TEEN SAFE START
AGES 15 1/2 - 17
Ohio requires every driver under 18 to complete a state-approved Class D driver training course before earning a probationary license. Our teen program covers all three legal components in a sequence designed to keep families on schedule from the day your teen turns 15½.
01
GET YOUR TEMP PERMIT
Apply for a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIPIC) as early as 15 years, 6 months, after passing the BMV knowledge test.
02
ONLINE INSTRUCTION
State-approved coursework on motor vehicle operation, traffic laws, and road signs — in-person or online.
03
BEHIND-THE-WHEEL TRAINING
One-on-one, in-car instruction with a Thomas Driving Academy certified instructor.
​
04
SUPERVISED PRACTICE
​Logged practice driving with a parent or guardian, including required nighttime hours.
​
PROGRAM DETAILS
AGES 15½–17
-
Minimum age to enroll
-
Minimum age for TIPIC permit
-
24-Hr Online Drivers Ed Certificate
-
Ohio TIPIC (temp permit)
-
Behind-the-wheel instruction
-
Parent/guardian supervised driving
-
— including night driving
-
Minimum permit hold before road test
15 yrs 5 mo
15 yrs 6 mo2
Required
Required
8 hours
50 hours
10 hours
6 months
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
AGES 15½–17
-
Driver Education Certificate of Completion
-
BMV 5791 Fifty-Hour Affidavit
-
— signed & notarized
-
Valid Temporary Instruction Permit (TIPIC)
-
Vehicle for The Ohio Driver Skills Test (road & maneuverability test)
Probationary license restrictions: Once licensed, drivers under 18 hold a Probationary License for 12 months with a midnight–6 a.m. driving curfew and passenger limits.
To enroll in Teen Safe Start: Students must already hold a 24-Hour Online Drivers Ed Certificate of Completion and a valid Ohio TIPIC — both required by the state before behind-the-wheel training can begin.
ADULT SAFE START
AGES 18-20 | REQUIRED BY LAW
As of September 30, 2025, Ohio closed the loophole that let 18–20 year-olds skip formal driver's ed. Adults Safe Start delivers the required behind-the-wheel training with the same patient, judgment-free approach as our teen program.
01
GET YOUR TEMP PERMIT
Apply after passing the BMV knowledge test. No 6-month hold required for this age group
02
ONLINE INSTRUCTION
​Required 24 Hours Online Driver's Ed certificate of completion needed before enrolling.
03
BEHIND-THE-WHEEL TRAINING
In-car instruction scheduled around your work or school hours.
​
04
SUPERVISED PRACTICE
Logged driving with any licensed adult 21+, including required nighttime hours.
PROGRAM DETAILS
AGES 18-20
-
Eligible ages
-
24-Hr Online Drivers Ed Certificate
-
Ohio TIPIC (temp permit)
-
Behind-the-wheel instruction
-
Supervised driving (licensed adult 21+)
-
— including night driving
-
Minimum permit hold before road test
-
Effective date of requirement
18,19,20
Required
Required
8 hours
50 hours
10 hours
None
September 30, 2025
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
-
Driver Education Certificate of Completion
-
BMV 5791 Fifty-Hour Affidavit
-
— signed & notarized
-
Valid Temporary Instruction Permit
-
Vehicle for The Ohio Driver Skills Test (road & maneuverability test)
All requirements are mandatory: Ohio will not allow you to schedule a road test until the 24-hour certificate, 8 in-car hours, and notarized 50-hour affidavit are complete.
LIMITED TERM-SAFE START
FOR LIMITED TERM FOCUSED DRIVERS
Not every driver fits the standard teen or 18–20 sequence. Limited-Term Safe Start is built for drivers who need a focused, flexible path — first time teen and adult drivers that are immigrants/non-permanent residents who do not fall under an exemption and or anyone wanting patient, trauma-aware instruction on their own timeline.
PROGRAM DETAILS
-
Minimum age to enroll
-
Minimum age for TIPIC permit
-
24-Hr Online Drivers Ed Certificate
-
Ohio TIPIC (temp permit)
-
Behind-the-wheel instruction
-
Parent/guardian supervised driving
-
— including night driving
-
Minimum permit hold before road test
15 yrs 5 mo
15 yrs 6 mo2
Required
Required
8 hours
50 hours
10 hours
6 months
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
-
Driver Education Certificate of Completion
-
BMV 5791 Fifty-Hour Affidavit
-
— signed & notarized
-
Valid Temporary Instruction Permit (TIPIC)
-
Vehicle for The Ohio Driver Skills Test (road & maneuverability test)