If you're relocating to Ohio and plan to drive, there’s a new requirement you should know about. Starting July 1, 2025, temporary residents—those living in Ohio without full, permanent residency—must complete a state-approved 24-hour drivers education course before applying for a license.
This update applies to a wide range of individuals, including college students, visiting professionals, and long-term guests. If that sounds like you, here’s what to expect—and how to prepare.
What This Means for You
If you're adjusting to life in Ohio and planning to drive, learning that the rules have changed can feel like one more thing to figure out. We get it—state laws can be confusing, and you want to stay on track without any surprises.
The good news? These updates are designed to make Ohio’s roads safer, and when you understand the steps, the process becomes much easier to navigate.
Who Is Considered a Temporary Resident in Ohio?
You’re considered a temporary resident if you live in Ohio without establishing full, permanent residency. That may include:
Out-of-state students attending an Ohio college or university
International students or long-term visitors staying on visas
Professionals working on temporary contracts, fellowships, or internships
Military personnel stationed in Ohio for a limited time
Individuals relocating to Ohio but not yet meeting full residency criteria
If this sounds like your situation—and you're planning to apply for an Ohio drivers license—this law applies to you. For context on how Ohio compares to other states, check out our guide to drivers ed requirements across the U.S..
What the New Law Requires
1. Complete a 24-Hour Drivers Ed Course
The course must be approved by the Ohio Department of Public Safety and include at least 24 hours of instruction covering:
Ohio traffic laws
Defensive driving techniques
State-specific safety regulations
Both online and classroom options are available, as long as they are integrated with the OH ADE system.
2. Verify Your Identity Through OH ADE
The OH ADE (Automated Driver Education) system is Ohio’s official platform for verifying drivers ed course completions. You’ll need to verify your identity before your training can be officially recognized by the BMV. This step ensures your records are valid and tied correctly to your application.
Why These Requirements Matter
If you skip these steps or take a course that isn’t OH ADE-compatible, you could face:
License application denial from the Ohio BMV
Delays that last weeks or more
Re-enrollment fees if you complete the wrong course
Legal trouble if you're caught driving without a valid Ohio license
Ohio’s BMV will not accept your application without both verified requirements.
Choosing the Right Course
At DriversEd.com, we offer trusted, comprehensive drivers education—but our current teen course flow uses parent verification, which doesn’t match Ohio’s requirements for temporary residents.
Since OH ADE requires direct student identity verification, our teen program is not currently compatible. We’re actively working to resolve this, but in the meantime, you’ll need to choose a provider that’s already fully integrated with OH ADE.
If you’re unsure whether online or classroom instruction fits your needs, our comparison of online vs. in-person drivers ed can help you make an informed decision.
Even If You're Not Sure This Applies to You…
Even if you’ve completed drivers ed in another state
Ohio doesn’t accept out-of-state course completions for temporary residents. You must retake an Ohio-approved 24-hour course.
Even if you’re only in Ohio for a few months
If you plan to apply for an Ohio license, you must meet these requirements—regardless of how long you stay.
Even if you’re over 18 or already a licensed driver elsewhere
Experience and age don’t change the law. All temporary residents must complete the course and verification.
If you're returning to driving as an adult, check out our adult drivers ed guide to get the support you need.
What To Do Next
To stay compliant and avoid delays:
Confirm your residency status through Ohio’s Department of Public Safety
Choose a state-approved course provider integrated with OH ADE
Complete all 24 hours of required drivers education
Verify your identity through the OH ADE system
Gather all required documentation for your license application
Schedule your appointment with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
You’ll also need to pass the Ohio maneuverability test, a required part of the state’s licensing exam.
Don’t Wait Until the Deadline
The new rule goes into effect July 1, 2025. As the deadline approaches, course providers may become overbooked. Starting early ensures you can meet every requirement and avoid unnecessary stress.
We’ll continue working on OH ADE compatibility and will keep you updated. In the meantime, explore all available state-approved options and contact the Ohio Department of Public Safety if you need guidance.
To help with planning, review our breakdown of how much drivers ed costs in Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new law take effect?
The requirement goes into effect July 1, 2025, for all temporary residents seeking an Ohio drivers license.
What is the OH ADE system?
It’s Ohio’s official platform for verifying drivers ed completions. You must use it to verify your identity and your course.
Does out-of-state drivers ed count?
No. Even if you’ve taken drivers ed elsewhere, temporary residents must take a 24-hour course approved by Ohio.
How long is the required course?
Ohio mandates a minimum of 24 hours of instruction.
Can I take the course online?
Yes—as long as the course is state-approved and connected to OH ADE.
Do I need a temporary instruction permit first?
Yes. After completing your course and passing the knowledge test, you’ll apply for a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC).
Updated 08/05/2025
