Juvenile Driving Laws in Ohio

Teen drivers in Ohio must pass a number of tests before receiving their license.

Driving laws vary from state to state, especially when it comes to the requirements for new teen drivers, who have been found statistically to be the most dangerous drivers on the road. In Ohio, specific laws are enforced to ensure teen and juvenile drivers meet certain requirements before they are allowed to have a full driver's license.

Temporary Permit

Applicants for an Ohio temporary driving permit must be at least 15 years and six months of age and must submit an application, signed by their parent or legal guardian. Before receiving a temporary permit, the applicant must submit a knowledge test and pass a vision screening. Teen drivers under the age of 16 may only drive with a licensed guardian, parent or instructor. After the age of 16, they are allowed to drive with any licensed driver over the age of 21, though that licensed driver must occupy the front seat beside the teenager. Permit drivers must finish 24 hours of class and drive eight hours with a certified instructor. In addition to this, teens must also complete 50 hours of practice driving, as well as 10 hours of nighttime driving.

Probationary Restrictions

Drivers under the age of 17 may not carry more then one passenger who is not an immediate family member unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All drivers with probationary licenses between the ages of 17 and 18 may not drive between the hours of 1 and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or the situation entails emergency conditions, driving to or from a school event or driving to a place of employment with written documentation from the employer. If convicted of a moving violation, the probationary driver must drive with a licensed driver at all times for six months.

Age Differences with Probationary License

Probationary licenses are given out to those teens who have completed all the requirements for the temporary permit, though restrictions apply based on age. Sixteen-year-olds may not drive between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., unless they are in an emergency conditions, driving to or from a school event or driving to a place of employment with written documentation from the employer. If the probationary driver is 17, he can drive until 1 a.m. and start driving again at 5 a.m., unless any of those other conditions apply. These little differences can make a major difference in when a teenager gets her license in Ohio.

References

• Driving Laws: Ohio
• Oho Teen Driver: Driver Coalition