The New Ohio Teen Driving Law

 If you turn 16 before January 1, 1999

Follow these steps to obtain an Ohio Driver License: 

• Purchase a Temporary packet at age 15 1/2 from Deputy Registrar on or after July 1, 1998, or when you turn 16 (if that is before July 1). 
• Pass written and vision test at Driver Examination Station. Receive Temporary Permit upon passing. 
• When driving on Temporary Permit under 16 years old you must drive with licensed parent, guardian or certified driving instructor seated beside you. (Restrictions: No driving if under 17 between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless with parent, guardian or custodian who holds a valid driver license.) 
• After July 1, 1998, if you are 16 years old you may drive on a Temporary Permit only with a licensed driver 21 or older. (Restriction: If your Temporary Permit is issued on or after July 1, 1998, there is no driving if you are under 17 between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless with parent, guardian or custodian.) 
• Obtain either commercial or high school driver education requirement if you are under 18. a minimum of 16 hours classroom instruction and 8 hours of driving or current high school requirement if you obtain your license prior to January 1, 1999. After January 1, 1999 you will be required to complete 24 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours driving. 
• At age 16 make an appointment at Driver License Examination Station and pass road and maneuverability tests. 
• Return to Deputy Registrar and purchase license. If you obtain your license on or after January 1, 1999 before the age of 18, you must obtain 50 hours of actual driving experience certified by parent, with at least 10 hours at night, in addition to your driver education requirement, and you must have your Temporary Permit for 6 months. 
• If you obtain y our License on or after January 1, 1999, then until you turn 17, you may not drive between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless with your parent or guardian, with exceptions for work, school or emergency. 
• Note: Safety belts must be available to all passengers and everyone must be buckled up if you are driving on or after July 1, 1998 on a Temporary permit or if you are a licensed driver under 18 driving on or after January 1, 1999. 

If you turn 15 1/2 on or after July 1, 1998

Follow these steps to obtain an Ohio Driver License: 

• Purchase a Temporary packet at age 15 1/2 from Deputy Registrar on or after July 1, 1998. Temporary packet valid for one year. 
• Pass written and vision test at Driver Examination Station. Receive Temporary Permit upon passing. 
• When driving on Temporary Permit you must drive with licensed parent, guardian or certified driving instructor seated beside you. When you turn 16 you may drive only with licensed driver 21 or older. (Restrictions: No driving if under 17 between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless with parent, guardian or custodian who holds a valid driver license.) 
• Obtain either commercial or high school driver education requirement consisting of 24 hours classroom instruction and 8 hours of driving if you apply for your license before you turn 18. 
• Obtain 50 hours of actual driving experience certified by your parent, with at least 10 of those hours at night before obtaining License under age 18. These hours are in addition to the driver education requirements. 
• Temporary Permit must be held for at least 6 months before obtaining License under the age of 18. 
• At age 16 make an appointment at Driver License Examination Station and pass the driving and maneuverability tests. 
• Return to Deputy Registrar and purchase License. (Restriction: No driving if under 17 between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless with parent or guardian, with exceptions for work, school or emergency.) 
• Note: Safety belts must be available to all passengers and everyone must be buckled up for all holders of temporary permits and those licensed driver under 18.