Ohio driver license guide

Official name of the learner permit

Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC).Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Minimum age for the permit tests

15 years and 6 months for the vision screening and knowledge test.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parent or guardian co-signer

Required under 18: a parent or guardian must come along and co-sign the TIPIC application.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Deadline to buy the TIPIC after passing

Buy the TIPIC at a Deputy Registrar License Agency within 60 days of passing, or redo the vision and knowledge tests.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long you must hold the TIPIC

At least 6 months if you are under 18; at least 14 days for temporary residents 21 and older.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Who must ride with a TIPIC holder

Under 16: parent, guardian, custodian, licensed driving instructor or an adult 21+ acting in loco parentis in the front seat. 16-17: any licensed driver 21+, but midnight-6 a.m. only with a licensed parent, guardian or custodian. 18+: a licensed driver 21+. Everyone belted, no mobile devices, carry the TIPIC.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test questions

40 multiple-choice questions.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Passing score

75%.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Retake after failing the knowledge test

Wait one day; only one attempt per day.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Number of knowledge test attempts

Unlimited in person at a Driver Exam Station or select deputy registrar agencies (one per day); online through BMV Online Services, two attempts in six months.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test languages

ASL, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Russian, Somali and Spanish; for other languages you may bring your own interpreter by appointment at a Driver Exam Station.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision screening

Required before a license; bring your glasses or contacts. Results can add driving restrictions.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents for a TIPIC

Documents from the Acceptable Documents List proving full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number (if assigned), citizenship or legal presence, and Ohio street address (two address documents for a Compliant card).Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver education (under 21)

A course at a licensed driver training school: 24 hours of classroom or online instruction plus 8 hours of driving time.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised practice driving

50 logged hours with an eligible licensed driver, at least 10 of them at night (under 21, and temporary residents 21+), certified on notarized form BMV 5791.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

What the driving test covers

A maneuverability test around five markers plus an on-road skills test; bring your TIPIC and a vehicle in good working order with current registration.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Retake after failing the driving test

Under 21: wait two days. 21 and older: complete an Abbreviated Adult Driver Training Course before the second attempt (unless you took approved driver education within the past year).Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Probationary license limits (under 18)

First 12 months: no driving midnight-6 a.m. and no more than one non-family passenger unless a parent or guardian is along (work, school and religious-event exceptions with documentation). After 12 months: no driving 1-5 a.m. with the same exceptions. No phones or devices; everyone belted.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License term

Drivers 21-64 who qualify can choose an 8-year license; otherwise a 4-year license is issued. A license issued under 21 expires on the 21st birthday.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

Under-21 licenses can be renewed (in person) up to 30 days before the 21st birthday. There is no grace period after expiration.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Yes, for qualified applicants through BMV Online Services; anyone may renew in person at a Deputy Registrar License Agency. Under-21 renewals must be in person.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Compliant (REAL ID) vs Standard card

Ohio's federally compliant card works for commercial flights and federal facilities/military bases; a Standard card must be used with a passport or other TSA-accepted document for those purposes. Both arrive by mail.Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Extra proof for a Compliant card

Proof of full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal presence, and two Ohio address documents from different sources.Source: dam.assets.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Deadline to get an Ohio license

Within 30 days of establishing Ohio residency (taking a job, signing a lease, buying a home or enrolling children in school).Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for license transfers

Converting an unexpired out-of-state license requires a vision screening; the driving test is usually waived, though an examiner may require testing (county title office guide).Source: muskingumcountyoh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents for a duplicate or renewal

One document from the Acceptable Documents List may be enough for a duplicate or renewal (not for non-U.S. citizens).Source: dam.assets.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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