’s how you can apply for a motorcycle license:

• Obtain a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card by passing the written knowledge test and vision test.
• Practice riding with the TIPIC. You must wear a helmet, and you cannot carry passengers.
• Complete a Motorcycle Ohio Basic Rider Skills (BRS) course, which may waive the skills test requirement or pass the skills test at an authorized testing location.
• Return to the BMV with your TIPIC, proof of completing the BRS course or passing the skills test, and pay the fee to obtain your motorcycle endorsement or license.

Here’s the process for getting a 3-wheel motorcycle license in Ohio:

• Follow the same steps as getting a regular motorcycle license, starting with obtaining a TIPIC.
• Complete a 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course (BRC) instead of the standard BRS course, or pass a skills test specifically for 3-wheel motorcycles.
• Return to the BMV with your TIPIC, proof of completing the 3-wheel BRC or passing the skills test, and pay the fee to receive your 3-wheel motorcycle endorsement.

Yes, you can buy a car in Ohio without a driver’s license. However, you’ll be restricted from driving or registering the vehicle until you receive your license.

Yes, you can register and title a car in your name without a driver’s license in Ohio. You’ll need to provide valid identification and proof of insurance. Keep in mind that even though you can register the car, you still need a valid license to drive it.

No, it is not legal to drive with just your parking lights on in Ohio. You must use your headlights when driving, especially at dusk, dawn, or in poor visibility.