Probationary license limits for drivers under 18

Key points

1. In the first 12 months, a driver under 18 may not drive from midnight to 6 a.m. without an exception.

   Source: Section 12

   “New drivers under age 18 have these restrictions: During the first 12 months of holding a Driver License: The driver may not operate a vehicle from midnight to 6 a.m., unless:”
   Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 12

2. Exceptions include having a parent or guardian along, or driving to or from work with documentation from the employer.

   Source: Section 12

   “Accompanied by a parent or guardian Driving to or from work, with documentation from the employer”
   Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 12

3. During that first year you may not carry more than one non-family passenger unless a parent or guardian is along.

   Source: Section 12

   “The driver may not operate a vehicle with more than one non-family member as a passenger, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.”
   Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 12

4. After the first 12 months, the curfew is 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

   Source: Section 12

   “After the first 12 months of holding a Driver License: The driver may not operate a vehicle from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., unless:”
   Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 12

5. The driver and all passengers must wear belts, and occupants may not outnumber the belts.

   Source: Section 12

   “The driver and all passengers must wear safety belts. The number of occupants cannot exceed the number of safety belts originally installed.”
   Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 12

6. Under 18, it is illegal to use any electronic device while driving, even hands-free or when stopped at a light.

   Source: Section 3

   “Drivers Under Age 18 Years It is illegal to use any electronic device while driving, even hands-free, or while sitting at a traffic light or in a traffic jam.”
   Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 3

7. For these young drivers, a first phone violation brings a 60 day suspension and a $150 fine, and a second a 1 year suspension and a $300 fine.

   Source: Section 3

   “First violation: 60-days Driver License suspension and a $150 fine. Second violation: 1-year Driver License suspension and a $300 fine.”
   Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 3

8. Under 18, two moving violations bring an automatic three-month suspension and three bring a one-year suspension.

   Source: Section 6

   “The BMV will automatically impose license suspension for drivers under age 18 in these circumstances: A conviction of, or guilty plea to two moving violations, results in an automatic three-month license suspension;”
   Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 6

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Ohio practice test

1. 1. During the first 12 months of an Ohio probationary license, when may a driver operate between midnight and 6 a.m.?

   1. When accompanied by a parent or guardian
   2. When accompanied by any licensed friend age 18 or older
   3. When a sibling with a permit sits in front
   4. When the driver promises to return before 6 a.m.
   Show answer

   When accompanied by a parent or guardian. For the first 12 months of holding a Driver License, an Ohio driver under 18 may not operate from midnight to 6 a.m. unless an exception applies. A parent or guardian accompanying the driver is one listed exception. The manual also names documented trips to or from work, official school-sponsored events, and religious events. An ordinary friend, a sibling with a permit, or a personal promise does not meet the stated conditions. Check both the clock and the qualifying person or documentation before beginning a restricted-hours trip.

2. 2. After the first 12 months of an Ohio probationary license, what nighttime driving restriction applies?

   1. No driving from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
   2. No driving from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
   3. No nighttime restriction remains
   4. No driving from midnight to 6 a.m.
   Show answer

   No driving from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.. After the first year, the restricted period becomes 1 a.m. through 5 a.m. The midnight to 6 a.m. window belongs to the first 12 months, so choosing it carries forward the earlier rule. The restriction has listed exceptions, including a parent or guardian, documented work travel, and documented school or religious events. A useful memory cue is that the curfew tightens to a four-hour overnight window after month twelve.

3. 3. During the first 12 months of an Ohio probationary license, how many non-family passengers may the driver carry without a parent or guardian?

   1. Two
   2. One
   3. Three
   4. No limit
   Show answer

   One. During the first 12 months of holding a probationary Driver License, the driver may not operate a vehicle with more than one non-family member as a passenger unless a parent or guardian is along. One non-family passenger is therefore the most allowed. Two or three already exceed the limit, even if the vehicle has enough belts, and no limit ignores the rule. Family members are not counted, and a parent or guardian in the vehicle removes the restriction.

Source: the Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 12: Purchase Your Driver License. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.