Getting an Ohio temporary instruction permit
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Ohio Department of Public Safety page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
Study the Ohio Driver Manual (Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws), Sections 2 through 10.
Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Gather identity documents using the BMV Acceptable Documents List.
Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026At 15½ or older, pass the vision screening and the 40-question knowledge test online, at a Driver Exam Station or at a select deputy registrar.
Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026If you fail the knowledge test, wait one day and try again.
Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Within 60 days, buy your TIPIC at a Deputy Registrar License Agency; a parent or guardian must co-sign if you are under 18.
Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Always carry the TIPIC when driving and follow the supervision rules for your age.
Source: publicsafety.ohio.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
More in the Ohio guide
Official Ohio links
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