Getting your Ohio license at 18 to 20
This is the question we're asked most. Here's the whole path, in plain language, with the official Ohio BMV forms and links you'll need along the way.
These requirements apply to new drivers aged 18 to 20 applying for an Ohio Class D license.
Step 1
Complete a driver education course
Ohio requires you to complete a Class D driver education course at a licensed driver training school. That means 24 hours of classroom or online instruction, plus 8 hours of driving time with an instructor. Our online course and 8-hour drive package covers both parts.
If the BMV can't verify your course completion electronically, you may be asked for your Driver Education Certificate at your driving or skills test. Keep a copy with you.
Step 2
Log 50 hours of supervised practice
Alongside your course, you need to complete and log 50 hours of supervised practice driving with an eligible adult. At least 10 of those hours have to be at night. Record them as you go on form BMV 5791, the Fifty-Hour Affidavit, and bring it to your test.
Step 3
Pass the driving and skills tests
Once your course and your practice hours are done, schedule your driving and skills tests with the Ohio BMV. Check the list below before you go - showing up without one of these can cost you the appointment.
- Schedule your driving test with the Ohio BMV (opens in a new tab)
- Ohio licensing information for new drivers (opens in a new tab)
What to bring to your test
Bring all of these to your driving and skills test. Arriving without one of them can cost you the appointment.
- Your TIPIC (temporary instruction permit identification card)
- A vehicle in good condition, with its license plate, make and model
- Your completed BMV 5791 Fifty-Hour Affidavit
- A copy of your Driver Education Certificate
Are you 21 or older? The steps below are for drivers aged 18 to 20. Give us a call and we'll tell you what applies to your situation.
Common questions
The things people ask us most often.
- Who needs to take a driver education course in Ohio?
- If you're between 18 and 20 and applying for your first Ohio license, you need to complete a Class D driver education course - 24 hours of classroom or online instruction plus 8 hours of driving. Our online course and 8-hour drive package covers exactly that.
- Is the classroom portion online?
- Yes. All 24 classroom hours are online and self-paced. Only your driving hours happen in person.
- When can I start?
- Whenever you're ready. Enrollment is rolling, so you're not waiting for the next class to open. Call or send us a message and we'll get you set up.
- How long does it take to finish?
- It depends on how quickly you work through the online classroom hours and how we're able to schedule your driving. Give us a call and we'll give you a realistic timeline for your situation.
- Do you provide a car for the driving hours?
- Call us and we'll go over exactly what's included with your driving hours and what, if anything, you need to bring.
- Do you pick students up?
- We offer limited student pickup depending on instructor availability. Ask us when you book and we'll tell you what we can do.
- I'm over 21 and learning to drive for the first time. Can you help?
- Yes. Our 12-hour adult course is built for drivers 21 and older. Call us and we'll go over what Ohio asks of you and how many hours make sense.
- Do you offer help in Somali?
- Yes - waxaan ku hadalnaa Af-Soomaali. Just ask for Somali when you call, and we'll go through the course, the paperwork and the Ohio requirements in Somali.
- What do I need to bring to my first driving lesson?
- We'll tell you exactly what to bring when we schedule your first lesson. If you're not sure whether you have everything you need, call us first.
- How do I register?
- Use the Register button at the top of any page, or call us during business hours. We're happy to answer questions before you commit to anything.
Official Ohio BMV links
- Look up licensed Ohio driver training schools (opens in a new tab)
- Download the Fifty-Hour Affidavit (form BMV 5791) (opens in a new tab)
- Schedule your driving test with the Ohio BMV (opens in a new tab)
- Ohio licensing information for new drivers (opens in a new tab)
These are Ohio BMV requirements, summarized here to help you plan. Progressive Driving School is a private driver training school - we are not the Ohio BMV and we don't issue licenses. Always confirm current requirements with the BMV before your appointment.
Ohio requirements last checked August 30, 2026.