Getting your Ohio Driver's License

[NinaD 6]

Just want to pass along the information you need about getting a driver's license in Ohio.

You will need to have your green card, SS# card, out of country driver's license and proof of address to get your paperwork done.

I moved here from Canada. I have been driving since 1986.

Ohio made me take the WRITTEN TEST (understandable), the ROAD TEST and the MANUVERABILITY TEST (weird - but okay).

Here is how it works:

1. Go to: http://bmv.ohio.gov/ (the Dept. of Motor Vehicles) for information.

2. Download the Driver's Manual http://publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/hsy7607.pdf

3. Go to take the test (there is no fee) at your local testing site (locations are listed on the BMV website). This is a walk-in, no appointment necessary.

4. Pass your test. Once you pass the written test, the BMV will set you up with a date for the road test and the maneuverability test.

5. Go to your appointment for the road/maneuverability tests (no fee).

6. When you pass the test take the paper that the examiner gives you into the office and get your license. You will need to have all your paperwork with you again: green card, SS# card, out of country driver's license and proof of address. The fee for a new license (as of July 2013) is $24.00.

7. They only take cash or cheque.

Here is what the maneuverability test is (I had never heard of such a thing before moving here):

Maneuverability Test [ - ]

• The maneuverability test is conducted in two steps. Each step is to be completed in one continuous motion. The examiner will instruct you to steer to the right or left of the point marker.

• Step One

  You must drive forward through a box (9' by 20') formed by four markers. Steer to the right or left of the "point" marker (20' ahead of box in center of course) as directed by the examiner. Steer to a straight ahead course and stop when the rear bumper of your car is even with the "point" marker and generally parallel with the course.

• Step Two

  From your stopped position at the end of Step One, you must be back past the "point" marker. Straighten your car and back through the box and come to a stop with your front bumper even with the two rear markers and generally parallel with the course. If you stop your vehicle because of striking a marker, you will have to go back to start and begin again (See diagram below).

• Before the test is complete, your vehicle must be removed from the test area without running over a marker or committing any other dangerous action.

• 
• Scoring
  Points are deducted for:Passing Score
  Applicant will have passed this portion of the examination provided he does not receive a minus score in excess of 25 points.
  • • • • • 1. Stopping to check progress;
            2. Bumping markers;
            3. Misjudging stopping distance;
            4. Not parallel with test area;

            5. Immediate failure = running over or knocking down a marker or other dangerous action.

http://youtu.be/QCMp_kr-UeI (Video of Maneuverability Test)

LINKS:

http://bmv.ohio.gov/dl_new_driver.stm#tog

** I have heard that if you move here from Japan or Germany you DO NOT need to take the Road or Maneuverability tests. I do not know if this is true or not, but just call the BMV to confirm what you will need to do to transfer your foreign license to an OHIO one.

GOOD LUCK!

Edited July 12, 2013 by NinaD