Ohio Driver Education

The state of Ohio is among the ranks of the many states that have adopted a graduated licensing program. Gone are the days when you could just walk in to your local Department of Motor Vehicles at age 16 and walk out with a driver's license thirty minutes later. These days, more and more states are realizing that the statistics concerning teen drivers are not just scare tactics by parents trying to convince their teens to stay home but are reality. For this reason, most states now require driver's education along with this graduated licensing program in order to teach teens the right way to drive safely and prevent becoming another statistic.

You must be 15 years and six months old before you can apply for a learner's permit. In order to apply for this first step in the licensing process, you must purchase a permit packet that will follow you until you receive your final driver's license without any restrictions. Be sure you fill it out as instructed and when instructed, or you will have to purchase a new one. You must drive with a licensed adult at all times once you receive your learner's permit.

Driver's education is required in Ohio. This includes 24 hours of classroom instruction, 8 hours of driving with a licensed instructor, and 50 hours of driving time with a licensed adult. This 50-hour behind-the-wheel instruction must include a minimum of at least 10 hours of night driving. The first step of the learner's permit also requires that all occupants of the automobile wear seat belts, and has certain time restrictions as well.

Study and learn all material in the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws

First Time Applicants must do the following:

1. Apply for a Temporary Permit Packet at the office of your local deputy registrar. The fee will be $21.00. If your current driver license has expired more than 6 months and within 2 years, the fee will be $24.00. See Driver License Fees. Take with you documentary proof of your age and social security number, (if one has ever been assigned). See Acceptable Documents.

2. If you are under 18 years of age you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or person having legal custody, or, if there is no parent or guardian a responsible person who is willing to assume the obligations imposed under Rule 4501:1-1-19 of the Ohio Administrative Code. The co-signer must also take documentary proof of his identification.

3. If you lose any portion of these forms, you will have to purchase additional forms and begin the whole process over again.

4. Take your temporary packet to the nearest Ohio Driver's License Examination Station to take the written and vision tests. No appointment for these portions of the examination is necessary. You might call to make sure when the exam station is open for business.

5. When you appear for the examination you must:

1. Take a vision examination and a written examination.

2. Answer questions concerning your physical health and any medical conditions you might have. If you have a condition that might affect your driving, the examiner will explain the steps you have to take and provide you with a medical packet (form BMV 2058) which must be filled out by your doctor. See medical procedures for a Temporary Permit.

3. After you pass the written and vision tests the examiner will validate one of your forms and you will be able to practice driving on the street-but only if you are accompanied by a licensed driver in the seat next to you.