Driver's License
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center provides information on how to obtain a driver's license in the United States, as well as a list of online resources.
If you have a valid driver license issued in your home country, take it to the Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV). The license must have your full name printed on it.
1. If the name and country is recognized by the BMV:
- You can proceed to take the written test and the remaining driving tests. No appointment is necessary to take the driver knowledge test and vision screening, but be sure to check what days certain exam stations are open for business.
- Your vision will be tested at the exam station to see if it meets the minimum standards established by law.
- You must pass a driver knowledge test on Ohio motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs.
- Once you pass these tests, you will obtain a temporary instruction permit which will authorize you to practice for your skills test by driving on the street (but only with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older in the seat next to you)
- When you are confident of your driving skills, contact the nearest exam station to schedule a skills test (which has two parts- driving and maneuverability)
- Upon successful completion of your skills test, you will receive an 'examination passed' which is a 60 day driving permit. You need to take this to a license agency and obtain your actual license.
2. If the name or the country is not recognized by the BMV (or If you have not obtained a driver license in your home country)
- You must obtain a temporary permit packet (To get this you must provide documentary proof of age, identity and social security number (if assigned) - Other documents may be acceptable if they provide the required information)
- Take your complete temporary permit application packet to the nearest Ohio State Highway Patrol driver license examination station. No appointment is necessary to take the driver knowledge test and vision screening, but be sure to check what days certain exam stations are open for business.
- Your vision will be tested at the exam station to see if it meets the minimum standards established by law.
- You must pass a driver knowledge test on Ohio motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs.
- Once you pass these tests, you will obtain a temporary instruction permit which will authorize you to practice for your skills test by driving on the street (but only with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older in the seat next to you)
- When you are confident of your driving skills, contact the nearest exam station to schedule a skills test (which has two parts- driving and maneuverability)
- Upon successful completion of your skills test, you will receive an 'examination passed' which is a 60-day driving permit. You need to take this to a license agency and obtain your actual license.
Note: Even if you have obtained an International Driving Permit in your home country, you must possess a valid license issued by the country of residence.
