How To Apply For Ohio Drivers License As A Teen

You have met the age requirements and are ready to apply for your driver's license in Ohio. When it comes to the Buckeye State, new teen drivers applying for their driver's license have pretty strict guidelines to follow. Following the steps below will get you behind the wheel and the freedom you desire with your driver license!

Step One: The Learners Permit

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 and eight hours of behind-the-wheel training.

When applying for the TIPIC, you will need to bring the following to the BMV:

• Proof of identity and legal residence
• Proof of residency in Ohio
• Proof of Social Security number
• Driver's Ed certificate of completion
• Application Fee

While 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 that in hand, it is now time to prepare for the driving test and get some driving practice in.

Keep in mind though, Ohio has restrictions in place for new drivers. With the TIPIC, you can only drive when supervised by 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.

Step Two: The Drivers License

The next step would be to apply for a probationary Ohio drivers license. To do this, you need to be at least 16, have held the TIPIC for at least six months and completed 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training, including 10 hours at night.

The Driving Test

If you meet all of those requirements, then it is time to apply. Part of that application process would be to complete a behind-the-wheel driving test. When heading to the BMV, you'll need to bring:

• Driver's Ed certificate of completion
• An affidavit filled out by a parent or guardian confirming you completed 50 hours of driving practice
• Required Fees

The Restrictions

If you pass that driving test, then you will receive a probationary Ohio drivers license. This allows you to drive without supervision, but it comes with restrictions based on your age.

Once you pass, you'll receive a probationary Ohio drivers license and can drive without supervision. However, there are some restrictions if you are 16 years old:

• You can't drive between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
• You can't have more than one non-family passenger in the car unless accompanied by a parent or guardian

After holding the probationary license for 12 months and if you are under the age of 18, the following restrictions apply:

• You can't drive between 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
• You can drive between those hours when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or to and from work, and you must carry an Employer Approval for Probationary Driver License Holders Driving Within Restricted Hours (Form BMV 2825) with you. You can also drive to school or a church event with an Event Official Approval for Probationary Driver License Holders Driving Within Restricted Hours (Form BMV 2826).

The Final Step

The final step in the driver's license process for Ohio is turning 18. Once you turn 18, the probationary license converts to a full, unrestricted Ohio drivers license with just the rules of the road to follow.

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.