Can You Take Drivers Training Online In Ohio?

With online learning taking off thanks to the pandemic, more and more people are wanting to take classes online, which includes driver's training. If you are looking to get your driver's license for the first time, you might be asking: can you take drivers training online in Ohio? We give you that answer below!

What Does Driver's Training Mean?

So, what exactly is driver's training? Driver training means behind-the-wheel instruction, extended learning, observation time and classroom instruction provided by a driving school whose purpose is to teach students how to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Can You Take Driver's Training Online In Ohio?

In Ohio, new teen drivers can start applying for a learners permit (officially called a temporary instruction permit identification card or TIPIC) at the age of 15½. If you are under 18, Ohio requires you to take a BMV-approved drivers education course, which would include 24 hours of classroom instruction, which can be completed online, and eight hours of behind-the-wheel training with a professional driving instructor.

When applying for your TIPIC, you need to have successfully completed and passed the classroom instruction portion of Driver's Ed. At the BMV office, you will also need to take and pass both a written knowledge test and a vision test. If you pass both, then you will be issued your TIPIC! With the TIPIC in hand, you can start to practice your driving skills.

Driving Lessons Requirements

After obtaining your instruction permit, you now can focus on the behind-the-wheel training. For the behind-the-wheel training, the Ohio BMV requires you to hold your TIPIC for at least six months and complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training (10 hours at night) under the supervision of a licensed parent, guardian or certified driving instructor if you are under the age of 16. If you are at least 16, then you can drive with any licensed driver at least 21 years of age.

As stated above, in addition to the 50 hours of BTW training, you will need to take eight hours of behind-the-wheel training with a professional driving instructor. Of course, these hours need to be completed in a vehicle, so they cannot be done online.

In summary, part of driver's training can be done online in Ohio (the Driver's Ed classroom portion), but the behind-the-wheel driving practice would be done in-person. We hope this clears it up for you!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.