Ohio · Handbook chapter 10 · 5 min read

Ohio's maneuverability and on-road driving tests, retest rules and the abbreviated adult driver training course, buying your license, co-signer liability, compliant and standard cards, renewal, license classes, mopeds, motorcycles and new resident rules.

Why this chapter matters

The knowledge test focuses on Sections 2 to 10 of the Digest, but questions on licensing and records come up too. Know the 9 by 20 foot maneuverability box, the two-day retest wait under 21, the 21st birthday expiry for young drivers, 30 days for new residents and the moped limits of 50 cc and 20 mph.

The driving test

Book the test online or at a driver exam station. Bring your TIPIC, a vehicle in good condition and, if under 21, the BMV 5791 fifty-hour affidavit and your driver education certificate. The examiner checks the turn signals, brake lights, horn, wipers and headlights; both front doors must open from inside and out; the registration must be current; and automated aids such as self-parking must be turned off.

Maneuverability test

• The course is a 9-foot by 20-foot box formed by four markers, plus a center marker (five in all).
• Step one: drive forward and steer to the right or left of the center marker as told, then stop with your rear bumper even with the center marker, parallel to the course.
• Step two: reverse past the center marker, straighten, and back through the box until your front bumper is even with the two rear markers.
• Points come off for stopping, bumping a marker, misjudging the stop or not being parallel. Running over or knocking down a marker is an immediate fail.

On-road test

An examiner rides in the front seat and checks that you can start and stop, turn around and back up, make turns, use signals, keep to the correct lane and keep a safe following distance.

If you fail

• Under 21: wait two days before retesting.
• 21 or older: after failing the first time, take an Abbreviated Adult Driver Training Course before the second try, unless you completed approved driver education within the past year. The course is a 4-hour class (in person or online) followed by either 4 hours with a licensed instructor or 24 hours of driving with a licensed driver 21 or older (no more than 4 hours a day, logged on the BMV 5789 affidavit).

Buying your license

After passing both tests, buy the license at a deputy registrar. Bring your TIPIC and identity documents, and the notarized driving log affidavit if it applies to you. Under 18, a parent or guardian must show identification and co-sign.

• The co-signer is liable with the minor for damage caused by the minor's negligence or willful misconduct until the minor turns 18.
• The co-signer can cancel at any time by mailing the minor's license or TIPIC, or a notarized letter, to the BMV.

Compliant or standard card

• A compliant card meets federal security rules and will be needed to fly commercially or enter federal facilities and military bases. It needs more documents, including two proofs of Ohio address.
• A standard card does not meet those rules; you would need a passport or other TSA-approved document as well.
• Either card arrives by mail.

Renewal

• Under 21, your license runs out on your 21st birthday; renew it in person, as early as 30 days before.
• From 21 until 65, qualified drivers can choose an 8-year license; otherwise licenses run 4 years.
• There is no grace period. Driving on an expired license risks a ticket.

License classes

• Class D: ordinary cars and other vehicles that need no CDL or endorsement, including for probationary drivers under 18.
• CDL Class A, B and C: heavy combinations, heavy single vehicles, and vehicles for 16 or more passengers or placarded hazardous materials.
• Moped: from age 14; motor of 50 cc or less, no more than one brake horsepower, top speed 20 mph on level ground. Holders aged 14 and 15 may ride in daylight only. A Class D license also covers mopeds.
• Motorcycles and scooters need a motorcycle or scooter license or endorsement. Riders under 18 must complete a Motorcycle Ohio course first.

Other things to know

• New residents must get an Ohio license within 30 days of becoming a resident (taking a job, signing a lease, buying a home or enrolling children in school).
• At the license counter you can join the organ donor registry, register to vote, add a living will or Armed Forces designation, and add up to two emergency contacts to your record.