Ohio Online Driver Education and Ohio Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Ohio? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Ohio has implemented a graduated driver license program for Ohio drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Ohio.

Ohio Instruction Permit (aka--Learner's Permit)

You will be eligible to apply for an instruction permit in Ohio when you are 15 years and 6 months old. When you go down to the local driver's license office, be sure to take the following paperwork/documents with you:

• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Bring your parent/guardian with you to sign your application

At the driver's license office, you will first be given a vision screening test, and then you will need to take a written (knowledge) test (a practice written test is available at the Ohio BMV's website). If you pass it, then you will be issued an instruction permit.

With an instruction permit, there are some restrictions you'll need to follow:

• Everyone in the car must weat a seat belt
• For the first 6 months, you must have a certified driving instructor actively supervising your driving from the front passenger seat when you drive (you parent/guardian may be the supervisor if they are a licensed driver)
• After the first 6 months, the supervisor can be any licensed driver who's at least 21 years old

Ohio Probationary License

To apply for a probationary license, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have had your instruction permit for at least 6 months, and maintained a clean driving record
• Completed 24 hours of class instruction in a state-approved driver education course
• Accumulated 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 of which must be at night) and have your parent/guardian certify your driving practice log (a blank copy of this log can be printed off the Ohio BMV website)

You will need to pass a road test before you will be issued your probationary license.

With a probationary license, you will still need to adhere to some restrictions:

• If you're under 17, you cannot carry more than 1 non-family passenger (unless your parent/guardian is in the car with you)
• All passengers between the ages of 4 and 15 must be properly buckled up.
• If you're 16, you may not drive from 12 midnight to 6am (except for driving to/from your job, school-sponsored activity, or because of a family emergency)
• If you're 17, you may not drive from 1am to 5am (except for driving to/from your job, school-sponsored activity, or because of a family emergency)

These restrictions are removed after you turn 18.

Ohio Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Ohio is as follows:

• $12,500--personal injury (1 person)
• $25,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $7,500 for property damage per accident

Driving without the required amount of auto insurance is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

Ohio Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Ohio, and the law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST Ohio DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:

• Up to 3 years license suspension (license reinstatement fee is $450)
• Up to 6 months in jail
• Enrollment in a Driver Intervention Program
• Fine from $250 to $1,000

Further DUI convictions will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, fines, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Ohio Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

There is currently no statewide law prohibiting the use of cell phones in Ohio, however teen-aged drivers may not use cell phones while driving in the cities of Brooklyn, North Olmstead, and Walton Hills.

Ohio Drivers Education

For more information on drivers education including a list of approved drivers ed courses in Ohio, please visit the Ohio BMV website.