Ohio Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Ohio learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official BMV pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: Ohio BMV — Graduated Driver Licensing ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Ohio
- Pass the 40-question knowledge test (75% to pass) at 15½ for the TIPIC
- Complete driver education: 24 hours of classroom or online instruction plus 8 hours of driving
- Hold the TIPIC at least 6 months while logging 50 supervised hours, 10 at night
- Pass the driving and skills tests, then purchase the probationary license at a deputy registrar within 60 days
- Restrictions taper at 12 months and end at 18
Ohio GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Permit phase: Under 16: parent, guardian, or licensed instructor in the passenger seat. 16+: any licensed driver 21+ in the passenger seat, except midnight–6 a.m. when it must be a parent/guardian or a licensed 21+ driver named on notarized form BMV 2438
- Probationary first 6 months: No driving midnight–6 a.m. (with parent/work/school exceptions) and no more than one non-family passenger unless a parent/guardian is present
- Probationary after 1 2 months: Curfew relaxes to 1–5 a.m. with similar exceptions; passenger restriction removed
Documents you'll need
- Proof of identity and Ohio residency
- Driver education enrollment/completion certificate (24 hours classroom/online + 8 hours driving)
The details
- Permit eligibility: Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC); knowledge test may be taken at 15 years 6 months
- Knowledge test: 40 questions; 75% to pass
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Ohio?
You can get a learner's permit in Ohio at 15½. Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC); knowledge test may be taken at 15 years 6 months.
How long do you have to hold your permit in Ohio?
You must hold your Ohio permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Ohio require?
Ohio requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the Ohio permit test?
Right here — take a free Ohio practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full BMV-format experience with a readiness score.
