Ohio Online Driver Education and Ohio Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Ohio Learner’s Permit or first Ohio driver’s license. Ohio has a Graduated Driver License Program for Ohio teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Ohio driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The Ohio Instructional Permit or Ohio Learner’s Permit
When you turn 15 and a half, you can apply for an Ohio Temporary Instruction Permit, otherwise known as an Ohio Learner’s Permit. To apply, you’ll need the following:
- Proof of age and identity
- Social Security Number
- Your parent/guardian to sign a permit application
If you’ve got all of the necessary materials, head on down to your local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a vision test, as well as aknowledge test. You can practice with a sample Ohio knowledge test. If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Ohio Temporary Permit!
Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, or driving instructor. After 6 months, you can also practice with a licensed driver who is at least 21. All passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry your Ohio Temporary Permit with you at all times.
Once you’ve held your Ohio Temporary Permit for 6 months and have met a few more requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the Ohio Graduated License Program, the Ohio Driver License.
The Ohio Provisional Driver License or Ohio Full Driver License
You can apply for your Ohio Probationary Driver License once you’ve held your Ohio Temporary Instruction Permit for 6 months and have met the following requirements:
- Complete 24 hours of class instruction in an approved Ohio driver education course
- Complete 8 hours of driving instruction
- Practice driving for 50 hours total
- 10 of these hours must be at night
- Your parent/guardian will have to certify your documented practice hours
If you’ve completed these requirements, then head on down to your local Ohio BMV. Then you’ll have to take the dreaded Ohio road skills test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Ohio Probationary Driver License. However you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions until you turn 18. Let’s learn about them.
Ohio Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
Unfortunately, there are a few restrictions for your Ohio Probationary Driver License, depending on your age:
- Ohio teen drivers under 17 can’t carry more than 1 passenger that is not family (unless accompanied by a parent/guardian of course)
- All passengers between the ages of 4 and 15 must be properly restrained
- If you’re 16, you may not drive between the hours of 12AM and 6AM
- If you’re 17, you may not drive between the hours of 1AM and 5AM
- The exception for the driving curfew is in case of:
- an emergency
- driving to/from a school sanctioned activity
- driving to/from your place of employment (must have written documentation from your employer
However, once you turn 18, these restrictions are removed. Freedom!
Ohio Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Ohio Learner’s Permit or Ohio Provisional driver’s license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because Ohio drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $12,500 bodily injury for one person
- $25,000 bodily injury two or more people
- $7,500 for property damage per accident
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without Ohio mandatory liability insurance, your Ohio license could be suspended for 90 days to 2 years, and you may face Ohio license plate reinstatement fees, as well as other penalties.
Ohio Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As an Ohio teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the Ohio drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, Ohio has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of an Ohio DUI or Ohio DWI, you face addition penalties to those listed below.
Upon your first conviction of an Ohio DUI, you’ll face the following penalties:
- License suspension from 6 months to 3 years
- Jail 3 days to 6 months
- Or Driver Intervention Program (3 days)
- Ohio License reinstatement fee $450
- Fine from $250 to $1,000
And of course, further Ohio DWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Ohio license suspension or even Ohio license revocation.
Currently, Ohio teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving only in Brooklyn, North Olmstead, and Walton Hills.
Ohio Online Driver Education
Ohio teen drivers are required to take an Ohio approved driver education course. You can find more information on approved Ohio online driver education courses at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles search page.
