How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Ohio?

You must be at least 15.5 years old to get a learner's permit in Ohio. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Ohio?

Ohio intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Ohio?

In Ohio, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Ohio Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Ohio uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

15.5

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15.5
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: Maximum 1 non-family passenger; family members exempt. After first 12 months, curfew relaxes to 1 AM to 5 AM.
Cell phone use banned: No

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in license suspension and fines; cell phone texting ban for novice drivers is secondary enforcement

Ohio-Specific Information

Ohio has a two-phase curfew: midnight to 6 AM for the first 12 months, then 1 AM to 5 AM for the second 12 months. Must complete an approved driver education course. Texting ban for all drivers but cell phone ban for novice drivers is secondary enforcement only.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Ohio gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Ohio at age 15.5. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Ohio restricts driving between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

With an intermediate license in Ohio, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: Maximum 1 non-family passenger; family members exempt. After first 12 months, curfew relaxes to 1 AM to 5 AM..

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Ohio at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.