Drivers Permits

Getting Your Permit

The road to receiving your first driver's permit should begin by obtaining a copy of the Digest of Ohio Motor Laws handbook online or at a branch office. (A Spanish version is also available.)

Keep in mind, though, that you'll have to be at least 15 years and six months old at the time you apply for your permit. But, there's no harm in beginning the learning process before that.

Be sure to thoroughly study the manual, as to obtain your permit you'll need to pass a written test based on the manual. Luckily, DMV.ORG provides practice tests online.

(Under certain circumstances, you may be able to get your permit at a younger age. But, you'll have to meet strict guidelines to qualify for a Hardship License. Check the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle's FAQ page for details on this matter.)

Obtain the Temporary Permit Packet

After you feel confident in your knowledge of the material, go to a license agency to pick up your temporary permit packet at a cost of $22. You'll need to bring two acceptable forms of identification.

If you're under 18, you must bring a parent, legal guardian, or someone with legal custody of you to the office to co-sign for the packet. If you can't have a parent or legal guardian with you, then you'll need to have someone who meets the Ohio legal definition of a "responsible" person to co-sign for the packet. Anyone who co-signs for the packet must also have two forms of acceptable documentation with them.

Once you have the packet, be careful with it. If you lose it or damage it anywhere along the way to getting a license, you'll have to start the application process over.

It's Test Time!

Your next step will be to go to a driver's exam station to take your tests. No appointment is necessary for this, and the testing is free. But, be sure to bring along your packet.

You will be asked to complete a vision exam and a written exam.

You'll also be asked some questions to determine if you have any physical or mental issues that might affect your ability to drive safely. If you do, you will be instructed as to what additional steps you'll have to take to obtain your permit. The BMV addresses these issues on their Medical Procedures to Apply for a Temporary Permit page.

But, if everything checks out and you pass your tests, you will be awarded a temporary driver's permit.

You will have to keep the permit for six months before being allowed to take your skills (driving) test and obtain your regular license.

Lost Permits

If you've lost your permit, you'll need to follow the same procedure and bring the same types of proof of identification that you used to apply for your permit packet. And, yes, this means bringing a parent or guardian with you to co-sign if you're under 18. They'll also need to have proper identification, as we described in the previous section.

You'll then be able to purchase a replacement packet for $22. If your test scores can be confirmed, your scores will be transferred. If they cannot, you'll need to take the tests over.

Expired Permits

You'll have a year from the time you purchase your permit packet to complete the licensing process. If you don't receive your license within this period, your permit will expire. You'll then need to apply for a new permit by following the procedures outlined in the first section.

It'll cost $22 to replace your packet within six months of the expiration date. After that, the cost rises to $25.