Driver's Training in Ohio

Ohio Driver's Training

If you're a teenager applying for your first driver's license with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), the BMV requires you to satisfy the requirements of its graduated driver licensing (GDL) program.

As part of the GDL program, you'll need to complete driver's training with a driving instructor and supervised driving practice before you can obtain your full driver's license.

Your behind-the-wheel practice will help you gain valuable driving experience and allow you develop the driving skills necessary to pass your driving test.

On this page you'll find information about your behind-the-wheel requirements and the next steps towards your first driver's license.

What are the Behind-the-Wheel Requirements in Ohio?

If you are younger than 18 years old, you'll need to complete the following behind-the-wheel requirements:

  • Driver's training with a certified driving instructor (during driver's education).
  • At least 50 hours of supervised driving practice.

You can begin your GDL requirements when you are at least 15 1/2 years old by enrolling in driver's education. For more information, please visit our Driver's Ed in Ohio page.

When you are at least 15 1/2 years old, you can apply for your learner's permit and begin your supervised driving practice.

For more information, please visit our Driver's Permits in Ohio page.

Ohio Driver's Training Course

During your Ohio Driver's Ed program, you'll complete at least 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

The in-car driver's training component of Driver's Ed is offered by high schools and professional driver's training schools.

Visit the Ohio DPS website for a complete list of driver's training schools.

After you complete both components of the program, you'll receive a driver's education completion certificate.

Supervised Driving Practice in OH

In addition to driver's training as part of your Driver's Ed course, you'll also need to complete supervised driving practice.

Before advancing to your provisional driver's license, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice, with at least 10 hours completed at night.

Once you complete your driving practice, your parent/legal guardian will need to complete and sign a Fifty Hour Affidavit (Form BMV 5791), which you'll need to submit when applying for your provisional license.

If you are younger than 16 years old, you can only practice driving with:

  • Your parent/legal guardian.
  • A certified driving instructor.
    OR
  • A licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has permission from your parent/guardian.

If you are at least 16 years old, you can practice supervised driving with any licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.

Next Steps – Provisional Driver's License

You can apply for your provisional driver's license after you:

  • Turn 16 years old.
  • Have held your learner's permit for at least 6 months.
  • Have completed your supervised behind-the-wheel practice and submitted a signed Fifty Hour Affidavit (Form BMV 5791).
  • Have completed Driver's Ed.
  • Pass the BMV driving test.

For more information, please visit our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Ohio page.

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Forms

BMV 5791
Fifty Hour Affidavit
Fill out this form when you have completed 50 hours of supervised driving as part of earning your Ohio drive's license.
BMV 2438
Eligible Adult in Loco Parentis Affidavit
Complete this form if an Ohio instruction permit holder will practice driving with an adult supervisor OTHER than their legal guardian.
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