Ohio Driver’s License Teen Checklist

  To receive a Temporary Permit, a student must: 

• Be at least 15 years, 6 months of age. 
• Go to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to obtain a Temporary Permit packet (includes a digest of Ohio  motor vehicle laws, a 50-hour affidavit and a Temporary Permit). 
• Get a picture taken for the photo ID. 
• Must present documents to prove all of the following five elements: 

                    (1) Legal first name, middle  name, OR middle initial, and current last name; 

                    (2) Date of birth; 

                    (3) Social Security Number (SSN), if  ever assigned;, 

                    (4) U.S. citizenship OR U.S. legal presence; and 

                    (5) Resident street address in Ohio. 

• Pay the required fee. 
• Pass a written test. 
• Have a BMV administrator validate the Permit with the test score and date.  

At 15 years, 5 months a student can enroll in a driver education program at an approved school such as The Driving Authority. 

     A complete driver education course includes: 

• 24 hours of classroom instruction (in-person or online) 
• 8 hours of private behind-the-wheel instruction. 
• Upon successful completion, student receives a Certificate of Completion from the driving school. 
• A student cannot receive more than 3 hours of in-vehicle training instruction in one day. The total  training that a student receives cannot exceed 4 hours in one day.  

To test for and receive their Graduated License, a student must: 

• Be at least 16 years of age. 
• Have held their Temporary Permit for a minimum of 6 months. 
• Contact the BMV to schedule the driving test or go online at www.ohiodrivingtest.com 
• Provide a Temporary ID card. 
• Provide a Driver Education Certificate of Completion. 
• Provide a notarized affidavit stating the student has accumulated at least 50 hours of driving time including minimum of 10 hours of driving after dark: 

            *The 50 hours cannot include the 8 hours provided through driver education. 

            *The affidavit is part of the “Permit packet.” The Driving Authority can also provide a copy.         

• Pay the required fee. 
• Take the state driving test in a vehicle provided by the student.  

•  The Temporary Permit is valid for one year. 
• If the Temporary Permit expires, student must re-take the written test and pay for the new Permit.  
• A new driver with a validated Temporary Permit under the age of 16 may practice driving with a licensed parent legal guardian seated next to him or her. 
• If 16 years of age or older, he or she may practice driving with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older occupying the seat next to him or her.