Teen Driving Laws in Ohio

  • 23 June 2023
Ohio Driving Rules

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, here are some of the key provisions of Ohio’s teen driving laws:

  1. Learner’s Permit: Teens in Ohio can apply for a learner’s permit at the age of 15 and a half. They must complete a driver education course, pass a written knowledge test, and have a parent or legal guardian co-sign the application.
  2. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program: Ohio has a GDL program, which consists of different stages for teen drivers to gradually gain experience and privileges. (a) Temporary Instruction Permit: After obtaining a learner’s permit, teen drivers must practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience (b) Probationary License: At the age of 16, teens who have held a learner’s permit for at least six months and completed 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, can apply for a probationary license. During this stage, certain passenger and driving time restrictions may apply (c) Full License: At the age of 18, teen drivers who have successfully completed the probationary license stage can obtain a full unrestricted driver’s license.
  3. Passenger Restrictions: During the probationary license stage, Ohio imposes passenger restrictions on teen drivers. For the first 12 months, a teen driver is not allowed to operate a motor vehicle with more than one non-family member who is not a licensed adult over the age of 21.
  4. Nighttime Driving Restrictions: During the probationary license stage, teen drivers are prohibited from driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or licensed adult over the age of 21.
  5. Cell Phone Use: Ohio law prohibits all drivers under the age of 18 from using any electronic communication devices, such as cell phones, while driving, except in case of emergencies.

Please note that these laws may have changed or been updated since my last knowledge update in September 2021. It’s essential to refer to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles or the Ohio Department of Public Safety for the most current and accurate information on teen driving laws in Ohio.

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