Procedure TO OBTAIN AN
OHIO DRIVER'S LICENSE

• When you have developed your driving skill, contact the nearest exam station to schedule a skills test. If you are unable to keep the appointment, notify the exam station as far in advance as possible so someone else can be scheduled. All customers taking the skills test must understand directions given in the English language.
   

• When you go to the exam station to take your skills test, be sure to bring your valid temporary permit, and photo temporary permit ID and all the remaining forms in your application packet. Customers who are under 18 years of age must also bring a driver education certificate (consisting of 24 hours classroom instruction and eight hours driving), and a notarized affidavit signed by a parent or guardian verifying your completion of 50 hours of driving experience before taking the skills test. At least ten of these hours must be night driving. You must furnish the vehicle for your road test, and it must be in  safe operation condition. Before your test is administered, the examiner will inspect your car.

  Items checked during inspection

  • Steering

  • Tires

  • Wheels

  • Brakes

  • Headlights

  • Taillights

  • License Illumination Light

  • Red Reflectors

  • Color of Lights

  • Turn Signals

  • Safety Glass

  • Exhaust System

  • Rear View Mirror

  • Windshield Wipers

  • Horn and Warning Devices

  • Broken Body Parts

  • Bumper

  • Flashers

  • Safety Belts

  • Studded Tires

  • Window Tinting

  If it does not pass the inspection, the examiner can refuse to administer a test. During the driving portion, the examiner will ask you to perform a number of tasks. These may include stopping and starting, turning around, backing, making proper left and right turns, giving hand signals or using mechanical turn signals, driving in proper lane, and maintaining a safe following distance. The purpose of the skill test is to determine whether you have successfully developed the required ability to operate your motor vehicle safely.
   

• The skills test has two parts: driving and maneuverability (click on links for more information). During the test you must have your safety belt fastened and drive with both hands on the steering wheel for complete control.

• When you have successfully completed you skills test, the examiner will give you an "examination passed" form. This form and your temporary identification card must be taken to a deputy registrar. The deputy will collect a fee and issue your photo license on the spot. The license will be valid for four years after your birthday. If the license is issued prior to driver's 21st birthday, the license will expire on his or her 21st birthday. The "exam passed" form is a 60-day driving permit, but you should take it to a license agency and obtain your actual license immediately. Applicants under 18 must bring a parent or legal guardian to co-sign.

  NOTE: The parent or legal guardian who co-signs a minor's application for a license is jointly and severally liable with the minor for any damages caused by negligence or willful misconduct while operation a motor vehicle until the minor has passed his or her 18th birthday. If the minor is involved in a collision, co-signer liability can be eliminated by filing proof of financial responsibility on behalf of the minor with Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

  Probationary Driver License Restrictions in effect 4/4/07

  16 yr. old cannot drive between 12 a.m.-6 a.m. without a parent

  16 yr. old cannot have more that one non-relative passenger unless a parent is present

  16 yr. old that commits a moving violation within the first six months of holding a license must have a parent in the vehicle with them for a period of  six months or until turning 17 yrs.

  17 yr. old cannot drive between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless it is an emergency, work related (must have a note from employer)  or an official school function.

  Any child in the vehicle between the ages of 4 and 15 years must be restrained.

Failure to pass the test

If you fail the driver knowledge portion of your test, you must wait at least 24 hours before taking it again.

When taking the road skills test, you will usually take the maneuverability test first. Upon successful completion of the maneuverability test, the road skill test will be administered. If you fail either of the skills test, you must wait at least seven days before taking it again. Only the section you failed must be retaken. If you fail the driver knowledge or skills tests four times, you must wait six months before applying for a new application packet and retesting.