How to Pass Your Ohio Driving Test – A Complete Guide

Passing the Ohio driving test may feel huge task, and it is definitely not easy. You will have to practice behind the wheel with an instructor before you can take the road test, and you will also need to know what to practice.

But there’s no need to worry – in this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to prepare for and pass the road test in Ohio.

Requirements Before Taking Your Ohio Driving Test

Depending on your age, you will have to satisfy different requirements to be eligible to take the road test.

If You’re Under 18

1. Visit the Ohio BMV to take your written knowledge test and vision test
2. Complete a driver’s education course
3. Complete 50 hours of driving (including at least 10 hours of night driving)
4. Hold TIPIC for at least six months, or until you turn 18 (whichever comes first)
5. Schedule a driving test online
6. Take the driving test at your local Ohio BMV

If You’re Over 18

1. Visit the BMV to take your written knowledge test and vision test
2. Practice with a licensed driver on TIPIC for 6 months
3. Schedule a driving test online
4. Take the driving test at your local Ohio BMV

How to Schedule Your Ohio Driving Test

Once you’ve passed your permit test and received your TIPIC, it is time to schedule your driving test. Before you do so, be sure you have completed the necessary requirements for your age (listed above). You will want to wait to take the driving test until you are fully comfortable, as you only have 4 chances to pass.

Driver examination stations in Ohio offer driving tests by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment online or with the Ohio BMV live chat system. 

On the Day of the Driving Test

In order to take the road test, applicants will have to bring the following things with them (you can find the full list here):

●   A TIPIC

●   A driver education certificate (if under 18 years old)

●   A vehicle in good condition

An inspection will be conducted on your vehicle before the start of your exam. Be sure these components of your vehicle are operating properly beforehand.

●   Properly inflated tires

●   Running headlights and taillights

●   Active, valid Ohio registration

●   Working horn

●   Working turn signal

●   Full functional car doors

●   No cracks or other obstructions on windshield

The Different Parts of the Ohio Road Test

Ohio is one of the few states that splits the driving test into driving and maneuverability tests, but they are both very simple to conquer as long as you have some practice.

1. Driving

During the driving portion of the exam, you will be tested on your general driving skills. Your instructor will specifically be monitoring your performance doing the following:

●   Multi-point turns

●   Turning around and reversing

●   Staying in your lane

●   Maintaining safe following distance

2. Maneuverability

The maneuverability portion of the driving test comes in two parts: moving forward through markers and moving backward through markers. 

1. For the first part, you will simply drive forward through a 9’ by 20’ box and your instructor will direct you to drive towards the left or right of the center marker. You should steer straight and stop when your bumper is parallel with the course.
2. The second part of the maneuverability test will have you reversing from your stopped position, straight through the box back into its starting position. To pass this portion of the exam, you must also remove the vehicle from the test area without bumping any markers in order to receive a passing grade. 

What Happens if You Fail Your Ohio Driving Test?

If you happen to fail the driving test, you will have to wait seven days before performing a retest. If you pass one portion of the test and not the other (e.g. pass driving, fail maneuverability), you will only need to retake the portion that you failed. If you fail more than 4 consecutive times, you will be prompted to wait 6 months before retrying.

That's It!

That’s everything you need to know about passing the driving test in Ohio. We hope this guide has helped you out and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward. If you need any help studying for your upcoming exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study resource with a summarized handbook, Ohio practice tests, and a gamified experience.