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How to Get Your TIPIC in Ohio

Ohio follows a Graduated Driver Licensing program (GDL). Under a GDL program, new drivers start with limited driving privileges that gradually increase as they gain more driving experience. Each stage leading up to a full driver license has certain restrictions (for example, what time of day you can drive and whether you must be accompanied by a licensed driver), and there are certain requirements you must meet to qualify for each stage of licensure (for example, you may have to meet an age requirement or pass a certain test).

The first step in the GDL program is the Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC).

Ohio TIPIC Requirements

You must meet the following requirements in order to qualify for your TIPIC in Ohio:

You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old.
You must pass a vision screening.
You must pass a knowledge test.
You must submit an application for a TIPIC at a driver exam station.
You must provide documentary proof of your full legal name, your date of birth, your Social Security Number (if assigned), and your citizenship or legal presence. You can find out more about acceptable identification documents here. If you're under age 18, the application must be co-signed by a parent or legal guardian and the co-signer must present either a valid Ohio driver license or a valid Ohio identification card.

The knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws and traffic signs. You'll need to answer 75% of the questions in order to pass. If you fail the knowledge test, you have to wait at least 24 hours before you can try it again. You can take the test as many times as needed in order to pass. You can take our free online practice exam here to help prepare you for your knowledge test.

TIPIC Restrictions

Once you pass your knowledge test and vision screening, you must purchase a TIPIC within 60 days, or you'll need to pass the tests again before purchasing your TIPIC.

When you've obtained your TIPIC, there are certain restrictions you must follow while driving:

If you are under age 16, you must have a licensed parent or legal guardian occupying the seat next to you.
If you are age 16 or older, you must have a licensed driver age 21 or older occupying the seat next to you.
Safety belts must be available to all passengers and everyone must be buckled up.
If you are age 16, you may not operate a motor vehicle with more than one person who is not a family member, unless accompanied by the parent, guardian or custodian.
If you are a TIPIC holder under age 18, you may not drive between midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless with a parent, guardian or custodian who holds a valid license.

Your TIPIC will expire one year from the date that it is issued. If you are under 18 years of age, the TIPIC must have been held for six months before you may take your skills test. If your TIPIC expires before you take and pass the skills test, you must return to the driver license exam station and retake and pass the knowledge and vision exams.

The TIPIC authorizes you to practice for your skills test by driving on the street—but only when accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older occupying the seat beside you. If you are under age 16, you must drive with a parent, guardian, or certified driving instructor occupying the seat beside you. Ohio law prohibits any eligible adult from having alcohol in their system while supervising a driver with a TIPIC.

Next Steps

After you've held your TIPC for six months, you'll be ready for step two in the GDL program, which is the driver licensing stage. This stage includes 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and 8 hours of driving instruction with a professional driving instructor. You must provide a Certificate of Completion to verify you have completed the driver education requirement.

Safe2Drive's course satisfies the 24 hours of required classroom instruction. Once you've obtained your TIPC and you're ready to take the next steps toward earning your Ohio driver license, consider taking our online Ohio Driver Education course! Click the orange button below to learn more about Safe2Drive's online Ohio Driver Education course!

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