Age Group Requirements

Under Age 18

Teen Driving Law

Ohio's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Law sets rules that limit driving privileges for new drivers while they gain experience behind the wheel.

This staged approach is designed to help keep teen drivers safer on the road and reduce the number of serious and fatal crashes.

The GDL Law follows a three-phase process:

  1. Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC)
  2. Probationary Driver's License
  3. Full License with no restrictions

Age 18 and Over

Adult Requirements

For drivers aged 18 and older, Ohio does not use the probationary phase — adult drivers progress from the TIPIC to a Full License once all requirements are met.

Note: Drivers under 21 must still satisfy and complete the Driver Education requirements, even if they're over 18.

License Process Details

Temporary Instruction Permit (TIPIC)

Basic Requirements

  • Meet the minimum age requirement: You can begin the Temporary Permit process at 15 years, 6 months.
  • Pass the Knowledge Test (Online or In-Person)
  • Pass a Vision Screening at any Ohio BMV deputy registrar license agency.
  • Purchase your Temporary Permit (TIPIC) within 60 days of passing tests.

Knowledge Test Options

Online: On the Ohio BMV - Online Services Website. If you fail, you must wait at least 24 hours before retesting. Testing is limited to two attempts in six months.
In-Person: At any Ohio BMV Driver Examination Station or select Deputy Registrar License Agencies. If you fail, you must wait at least 24 hours before retesting. Unlimited attempts.

TIPIC Driving Restrictions

Under age 16: Drivers must have a parent, guardian, or licensed driving instructor in the passenger seat when driving.
Age 16 to 17: Driving with any valid licensed driver over the age of 21 in the passenger seat is permitted, except from midnight – 6 a.m., when specific restrictions apply.
Age 18 and over: Practice driving only if accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older.

All ages must follow these rules: Carry TIPIC at all times when driving, front passenger must not be intoxicated, all occupants must wear safety belts, no mobile electronic device use while driving, and vehicle occupancy cannot exceed installed safety belts.

Probationary Driver's License

Basic Requirements

  • Meet the minimum age requirement: You can begin the Probationary Driver's License process at 16 years old.
  • Hold your TIPIC for at least six months (applicable to drivers under age 18 ONLY).
  • Complete the Class D Driver Training Course AND practice driving requirements.
  • Pass the Driving and Skills tests.
  • Purchase your Probationary License within 60 days of passing tests.

Probationary License Restrictions (Under Age 18)

First 12 Months - Nighttime Driving: Must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or legal custodian when driving between midnight and 6 a.m., with specific exceptions.
First 12 Months - Passengers: May not operate a vehicle with more than one non-family member as a passenger, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Cellular Devices: Drivers are not permitted to use any type of mobile communication device while driving (including at stop signs or red lights, or utilizing in-vehicle Bluetooth technology).
After the First 12 Months (Still Under Age 18): Nighttime restrictions change to 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., and passenger restrictions change to limiting occupants to the number of originally installed seat belts.
Full License

Full License Requirements

  • Once you turn 18, the restrictions tied to your Probationary License are lifted, and you move to a Full License.
  • If you are under 21, you must still satisfy and complete the Driver Education requirements.
  • If you are 21 or older, you must pass the Driving and Skills tests before you can purchase your Driver's License.
Driver Education Requirements (applicable to all drivers under age 21 AND temporary residents age 21 and older (Non-Renewable, Non-Transferable (Limited Term) Licenses) Complete the Class D, 24-Hour Driver Education Course, 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training, 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night), and complete the BMV5791 Fifty-Hour Affidavit form.

Test Failure (Age 21+)

Applicants who are 21 or older and applying for an initial Driver's License who fail their first attempt at the maneuverability or road portion of the driving test must complete an Abbreviated Adult Driver Training course before attempting the driving test a second time.

*Should you require an Abbreviated Adult Driver Training Course, we do offer this course, and the information can be found on our website.

Before a second attempt, an applicant who is 21 or older must: Provide a Certificate of Completion for a Driver Training course completed within the last 12 months, and if applicable, provide a completed and notarized Twenty-Four Hour Affidavit (BMV 5789).