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Does my teen need drivers ed to get a license in Ohio?

Yes, if your teen is a beginning driver under 21. Ohio's law asks for a minimum of 24 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in driver training. Your teen also logs at least 50 hours of practice, 10 at night.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
A driver education program including 24 hours in class and 8 hours behind the wheelFor a probationary license, the program includes 24 hours in class and 8 hours behind the wheel.
Verified. Ohio Department of Public Safety · Ohio Driver Training Curriculum (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Who needs it
A beginning driver under 21 needs at least 24 clock hours of classroom instructionThe rule covers a beginning driver under 21, so it reaches teens and young adults.
Same source and date as above
Practice hours
At least 50 hours of in-vehicle practice, 10 of them at nightOhio asks for this practice in addition to the classroom instruction.
Same source and date as above
Valid for
Temporary Instruction Permits are good for one yearIf your teen is under 18, plan the six-month hold inside that year.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check the rule. Ohio's law asks a beginning driver under 21 for a minimum of 24 clock hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in driver training.

  2. Step 2. Pick a school. Go to DriverTraining.ohio.gov and click on Find a School.

  3. Step 3. Take the course and hold the permit. For a probationary license under 18, your teen holds the permit for at least 6 months and completes 24 hours in class and 8 hours behind the wheel with a licensed driving enterprise. The permit is good for one year.

  4. Step 4. Log the practice. Your teen needs at least 50 hours of in-vehicle practice, 10 of them at night, with a parent. One Ohio source says a parent or legal guardian. Another says a parent or eligible adult over age 21. You will complete a driving log and a Fifty-Hour Affidavit.

Before you pay

Find the school with Ohio's Find a School search before you pay.

Ask what the price covers, including the 8 behind-the-wheel hours. We haven't confirmed an Ohio price from a source.

The 50 hours of practice are yours to log, so plan for them beside the course.

Questions

When can my teen get a permit?

At age 15 years and 6 months, your teen can get the Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC).

Who has to ride with my teen on the permit?

From 15 years and 6 months up to 16, a parent, guardian or licensed driving instructor must supervise from the passenger seat. Once 16, a student may practice with a licensed adult, 21 or older.

What limits apply once my teen has the license?

Under 18, in the first 12 months: no driving from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m., no more than one non-family member in the vehicle, every passenger in a seat belt, and no mobile communication devices while driving. After 12 months: no driving from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., except with a parent or guardian, or for school, work or an emergency (emancipated minors are exempt), and no more passengers than originally installed, working safety belts.

Does the Fifty-Hour Affidavit need a notary?

Yes. You must sign and notarize the Affidavit for verification.

Can we log the 50 hours in an app?

Yes. The log can be a traditional paper log or done through the RoadReadyOhio app.

What to do next

Start with Ohio's driver training curriculum, then pick a school for the 24 and 8.

dam.assets.ohio.gov

Sources we read