Teen Driver Laws

GRADUATED DRIVER LICESING LAW / OHIO REVISED CODE 4507.01

  • Ohio uses a multi-stage licensing process for teens.
  • This system allows teens to gradually gain exposure to complex driving situations, easing them into driving over an extended period of time.
  • Below is a description of Ohio’s three-stage process.
  • Efforts are underway to strengthen the state’s requirements for Ohio’s novice drivers in an attempt to reduce the number of crashes involving a teen driver. 

LEVEL 1: TEMPORARY INSTRUCTION PERMIT

When your teen turns 15 ½, the teen may apply for a temporary instruction permit.

  • You and your teen need to visit your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles driver licensing exam station and bring a state-certified copy of the teen’s birth certificate.
  • A list of these deputy registrar locations can be found at www.bmv.ohio.gov.
  • Your teen must pass a knowledge and vision test at a driver license exam station and will be given a receipt with a confirmation number.
  • The teen may present the receipt at a BMV deputy registrar’s office within 60 days to receive a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC).
  • When driving with a TIPIC, a teen younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or licensed driving instructor seated in the front passenger seat.
  • A temporary instruction permit holder age 16 or older may drive with a licensed driver age 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat.
  • Permit holders under age 18 are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle between midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or legal custodian who holds a valid license.
  • Drivers must carry their TIPIC with them while operating a vehicle.
  • Temporary permit holders between the ages of 15 ½ and 18 must receive
    • a minimum of 24 hours of classroom instruction and
    • eight hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in driver training to advance to a probationary license.
    • In addition, they must complete 50 hours of driving with a parent or legal guardian, including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving
  • Parents or guardians must verify the hours in writing, under penalty of falsification.
  • The number of vehicle occupants is limited to the total number or originally installed seat belts. All occupants must be wearing seat belts when the vehicle is being driven by a temporary permit holder.

LEVEL 2: PROBATIONARY LICENSE

When your teen turns 16 and has had a temporary instruction permit for at least 6 months,the teen can go to the local DMV to take the driving test, which includes maneuverability and a road test.

  • The teen will also need to take a second vision test and provide proof of having completed 50 hours (including 10 at night) of practice driving time.
  • The teen will then receive their probationary license.
  • Make sure a parent or guardian is present to sign the application form or get a parent’s notarized signature on the form ahead of time.

Protections for probationary license holders within the first 12 months of licensing

  • May NOT drive between the hours of midnight and 6am, unless:
    • Accompanied by a parent or guardian.
    • Driving to or from work if in possession of official documentation from the employer (see BMV 2825).
    • Driving to or from an official school sponsored event if in possession of written documentation from a school official (see BMV 2825).
    • Driving to or from an official religious event if in possession of written documentation from an official affiliated with the event (see BMV2825).
  • May NOT drive with more than one nonfamily member as a passenger, unless the probationary licensed driver is accompanied by their parent or guardian.
    • Studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have shown that one passenger doubles the risk of a crash.
    • Two passengers triple the risk, and three or more passengers can increase the risk of crash six times.
  • All passenger(s) and driver shall wear safety belts.
  • NO USE of mobile communication devices.
  • Shall NOT be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Protections for probationary license holders after 12 months of licensing and under the age of 18

  • May NOT drive between the hours of 1am and 5am, unless:
    • Accompanied by a parent or guardian.
    • Driving to or from work if in possession of official documentation from the employer (see BMV 2825).
    • Driving to or from an official school sponsored event if in possession of written documentation from a school official (see BMV 2825).
    • Driving to or from an official religious event if in possession of written documentation from an official affiliated with the event (see BMV 2825).
  • CANNOT have more passengers than safety belts.
  • All passengers and driver shall wear safety belts.
  • NO USE of mobile communication devices.
  • Shall NOT be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Suspensions/ Restrictions

  • If a probationary license holder under age 17 is convicted of a moving violation that occurred during the first six months of license issuance, the teen will only be allowed to drive with a parent or guardian for the next 6 months or until age 17, whichever comes first. 
  • A temporary instruction permit or probationary license can be suspended for up to one year if the teen is convicted of multiple moving violations or any alcohol-related offense. 
  • Ohio’s underage consumption law makes it illegal for a driver under age 21 to drive with a blood alcohol content level of .02 or greater.

LEVEL 3: FULL LICENSE

At age 18, a teen is eligible for a full license, provided that probationary license requirements have been met. 

  • Night and passenger restrictions are lifted, but parents are encouraged to maintain their own additional rules.
  • License applicants age 18 or older who fail the required road or maneuverability test must take an abbreviated driver training course prior to attempting the test a second or subsequent time.

 

RESOURCES:

GDL AT A GLANCE

TEEN DRIVER PARENT RACK CARD