Teen Driving Process in Ohio.
Here is a complete guide to getting your driver's license as a teen in Ohio.


Introduction and Driving Myths
You are probably beginning to start wondering about driving a car. Being able to drive yourself around, not having to rely on your parents for rides is probably beginning to sound really good! You’ve probably heard a lot of myths about driving, especially myths about the age you can get your temps. Teen driving laws are changed fairly often, and laws vary from state-to-state, so it is common for misunderstandings to spread. Plus, the system to get your license is very confusing to begin with, so you might have some questions concerning the process in general to get your temps, and then license. Lately, I’ve heard quite a few myths stating that the age to get your temps has been raised, especially for people born after a certain date. So, I decided to research teen driving laws and try to confirm as much information as possible. I’ll also tell you a detailed account on how to do everything from getting your temps, to taking drivers ed, to getting your full license.

Turns out, the age to get your temps is 15 and 6 months for everybody, born in any year. In my research, I was unable to find any credible source confirming any age change, and I contacted a local driving school about the matter. Now thats not to say there havent been attempts to raise the age, or they wont raise the age in the future. The last teen driving law change was put in effect April 2007. This law only added restrictions for teen drivers, and did not change any ages. Currently, you can get your temporary license, or temps, to start driving is when your 15 and 6 months. You’ll have to drive with a licensed parent/guardian in the passenger’s seat (not very fun, I know!!). When your 16 years old, you can get your “full” probationary license. You can then starting driving on your own, or with one other friend, but not between 12:00am and 6:00am. When your 17, you still have those restrictions on when you can drive, but you can take more than one friend. Finally, when your 18, you’ll have your full license which doesn’t have restrictions.

Process to getting your license
To began the process, you’ll have to get a copy of The Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, available at the BMV for free (there is no age limit to get this, of course). Study the book, and pay special attention to chapter about Signs and Signals. When your 15 and 6 months go back to the BMV with a parent and request the Temporary Permit Packet. You’ll need to bring a birth certificate and social security card to confirm your name, age and social security number, as well as $21.00. You’ll get a form and your photo ID. They might offer you a book to study, but since you already have studied that, you can go straight to the Ohio Driver’s Examination Station (in Hamilton) to take your vision and knowledge test. The knowledge test is taken on the computer and you'll need a 75% to pass. As long as you read the book once or twice, you should pass the test fairly easily (but if you didnt read it, you will probably fail). If you pass both tests, they will fill out your form and you can start driving! Make sure you keep both your photo ID and form with you when you drive.

With your temps, practice driving with your parents. You’ll need to keep track of how much you drive, because you need at least 50 hours (10 of which at night) of driving. You’ll also need to enroll in a Driver’s Education class. Local area Driver’s Education classes in Fairfield are Drive-rite School, Bee Driving School and AAAA International Driving School, all costing about $375. You’ll take 24 hours of classroom instruction, usually divided into six 4-hour classes (or as with drive-rite, six 2hr40min classes). You can actually start your classroom instruction you’re your 15 years and 5 months! You’ll also take a total of 8 hours of in-car instruction with an instructor. If you complete all your hours of class and driving, as well as pass another written test, you’ll get a diploma.

You’ll have up to a year to do all of this, but it is a required you take at least 6 months. So, assuming you got your temps when you turned 15 and 6 months, completed all driver’s education (classroom and in-car) and driving with parents, you can get your license as soon as your 16 years old. When you are 16 or older and you feel ready to drive on your own, call up the Ohio Driver’s Examination Station and schedule an in-car driving test. The test you have to take consists of two parts, an actual driving test on the road, and a maneuverability test. If you pass both tests, you’ll get a form stating you passed the examination. You can then go to the BMV and get your official license!

When you get your license, you’ll also have to get auto insurance. As you are probably well-aware, insurance for teen drivers is very expensive. If you get good grades, you can usually get a discount. When you start driving, it’s very important not to get in any accidents or get a ticket, both of which can raise your insurance rates considerably, as well as make your parents mad!

The process to getting your license can be complicated and confusing, so I hope this guide helped you to understand the process! Good luck driving!