Ohio Drivers License
Ready to get your 2013 Ohio drivers license but don't know where to start? Don't worry, we will walk you through the process and will see that you get your Ohio driver's license in no time at all! It all comes down to learning the state driving rules, taking the Ohio permit test (don't forget to do our 2013 Ohio driving practice test first!), then getting some driving hours behind your belt and passing your Ohio driving test! Don't worry about any of the forms or Ohio drivers education classes at this point, just concentrate on these three basic steps that will get you your Ohio drivers license in 2013!
Drivers License Types
Operating different vehicles requires different level of skills and this is why the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offers different types of Ohio driving licenses. Each driver's license has its own privileges and you must choose the license type carefully. At the moment, you can apply for one of the following types of the Ohio driver’s license:
- Class D. Regular drivers license
- Motorcycle license
- Commercial drivers license
- Motorized bicycle license
If you are the first time drivers license applicant, you should probably start with the regular driver’s license. Once you gain some driving skills, you will be able to upgrade to a more advance license class.
Ohio GDL
Ohio has three graduated licensing steps, each step providing new challenges for the license applicant and bringing him to the new level. The Ohio graduated drivers license system was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and it applies to teenage drivers, as they belong to the high risk group when it comes to driving. All teenage drivers license applicants have to go through the following steps: obtaining an Ohio learners permit, upgrading to a probationary license and finally receiving a full-privilege Ohio driver's license.
The learner’s permit stage requires teen drivers to pass vision and knowledge tests and drive with a licensed adult 21 years old or older. At this stage, all passengers must wear seat belts. The minimum permit age in Ohio is 15 and 1/2 and the permit must be held for at least 6 months before you can advance to the probationary driving license stage.
The next step towards obtaining a probationary drivers license is passing the Ohio driving test, a practical road test that will assess your ability to control the vehicle and your knowledge of the state driving rules.
Drivers Permit
No matter how old you are, the first step towards obtaining the Ohio driving license is taking the written knowledge exam at the local BMV office. This exam is what most of us know under the name of the Ohio temps test, though the BMV prefers to call it the Ohio permit test. Those who took one of the Ohio drivers education programs should not worry - the test will be a breathe for you. Those who have not taken any steps to prepare for the exam should start by reading the official Ohio drivers handbook, a guide to the state driving rules, road signs and safe driving habits. Once done with the book, you can test yourself with these free permit practice test Ohio sample questions, they can help you evaluate your current level of preparation. Don't settle on taking just this single test and try to cover this Ohio drivers permit practice test and the Ohio BMV practice test as well. When you encounter a drivers license question you cannot answer, revisit the corresponding chapter of the drivers license book and re-read that chapter. Keep doing that and you will get through the real drivers permit test like a pro! Plus, it will really help you once you finally receive your Ohio drivers license and start driving, you won't believe how many "experienced drivers" don't know the basic driving rules!
Drivers License Testing
When you think you are finally ready to apply for the Ohio driver's license, you will need to take a road skills test (also called a drivers license test or a driving test). Please make an appointment on-line or by calling the nearest driver license examination office. Driver's license applicants under 18 years of age are required to present a certificate from a drivers education course and a proof of completion of 50 hours supervised driving with parents.
All Ohio drivers license applicants should provide a car that is covered by an auto insurance policy in order to take a driving exam. You must pass both driving and maneuverability tests. After passing a driving skills test your examiner will give you a completion document. You will need to present it at the local deputy registrar branch and they will issue you with the Ohio driver’s license.
If you fail a road skills test you can re-take it in 7 days. You'll only have to take the test part you failed. In the unlikely event when you fail a test four times, you need to wait 6 months and start the permit process all over again.
Upgrading to A Full-privilege License
If you are under 18 years of age, you are issued with the probationary drivers license once you pass the driving exam. Even with your new probationary license, you are not allowed to drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless supervised by a licensed adult. The probationary license is valid until your 18 birthday, at which time the license becomes a full unrestricted Ohio drivers license.
