Ohio Driver Manual: Licensing & Safe Driving

• The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) oversees driver and motor vehicle licensing and registration
• The Ohio Driver Manual explains the Driver License obtainment process and summarizes safe driving practices and laws.
• It is available on the BMV website in English, Somali, Spanish, large-print (English), and audio (English) versions.
• Additional resources can be accessed through the manual's links.

BMV Online Services:

• Complete the knowledge test
• Schedule a driving test
• Save a spot in line at a Deputy Registrar License Agency
• Renew or reprint an Ohio Driver License or ID Card (fees apply)

How to Get Your Driver License:

• Read the driver's manual.
• Gather identity documents using the Acceptable Documents List.
• Study to pass the knowledge test (Sections 2-10).
• Get a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC).
• Those under 18 must complete a driver education course and required driving hours.
• Schedule and pass the driving test.
• Purchase a Driver License.

Vision Screening and Knowledge Testing:

• The minimum age to complete the vision screening and knowledge test is 15 years and six months.
• Vision standards must be met to obtain a Driver License.
• Glasses or contacts should be brought to the vision screening for potential driving restrictions.
• Learn the material to pass the knowledge test.
• The test has 40 multiple-choice questions with a 75% passage rate.

Knowledge Testing Availability:

• Online through BMV Online Services.
• In-person at a BMV Driver Examination Station.
• In-person at select BMV Deputy Registrar License Agencies.
• The test versions come in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Russian, Somali, and Spanish.
• An interpreter is permitted by scheduling an appointment at a Driver Exam Station.
• Wait one day before retesting after a failed test.

Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC):

• Upon completing the vision screening and knowledge test, visit a Deputy Registrar License Agency within 60 days to purchase a TIPIC.
• If a TIPIC is not purchased within 60 days, restart the vision screening and knowledge test.
• Present documents from the Acceptable Documents List to prove the following elements of identity:
• • Full legal name
• • Date of birth
• • Social Security number
• • Citizenship or legal presence
• • Ohio street address

TIPIC - Additional Requirements:

• If under age 18, a parent or guardian must co-sign the TIPIC application.
• An Ohio resident may only hold one Driver License or ID card at a time.

TIPIC Restrictions:

• Under age 16: a parent, guardian, custodian, licensed driving instructor, or a person age 21 or older, who acts in loco parentis, must occupy the front passenger seat beside the permit holder.
• Age 16 to 17: Driving with any valid licensed driver, age 21 or older, in the front passenger seat is permitted, except from midnight to 6 a.m. when the driver must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or custodian who holds a valid Driver License.
• Age 18 and over: Practice driving only if accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older.
• All ages: Drivers, including the eligible adult(s), must carry the TIPIC and safety belts at all times, shall not be intoxicated, and all occupants can not exceed the total number of safety belts installed in the vehicle.
• The use of any mobile electronic device is prohibited while driving

Driver Education Requirements (Under Age 18):

• Complete a class with 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and 8 hours of driving time.
• Complete 50 hours of driving experience with a parent or guardian, with at least 10 hours of night driving.
• Hold the TIPIC for at least six months.

Motorcycle Ohio:

• Complete a motorcycle skills test at a Driver Exam Station or completing the Motorcycle Ohio's Basic Rider Course to obtain a motorcycle license/endorsement.
• The Motorcycle Operator Manual provides further guidance.

Before You Drive - Inspecting Your Vehicle

• Ensure the vehicle is safe by maintaining care.

Vehicle Equipment Regulations:

• No person shall drive or move, or cause or knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person.

Minimum Equipment Requirements:

• Steering assembly that operates normally.
• Tires with a minimum of 1/16-inch tread depth.
•  At least two seat belts in the front seat.
•  Service and parking brakes.
• Headlights (2), Red reflectors and taillights.
• Turn signals in working order, visible from 300 feet.
• Windshield wipers, rear-view mirror, and horn.
• Exhaust system in good working order and constant operation.
• Window light transmission.

Tire Safety:

• Tire maintenance prevents crashes, and tire inflation helps saves lives.
• Driving with underinflated/overinflated tires or with low tread tires causes safety issues.

Tire Inflation:

• Maintain tires at the vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire pressure level.
• Check tire pressure when the tires are the same temperature as the surrounding air.
• Use a pressure gauge to add or relieve air as necessary.

Tire Tread Depth:

• A safe tire has a minimum of 1/16-inch tread depth, and is free of major bumps/breaks.
• A U.S. penny coin with President Abraham Lincoln's head can be used to check the tire's depth.
• If you see all of the President's head, the tires are too worn and should be replaced.
• Studded tires are legal from November 1 through April 15.

When to Use Your Lights:

• Headlights should be on from sunset to sunrise, at any time visibility is poor, and any time windshield wipers are being used.
• High beam headlights can be used at any time headlights are used except when an oncoming vehicle is approaching.
• Turn signals should be used to show intention to turn right or left and should be activated at least 100 feet prior to the change.
• Hazard lights increase the visibility of a vehicle stopped on or near a roadway.

Driver position: Seat and Mirror Adjustments:

• Sit upright with your back against the seat and feet on the floor.
• Adjust the seat with a clear view through the windshield and full control while leaving appropriate space for airbag deployment.
• Your foot should pivot smoothly from brake to accelerator.
• The top of the steering wheel is no higher than the top of your shoulders and below chin level.
• Leave at least 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel for airbag deployment.
• Head restraints should be adjusted so that it prevents whiplash.

Adjusting Mirrors:

• Adjust the mirrors for the best view towards the vehicle's sides and rear.
• The rear-view mirror should frame the rear window, and traffic flow to the vehicle's rear should be visible.
• Properly adjusted outside mirrors reduce blind spots and provide maximum visibility.
• Left-side mirror: Rest head against the closed driver-side window, then adjust the mirror until the vehicle's left-edge is barely visible.
• Right-side mirror: Lean to the right so your head is directly above the center console, then adjust the mirror so that the rear edge of the vehicle can barely be seen.

Safety Restraints:

• Air bags are supplemental restraints and are designed to work best in combination with safety belts.
• Ohio's mandatory safety belt usage law requires drivers and front-seat occupants of most passenger vehicles to wear safety belts. - Safety belts should be worn even if airbags are installed.
• Drivers under age 18: number of vehicle occupants is limited to the number of originally installed safety belts, and all occupants must wear a safety belt.
• Wear safety belts across bony areas (shoulders and hips).
• A shoulder belt is worn across the shoulder and chest with minimal slack.
• Adjust the lap belt so that it's low across your hips after fastening.

Section 3: Be Alert - Vision:

• Have your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor because seeing well is so important to safe driving
• If corrective lenses were worn for vision screening, they must be worn at all times when driving.
• Avoid using dark or tinted corrective lenses at night.

Fatigue:

• Fatigue is physical or mental tiredness caused by physical or mental strain, repetitive tasks, illness, medications, or lack of sleep.

Aggressive Driving:

• Aggressive driving is an action that intentionally endangers other persons or property.
• Examples: speeding, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, improper signaling, and disobeying traffic signals and warnings signs.

Distracted Driving:

• Distraction takes attention away from driving; it is physically taking your hands from the wheel, eyes away from the road, or mental activities taking your mind away from driving.
• Avoid distractions: cell phone conversations, text messaging, arguments, emotional conversations with passengers, or eating while driving.

Cell Phone Use:

• In Ohio, it is illegal to drive distracted, This includes using an electronic wireless communication device.
• Drivers age 18 and over can make and receive phone calls using "hands-free" technology, and use other device features, as long as they do not hold/support the device or manually enter letters/numbers/symbols.
• This only applies to certain circumstances, emergencies, first responders, utility workers, licensed operators using an amateur radio and commercial truck drivers using a mobile data terminal.
• Penalties for those 18+ increase upon repeat offense. $150 fine and 2 points on the first offense, moving up to $500 fine, 4 points, and 90 day license suspension on third offense.
• Fines are doubled if the violation occurs in a work zone
• Drivers under 18 years old are prohibited from using electronic devices at all even in traffic jams, with exception to navigation device emergencies.
• Penalties are strict and may include up to a one year license suspension.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving:

• It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs while in Ohio
• Various consequences and effects, including blurred vision and slowed reaction time.

Section 4: Rules of the Road - Speed Limits:

• Speed limits depend on the road's design, traffic volume, weather and fog. Obey the posted speed limits.

Right-of-Way:

• Yield the right-of-way to the driver who is at or arrives before you at an intersection; drivers in the opposing traffic lane when you are turning; the driver on your right at a four-way intersection if both of you arrive at the intersection at the same time; etc.

Traffic Signals:

• Traffic signals are red, yellow, and green lights that tell you when to stop and go.
• A red traffic light means stop before the intersection until the light turns green.
• A yellow traffic light means the light is about to change to red; use caution.
• A green traffic light means you may travel with caution through the intersection if clear.
• A light marked with a green arrow indicates you can turn in the direction of the arrow without stopping.
• Flashing yellow signals to slow down and proceed with caution.

Traffic Signs:

• Traffic signs indicates traffic rules, hazards, roadway location, roadway directions, and the location of roadway services.
• Regulatory Signs: Regulate movement of traffic and provide notice to travelers of traffic laws or regulations. Examples include the stop sign and yield sign.
• Prohibitory Signs: Instruct that an action is prohibited with a red circle surrounding it. Examples include "No Left Turn".
• Warning Signs: Tell a driver of possible danger ahead, shaped like diamonds usually and yellow with black lettering/symbols such as Road Curves Ahead.
• Work Zone Signs: Have an orange background to indicate roadway construction and repair ahead.
• Guide Signs: Square/rectangular and green/brown/blue. These signs provide the points of interest and services along the highway.
• Route Number Signs: Indicate type of roadway with shape and color.

Lane Pavement Markings:

• Lane pavement markings indicate a lane's usage, pedestrian walkways, and where a stop is required for traffic signals.
• White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction.
• Yellow solid lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
• Always follow lane markers to ensure safe travel practices.

Two-Way Left Turn Only Lane:

• A 2-way left turn lane is marked with a broken yellow line and a solid yellow line on each side of the lane.
• Intended for left turns on both ways.

Crosswalks:

• Crosswalks define the area where pedestrians may cross the roadway.
• You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk,.

Section 5: Learning to Drive - Starting the Engine:

• Review manual to start vehicle.
• Foot on brake.
• Put in park.
• Insert key or start engine.

Moving the Vehicle：

• "D" for drive.
• Check surroundings for safe path.
• Signal if safe to move.
• Foot off brake to accelerator.
• Apply smooth and gradual pressure.

Stopping the Vehicle:

• Check mirrors.
• Move foot to brake pedal.
• Apply steady pressure.
• Factor in driver reaction, speed, and weather.

A Driver Must Stop:

• Behind the stop line or crosswalk at any stop sign or red traffic signal before entering an intersection
• At a sidewalk when emerging from an alley, driveway, or private road in a business or residential district. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian on the sidewalk
• Before entering an intersection if there is not sufficient space on the other side to accommodate the vehicle whether a traffic signal gives the driver the right of way

Steering:

• Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to move
• Place both hands on the wheel.
• Grip firmly.

Backing Up:

• Grasp the steering wheel with your left hand
• Look directly through the rear window