Ohio DMV written test
Ohio DMV Cheat Sheet
The Ohio knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Ohio DMV test numbers to memorize
The Ohio knowledge test has 40 questions and you need 30 correct, which is 75 percent. You can miss 10. The test is given by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
40
Questions on the test
30
75% to pass
Correct answers needed
10
Questions you can miss
15.5
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $23.5. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at BMV deputy registrar or driver exam station, or online through BMV Online Services
- Online test
- Available. Ohio BMV offers online knowledge testing through BMV Online Services for eligible applicants.
- Appointment
- Not required. Walk-ins accepted at deputy registrar locations. Appointments available for driver exam stations.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Ohio
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 5 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- Proof of Ohio residency
- Proof of legal presence
- Parental consent (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Ohio retake rules
If you fail the knowledge test you must wait at least 24 hours before retesting. There is no limit on how many times you can take it in person, but online knowledge testing is limited to 2 attempts in any six-month period. The BMV publishes no knowledge-test or retest fee.
- Attempt limit: 2.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
- The online knowledge-testing channel is exhausted: no further online knowledge test attempts are permitted within that six-month period.
Some retake details for Ohio are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee), so confirm them with BMV before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Ohio
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15 years 6 months. Must have parental consent. Must complete driver education or 24 hours of classroom and 8 hours behind-the-wheel training. TIPIC (Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card) restrictions apply.
- Permit versus license
- A Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Must hold for at least 6 months and log 50 hours (10 at night) before the road test.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any Ohio BMV deputy registrar location or driver exam station, or online through BMV Online Services.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Ohio: English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and American Sign Language.
The study source is the Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws (January 2024 (web edition) edition). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual.
From learner data
Most missed Ohio practice questions
These free Ohio questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
If you have a tire blowout, the vehicle will:
Pull toward the side with the flat tire
About 35% get it right
- 3
The recommended order of child restraint stages is:
Rear-facing, forward-facing, booster, seat belt
About 45% get it right
- 4
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 5
If you move to a new address, you must notify the DMV within:
A time set by your state
About 60% get it right
- 6
A flashing red traffic light means:
Stop, then go when it is safe
About 60% get it right
Your plan
Free Ohio study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Ohio questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1