How To Get Your Temporary Instruction Permit in Ohio

Published: September 3, 2020

You’re six months away from turning 16 and, in Ohio, that means you can start the journey to becoming a driver! It’s an exciting time for Ohio teens. The first step towards becoming a legitimate driver is to get your temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC). It may seem a little daunting, but getting your Ohio instruction permit is easier than you think. 

How to Get Your Temporary Instruction Permit in Ohio

To get your instruction permit, you need to meet certain criteria, complete a driver's education course, and take the BMV knowledge test. Follow these steps and you’ll have your TIPIC in no time at all.

1. Meet the Requirements to Apply for Your TIPIC

  • You must be at least 15½ years old. 

  • You must complete a driver education class at a licensed driver training school. This must include 24 hours of classroom or online instruction plus eight hours of driving time.

  • In addition, you must complete 50 hours of driving, with at least 10 hours of night driving.

2. Take the Knowledge and Vision Tests

If you’ve passed a driver's ed class and completed 50 hours behind the wheel, you’re ready to take the written knowledge test and vision test at your local BMV.

The knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions about motor vehicle safety regulations and Ohio traffic signs. To pass, you must answer 75% of the questions correctly. A comprehensive online driver's ed course will adequately prepare you for this test. For further study, you can also refer to the Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws handbook.

When you pass the knowledge and vision tests, you have 60 days to purchase your TIPIC. If you fail the test, you can retake it after 24 hours, and there is no limit as to how many times you can repeat the test.

3. Bring the Relevant Documents to Your Appointment

To process your TIPIC, the BMV requires documents that provide proof of your full legal name, date of birth, Ohio street address, Social Security number, and legal presence in the U.S. Bring the following documents along to your appointment:

  • Proof of Ohio residency.

  • Your identity card.

  • If you are an immigrant, proof of legal status in the U.S.

  • Proof of completion of an Ohio driver's ed course.

If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to provide proof of identification and cosign the TIPIC.

Rules that Apply to Your Temporary Instruction Permit

You’ve passed the test and received your temporary instruction permit. Congratulations! You can now start learning to drive in Ohio. Your TIPIC is valid for one year and comes with the following restrictions:

  • If you are under age 16, you must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or licensed driving instructor when driving.

  • If you are 16 or older, driving with any licensed driver over the age of 21 is acceptable, except between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. when a parent or guardian must accompany you.

  • The parent, guardian, or licensed driver in the passenger seat must not be intoxicated.

  • The driver and all passengers must wear safety belts.

  • Your TIPIC must be carried with you at all times when you drive.

Prepare for Your Ohio TIPIC Test With DriversEd.com

DriversEd.com offers BMV-approved online drivers education in Ohio. Our teen online driver's ed course teaches you all the rules of the road and principles of driver safety to prepare you for the Ohio knowledge test.

Learning isn’t dull and boring with DriversEd.com. We make it easy and fun with interactive case studies, quizzes, and videos. If you’re ready to take the first step toward becoming an Ohio driver, then sign up today.