Ohio Driver License

To lawfully operate a car in Ohio, residents must have a valid Ohio driving license. Drivers who move to Ohio from another state must get a driving license within 60 days of establishing residency. To apply for a driver’s license in Ohio you must be at least 15 years old.

Ohio generally offers two types of driver licenses:

• standard
• compliant

A Compliant Driver Card satisfies national travel security criteria. It needs more identification than the standard card. You will need this type of driver’s license to get access to government facilities or military sites. You can use a Standard Driver’s License to travel commercially or get entry to a government facility or active-duty military installation. It must be used in conjunction with a passport or other appropriate papers recognized by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Only the State’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles and its local branches can issue a driver’s license.

Residents of Ohio can begin learning to drive at the age of 15 but they must be at least 16 years old to apply for a driver’s license.

To apply for a commercial driver’s license

The applicant must be at least 18 years old. Applicants, who are under 21, can obtain a Probationary Driver’s License. To apply for an Ohio driver’s license, applicants make an appointment at any BMV office.

The required documents are almost the same as in other states: proof of your principal residence, your social security number, road test, medical check-up, and knowledge Test. In Ohio, there are several classes of license.

Ohio BMV classes the cars based on the gross vehicle weight rating and body style specified by the manufacturer. Usually, there are

Class A (Commercial, CDL-B), Class C (Commercial, CDL-C), and Class D (Operator License), Class MC types of licenses.

You can as well transfer your driver’s license from another state to Ohio

You just need to have with you your out-of-state license and proof of identity.

If you are 15 or older you can start your driver’s license application process and go through the following three steps:

• Temporary Instruction Permit (TIPIC)
• Probationary Driver License
• Driver License

You can apply for TIPIC if you have never had a license before.

The permit will allow you to drive under the supervision of another person։

• If you are under the age of 16, you may only be accompanied in the front seat by your parent/guardian or a qualified driving instructor.
• If you are 16 or older, any licensed driver 21 or older can accompany you. You cannot drive from midnight until 6 a.m unless your parent/guardian supervises you.

In order to obtain a permit, you must pass knowledge and vision tests. Your permit fee is from $19 to $25. Depending on your age you can pay online, by credit card, or in cash.

Probationary Driver’s License

If you are under 18, you may obtain a probationary driver’s license. It allows you to drive without supervision, however, there are certain limitations: you and your passengers are required to use seat belts and you are not permitted to use any mobile devices.

When you first get the probationary driver’s license you cannot drive without your parent/guardian for the first year. For the second year, you are not permitted to drive between the hours 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. without your parent/guardian unless you are going to or from the workplace, an official school, or a religious event.

Your driver’s license will expire on the 20th day after your 21st birthday. You must renew your driving license between your 21st birthday and the expiration of your minor driver’s license; this time, you will be granted a full adult driver’s license.

Adult Driver’s License

If you have a valid TIPIC, you can start with scheduling your road test. On-road test day you must come with a vehicle in good condition. The road test examines your driving behavior in several on-road situations. If you fail your road test, you can retake it in a week. You can retake it 4 times per application. You will as well need to take knowledge and vision tests. When you pass a vision test, you can have your lenses/glasses on.

If you apply for a compliant driver’s license you must have the following documents with you:

• Proof of your full name and Birth Date
• Social Security Number
• Residency Proof
• Ohio Street Address

Within 7 to 10 days you will get your temporary license. Your Ohio driver’s license is valid for 4 years.

Types of Driver Licenses in Ohio

Class D Regular is the most popular driving license, allowing you to drive non-commercial motor vehicles such as automobiles and trucks.

Commercial A/B/C licenses allow you to operate any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 with special requirements for passengers and hazardous material (Class C)․

With a Class MC license, you can ride a motorbike or a motor scooter on public roads.

How can I renew my driver’s license?

You can renew your license at any moment before it expires. Just go to your nearest BMV local agency. Unfortunately, Ohio does not have an online platform for renewal.

If you renew your license more than 90 days before it expires, it will expire in three years; but, if you renew it fewer than 90 days before it expires, it will expire in four years.

To renew your Ohio driver’s license, simply provide the following documents:

• US Birth Certificate or US Passport
• Social Security Card/W-2 Form
• Proof of your street address

If your license has been expired for more than six months, you will need to get a temporary permit (TIPIC). Then you need to pass the driving and maneuverability exam before you may reapply for a full license. You must pay a $27.25 renewal charge once you reach the age of 21 and every four years thereafter.

What does the Ohio driver’s license knowledge test include?

The Knowledge Test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions about traffic rules, regulations, and traffic signs. To pass, you must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly.

If you fail the test, you must wait at least 24 hours before retaking it. You may repeat the exam as many times as necessary.

Can I drive legally in Ohio with an out-of-state license?

If you move to Ohio and want to continue driving, you must transfer your license within 30 days of becoming an OH resident. You are considered an Ohio resident if you have a house and work, study, or live here.

You must pass a vision test, submit documents, and pay for your new license in order to transfer your out-of-state driving license.

If you are a foreigner, you don’t need to apply for an Ohio Driving License. You can legally drive your car for up to one year.

Note: You do not need to transfer your out-of-state license if you are a member of the military services in Ohio. However, your family members must transfer their licenses.

How much does it cost to get a driver’s license in Ohio?

First, you may get a Temporary Permit. To get a temporary instruction permit, you must pass a knowledge exam, a vision test, and pay a cost of $23.50.

After at least six months of cruising and learning, you can apply for a driving license. Taking the driving test at a local driver testing station is free, but you must pay a charge if you wish to get a license.

In Ohio, the driver’s license fee varies based on the age of an applicant. For example 16 years old applicants must pay $25.75 while  21 years old and older applicants pay  $24.50.

You must also complete 4 hours of behind-the-wheel driving training with a certified instructor (at an extra cost of about $200+) or 24 hours of driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.