Drivers Education

Below are the Ohio DMV requirements for obtaining a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) and Probationary Driver License for individuals under 18. For more details, visit the Ohio BMV website.

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Temporary Instruction Permit (TIPIC) Requirements

At age 15 years and 6 months, teens can begin the process to obtain a TIPIC:

• Knowledge Test and Vision Screening: Pass a 40-question knowledge test (75% correct) and vision screening. The test can be taken online at Ohio BMV - Online Services or in person at a driver exam station or select deputy registrar locations. Languages available: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and American Sign Language (text and video).​

• Documents Required: Bring proof of full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number (if assigned), Ohio residency, and citizenship/legal presence. Visit the Acceptable Documents page for a full list.

• Purchasing the TIPIC: After passing, purchase the TIPIC at a deputy registrar license agency within 60 days. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible person to co-sign (per Ohio Revised Code 4507.07).

• Restrictions for Minors:

  • Carry the TIPIC at all times when driving.

  • Under 16: Must have a parent, guardian, or licensed driving instructor in the passenger seat.

  • 16 or older: Can drive with any licensed driver over 21 in the passenger seat, except from midnight to 6 a.m., when a parent, guardian, or a licensed driver 21+ (named on a notarized BMV 2438) is required.

  • All passengers and driver must wear safety belts.

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Probationary Driver License Requirements

To obtain a probationary driver license, teens must meet the following requirements:

• Complete a driver education class (24 hours of classroom/online instruction and 8 hours of driving time) at a licensed driver training school. A Driver Education Certificate is required for testing.

• Complete 50 hours of driving, including 10 hours at night, in addition to driver education requirements. Use the BMV 5791 Fifty-Hour Affidavit.

• Hold the TIPIC for at least 6 months.

• Pass the Driving and Skills tests. Schedule at BMV Online Services. Bring TIPIC, a vehicle in good condition, and Driver Education Certificate.

• Purchasing the License: After passing, purchase the license at a deputy registrar within 60 days. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible person to co-sign. Bring the same documents as for the TIPIC, plus the completed BMV 5791.

• Restrictions

  • Midnight to 6 a.m.: Must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or licensed driver 21+ (named on BMV 2438), unless driving to/from work or school/religious events with documentation.

  • After first 12 months (under 18): Restricted from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. unless accompanied or with documentation.

  • No more than one non-family passenger unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.

  • No mobile device use, including phones.

  • All passengers and driver must wear safety belts.

Additional Information

• Testing Options: Knowledge test available online or in person. Online testing limited to two attempts in 6 months. In-person retesting allowed after 24 hours.

• ADA Accommodations: Request accommodations at HRRequestADA@dps.ohio.gov prior to testing.

• Where to Go:

  • Online knowledge testing: Ohio BMV - Online Services

  • In-person knowledge testing: Select deputy registrar locations or driver exam stations

  • Driver training schools: Approved Driving Schools

  • Schedule driving/skills test: BMV Online Services

  • TIPIC and License issuance: Deputy registrar license agency

• Resources:

  • Sample Driver License Knowledge Test

  • Driving and Skills Testing Information

  • Ohio Driver Training

  • Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicles