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.
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