Free · 15 short lessons · Quoted from the manual
Ohio Driver Handbook, Chapter by Chapter
Start with lesson 1Every chapter of the Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws that matters for the written test, cut down to the rules and exact numbers you need. Each point links to the manual text it comes from, with the page, and ends with questions from our free Ohio practice test.
15 lessons in handbook order
Read one lesson, answer its 3 check questions, then drill that topic in the practice test. Most lessons take about 5 minutes.
- Lesson 1Section 1: How to Get Your Driver LicenseLaws and paperwork
Knowledge test, TIPIC and driver education
At 15 years and six months you can take the vision screening and a 40 question knowledge test that needs a 75% score. Drivers under 21 then need driver education and 50 hours of logged practice, 10 of them at night.
10 key points · 15 numbers · Section 1
- Lesson 2Section 12: Purchase Your Driver LicenseLaws and paperwork
Probationary license limits for drivers under 18
In the first 12 months, drivers under 18 may not drive from midnight to 6 a.m. and may carry only one non-family passenger without a parent. After that the curfew shrinks to 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
8 key points · 10 numbers · Section 12, Section 3, Section 6
- Lesson 3Section 2: Before You DriveSafe driving
Vehicle equipment, seat belts and child seats
Ohio sets minimums for tires, lights and horns, and requires drivers and front seat passengers to buckle up. Children 4 to 7 need a booster seat unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.
9 key points · 9 numbers · Section 2, Section 6
- Lesson 4Section 3: Be AlertLaws and paperwork
Phone laws, insurance and license points
Most Ohio drivers may not hold or support a phone while driving, and penalties grow with each offense in two years. You must carry liability insurance, and 12 points in two years suspends your license.
10 key points · 10 numbers · Section 3, Section 6
- Lesson 5Section 4: Rules of the RoadSpeed limits
Reasonable speed and the assured clear distance rule
Ohio speed limits assume good conditions, so in bad weather or heavy traffic a reasonable speed may be slower than posted. Whatever the limit, you must always be able to stop in the distance available.
9 key points · 2 numbers · Section 4, Section 8, Section 9
- Lesson 6Section 4: Rules of the RoadRight of way
Right of way
Yield to whoever reached the intersection first, and to the driver on your right if you arrive together. Drivers entering from driveways, private roads and ramps yield to traffic already on the road.
8 key points · 0 numbers · Section 4, Section 5
- Lesson 7Section 4: Rules of the RoadSignals and markings
Traffic signals and pavement markings
Red means stop behind the line, yellow means the light is about to turn red, and a dark signal is treated as a stop sign. White lines separate traffic going the same way and yellow lines separate opposing traffic.
10 key points · 0 numbers · Section 4
- Lesson 8Section 4: Rules of the RoadRoad signs
Regulatory, warning, work zone and guide signs
Ohio signs fall into regulatory, prohibitory, warning, work zone and guide signs, each with its own shape and color. A red circle with a slash always means the pictured action is prohibited.
9 key points · 0 numbers · Section 4, Section 5
- Lesson 9Section 5: Learning to DriveEmergencies
Turns, school buses and railroad crossings
Signal at least 100 feet before a turn and follow Ohio's rules for turning on red. Stop 15 to 50 feet from a railroad crossing when a train is coming, and at least 10 feet from a stopped school bus on roads with fewer than four lanes.
9 key points · 3 numbers · Section 5
- Lesson 10Section 5: Learning to DriveSignals and markings
Roundabouts, lane use and parking
In a roundabout, travel counterclockwise, yield to traffic already circling and never stop or change lanes once inside. Park facing traffic within 12 inches of the curb and keep away from hydrants and intersections.
8 key points · 8 numbers · Section 5
- Lesson 11Section 6: State Laws and PenaltiesAlcohol and DUI
OVI, BAC limits and chemical test refusal
Ohio's BAC limits are .08% for most drivers, .04% for commercial drivers and .02% under 21. Refusing a chemical test brings a one to five year suspension that stands even if you are acquitted.
9 key points · 7 numbers · Section 6
- Lesson 12Section 7: Special Driving SituationsSafe driving
Headlights, night driving and bad weather
Headlights go on from sunset to sunrise, in rain, snow or fog, whenever wipers run and when you cannot see 1,000 feet. In fog use low beams, and if you skid, ease off the gas and steer into the skid.
9 key points · 1 numbers · Section 7
- Lesson 13Section 8: Safe Driving TipsSafe driving
Scanning, following distance and space cushion
Look 20 to 30 seconds ahead and keep at least four seconds between you and the car in front. Leave even more room in bad weather, at night and behind trucks or buses.
9 key points · 7 numbers · Section 8
- Lesson 14Section 9: Sharing the RoadEmergencies
Emergency vehicles, Move Over and sharing the road
Pull right and stop for emergency vehicles with lights and sirens, and move over or slow down for stopped vehicles with warning lights. Give bicyclists at least three feet and motorcycles a full lane.
9 key points · 4 numbers · Section 5, Section 9
- Lesson 15Section 10: Emergency SituationsEmergencies
Vehicle emergencies and crashes
Know what to do when brakes fail, the accelerator sticks or a tire blows out. After a crash, warn traffic, stay at the scene, call 911 if anyone is hurt and exchange information.
9 key points · 4 numbers · Section 10
Read, check, then practice
- Read a lesson. Open any point's source to see the exact manual wording and page.
- Answer the 3 check questions at the end without looking back.
- Drill that topic in the free Ohio practice test, then take a full test when every lesson feels easy.
- Keep the Ohio cheat sheet for a last look before test day.
Source: the Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws (Online edition). Lessons are plain English summaries, not the law itself; where they differ, the manual and the statute govern. Every quote on these pages is checked against our saved copy of the manual. Last checked 2026-09-27.