Under-21 Drivers Ed, Ages 18–20
Drivers ed for ages 18 to 20
Since September 30, 2025, Ohio requires new drivers aged 18, 19 and 20 to finish a Class D course and 50 hours of supervised practice before they can schedule the driving test. The course is 24 hours of class and 8 hours behind the wheel, and we teach all of it. The full course is $700.
Who it's for
- Ohioans aged 18 to 20 applying for a first driver's license.
- You take the same Class D course as teens: 24 hours of class, online, and 8 hours in the car with a licensed instructor. The state's pace limits apply to everyone: 4 hours of class a day, 3 hours of driving a day, 4 hours of training in all.
- No six-month permit wait: drivers 18 to 20 are not under the graduated licensing law. Once the course and the 50 hours are done, you can book the test.
- Fail the test? While you are under 21 your training stays valid: wait two days and test again, with no new course.
Checked by Right Route, an Ohio-licensed driving school, on November 1, 2026.
The route
- 1
Exit 1
Get your permit
Pass the BMV knowledge test (online with a webcam, with a supervising adult if you are under 19, or at select deputy registrars and any driver exam station) and a vision screening, then buy the TIPIC at a deputy registrar. With a TIPIC you practice only with a licensed driver 21 or older.
- 2
Exit 2
Take the 24-hour class
Online and self-paced, no more than 4 hours a day. Ohio's driving school rules put the class before any driving lesson.
- 3
Exit 3
Drive 8 hours with us
Four 2-hour lessons with a licensed instructor in the passenger seat: city streets, highways and the maneuverability layout.
- 4
Exit 4
Log 50 hours
With a licensed driver 21 or older, at least 10 hours at night, on the BMV 5791 Fifty-Hour Affidavit; the supervising adult's signature is notarized. RoadReady Ohio, the state's app, keeps the log for you.
- 5
Exit 5
Schedule the driving test
Through BMV Online Services, once the course and the 50 hours are done. Bring the TIPIC, the completed 5791, a car in good condition and a copy of your certificate. Rent our car if you need one.
When and where
- Online class
- Any day, at your own pace, on a phone or computer. We enroll you as soon as your package is confirmed.
- Driving lessons
- You pick the times online. Pickup at home or work in our pickup areas, or start at our Dublin office; we confirm the spot when you book.
Packages and prices
Book a lesson time online, and we'll call or text within 1 business day to confirm your package and payment. Payment plans are available for the full Class D course; call to set one up.
24 h online class + 8 h behind the wheel
The full Class D course Ohio now requires for new drivers aged 18–20: self-paced online class and 8 hours in the car with a licensed instructor.
$700
Book 24 h online class + 8 h behind the wheel (Under-21 Drivers Ed)(opens booking in a new tab)
Common questions
Which course do I need?
Under 18, first license: the teen course. Aged 18–20, first license: the under-21 course (the same 24 h + 8 h Class D course). On a Limited Term permit (visa or other temporary status), any age: the Limited Term course. Aged 21 or older, applying for your first license, and failed your first road or maneuverability test: the abbreviated adult course, unless you finished driver training in the 12 months before.
Source: OTSO: parents and teens (opens in a new tab), OTSO: under 21 driver training (opens in a new tab), OTSO: Limited Term licenses (opens in a new tab), OTSO: adult drivers (opens in a new tab). Checked October 21, 2026.
What's in the Class D course?
24 hours of classroom or online instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor. It's the same course for teens, for 18–20 year olds and for Limited Term drivers. On top of the course, Ohio requires 50 hours of practice driving, at least 10 at night, recorded on the BMV 5791 Fifty-Hour Affidavit.
Source: OTSO: parents and teens (opens in a new tab), OTSO: under 21 driver training (opens in a new tab). Checked October 21, 2026.
How long does it take to finish?
Most students finish the online class in 1–2 weeks. Driving lessons are usually done in 4–6 weeks, depending on your availability.
Do I need my permit with me at driving lessons?
Yes. Ohio's driving school rules say we can't give you a lesson unless you have a valid temporary permit or license with you. Bring the card itself: the Ohio BMV says its Mobile ID doesn't replace it.
Source: Ohio Admin. Code 4501-7-10 (opens in a new tab), Ohio BMV: Mobile ID (opens in a new tab). Checked October 1, 2026.
Do you pick me up for driving lessons?
Yes. We offer pickup in Columbus and the surrounding areas. Add pickup when you book and we'll confirm your location.
See: Pickup areas
Questions about Under-21 Drivers Ed? We'll call you back.
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Book Under-21 Drivers Ed
Book online in a few minutes, or call and we'll help you pick the right course.