Ohio DMV: age, fees, test facts

Getting a license in Ohio

Getting your first permit

In Ohio, the minimum permit age is 15 years 6 months old. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: documents proving full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number (if assigned), Ohio residency, and citizenship/legal presence. No statewide appointment booking; BMV offers 'Get In Line Online' (virtual queue/remote queueing) via bmv.ohio.gov, not a guaranteed appointment.

Fees, retakes, and practice hours

If you fail the knowledge test: 24 hours minimum before retesting after a failed attempt. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours total supervised practice driving, including at least 10 hours at night, plus 8 hours behind-the-wheel instruction from a driver training school.

REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL

Compliant (REAL ID, star-marked) card optional vs Standard card; Compliant requires more identity documents; required for domestic flights/federal facilities starting May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: 18+ needs knowledge test, vision screen, and skills test; under 18 needs TIPIC held 6 months, driver ed, and a motorcycle safety course. For a commercial license (CDL): minimum age 18 (intrastate only); under 21 restricted to intrastate driving. Requires medical certification, knowledge and skills tests, 12-month CLP hold.

The Ohio bank has 73 questions across 8 topics