The Cincinnati Enquirer
If you turn 16 before Jan. 1, 1999
You may buy a learner's or temporary permit packet at age 15 1/2 from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles on or after July 1, 1998, or when you turn 16 (if that is before July 1).
You may receive a temporary permit upon passing a written and vision test.
You may drive on a temporary permit, if you are under 16, with a licensed parent, guardian or certified driving instructor. (Restriction: No driving under age 17 between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless with parent, guardian or custodian who holds a valid driver's license.) After July 1, 1998, 16-year-olds may drive on a temporary permit with any licensed driver 21 or older. (Restriction: If your temporary permit is issued on or after July 1, 1998, and you are under age 17, you cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless with parent, guardian or custodian who holds a valid driver's license.)
You must complete a commercial or high school driver education requirement if you are under 18. It's a minimum of 16 hours classroom instruction and 8 hours of driving or current high school requirement if you obtain your license prior to Jan. 1, 1999. After Jan. 1, 1999, this increases to 24 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours driving.
At age 16, you may take road and maneuverability tests and purchase a license if you pass.
If you wait to get your license after Jan. 1, 1999, before age 18, you must have 50 hours of driving experience certified by a parent, with at least 10 hours at night. In addition to your driver education requirement, you must have your temporary permit for 6 months before you can get a license. Until you turn 17, you may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless with your parent or guardian, with exceptions for work, school or emergency.
All passengers must wear safety belts 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 Jan. 1, 1999.
If you turn 15 1/2 on or after July 1, 1998
You may purchase a temporary permit packet at age 15 1/2 on or after July 1, 1998. It is valid for one year.
You may take written and vision tests and get a temporary permit. When driving on a temporary permit, you must drive with a licensed parent, guardian or certified driving instructor. When you turn 16, you may drive with any licensed driver 21 or older. (Restriction: No driving under 17 between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless with licensed parent, guardian or custodian.)
You must complete either a commercial or high school driver education requirement of 24 hours classroom instruction and 8 hours of driving if you apply for your license before you turn 18. You must complete 50 hours of driving experience certified by your parent, with at least 10 hours at night.
A temporary permit must be held for at least 6 months before obtaining a license if you are under 18.
At 16, take the driving and maneuverability tests. If you pass, return to the deputy registrar's office to buy a license. (Restriction: No driving under 17 between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless with licensed parent, guardian or custodian, with exceptions for work, school, or emergency.)
All passengers must wear safety belts if driver's under 18.
