Need an Ohio probationary license? There are six steps to obtaining one, starting with driver education. Read on to find out how to get a license in Ohio before you turn 18.
STEP 1: TAKE DRIVER EDUCATION
The first step to getting your Ohio probationary license is driver education, which you can begin when you are 15 years and five months old. The class consists of 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and at least eight hours of behind-the-wheel training with one of our state-certified instructors. Please note that you must complete the 24 hours of driver education and have your Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card, or TIPIC, before beginning the required eight hours of behind-the-wheel training.
STEP 2: GET TIPIC (PERMIT) FROM THE BMV
When you are 15 years and six months old and have completed the state-required 24 hours of classroom or online instruction, you are eligible for your TIPIC. This card is needed to complete your behind-the-wheel training. To obtain your TIPIC, you must go to the BMV and pass a knowledge test and a vision screening. Once you pass, you will receive your permit on the spot.
The following is required to obtain a TIPIC:
- 75% on the knowledge test
- Proof of identity, date of birth, Social Security number, Ohio residency and U.S. citizenship or legal presence
- Payment for the $23.50 permit fee
- Parent or guardian signature
Once you have your TIPIC, you’re 1/3 of the way to having your Ohio probationary license! Click here for information on TIPIC restrictions.
STEP 3: BEHIND-THE-WHEEL TRAINING
You have 180 days to complete the course with us, which includes the classroom or online course, the state minimum of at least eight behind-the-wheel lessons and passing an exam with a score of 75% or higher. The state requires at least eight hours of driving with an instructor, however, we offer packages with more than eight hours of behind-the-wheel driving in case you need more practice. Once these requirements are fulfilled, a certificate of completion will be sent by mail.
STEP 4: PRACTICE DRIVING
Once you receive this certificate, you will need to practice behind the wheel for an additional 50 hours with a parent or guardian, with 10 of those hours being at night. You will need to get a 50 Hour Affidavit signed and notarized by your parent or guardian in order to get your Ohio probationary license. This can be done at the BMV when you take your road test or the form can be found here. Unfortunately, behind-the-wheel drives with All Star don’t count as part of the 50 hours of supervised driving.
STEP 5: TAKE THE DRIVING AND SKILLS TEST
When you turn 16 years old, have had your certificate of completion for at least six months and have completed the 50 Hour Affidavit, you are ready to schedule your road test! The road test is split into two parts; a driving portion and a maneuverability, or skills, portion.
Make sure to bring the following to the BMV:
- Certificate of completion of driver education
- TIPIC
- 50 Hour Affidavit (however, this can be obtained and signed at the BMV)
- A parent or guardian to sign for the license
- Payment for the license fee ($25.75 for age 16; $24.50 for age 17)
STEP 6: GET OHIO PROBATIONARY LICENSE
Once you pass the driving test, you will receive your Ohio probationary license. Click here for information on probationary license restrictions. When you turn 18, you will qualify for your full, unrestricted driver’s license!
For more information on Ohio probationary licenses, check out our Ohio Parent Guide and our Ohio state page.
