The Ohio permit test cost is mostly the price of the permit card: the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) lists $26.50 for an operator temporary permit, with the deputy registrar fee included. The BMV's fee list shows no separate charge for the knowledge test itself, online or in person. You pay the $26.50 when you buy your Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC), which most Ohioans call temps.
Ohio permit test cost at a glance
These numbers come from the Documents and Fees page at bmv.ohio.gov. Permit and license amounts there are listed with the deputy registrar fee included.
| Item | BMV fee |
|---|---|
| Knowledge test (online or in person) | No separate fee listed |
| Operator temporary permit (TIPIC) | $26.50 |
| Operator permit when a license expired more than 6 months and within 2 years | $29.50 |
| Motorcycle or moped temporary permit | $25.50 |
| First driver license at age 16 (4 years) | $28.75 |
| First driver license at age 17 (4 years) | $27.50 |
| First driver license at 21 or older | $27.50 for 4 years, $54.00 for 8 years |
Fees change. Check the BMV's Documents and Fees page the week you go so you bring the right amount.
Ohio temps test price: what you actually pay
If you are asking about the Ohio temps test price, the short answer is that the test is not sold separately on the BMV fee list. You take the test, and if you pass, you buy the TIPIC for $26.50. The BMV says you must purchase the TIPIC within 60 days of passing the test, so do not let the result sit too long.
Driver education is a separate cost. Ohio teens need it before the road test, and driving schools set their own prices. That is often the biggest number in the budget, so compare a few schools.
Ohio permit test online
Ohio lets you take the knowledge test online on a computer or laptop with a working webcam. The BMV's rules:
- Teens can start online testing at 15 years and 6 months.
- Anyone from 15 and a half up to 19 needs a supervising adult present, and that adult must pass identity verification.
- You can try online up to two times in a six-month period, with 24 hours between attempts.
- Some people must test in person, including anyone with a suspended license, a medical flag, an active out-of-state license, or a need for special assistance, and anyone testing for a motorcycle, moped or CDL license.
- If you get a verification error, you cannot continue online and should test in person instead.
What the test looks like
The BMV says the knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions on motor vehicle laws and traffic signs, and you must answer 75 percent correctly. That is 30 right answers, so you can miss up to 10.
In person, you can test at select deputy registrar locations or any driver exam station. Bring documents that prove your full legal name, date of birth and Social Security number, if you have one, and expect a vision screening.
Does failing cost more?
Not on the fee list. The BMV says you must wait at least 24 hours before testing again, and there is no limit on how many times you can take the test in person. Online, the limit is two attempts in six months. The real cost of failing is time, so study before you test.
A simple Ohio budget
- Knowledge test: no separate fee on the BMV list.
- Temps: $26.50 at a deputy registrar license agency within 60 days of passing.
- Driver education: priced by the school you choose.
- First license later: $28.75 at 16 or $27.50 at 17, for a four-year license.
FAQ
What is the Ohio permit test cost?
The BMV fee list shows no separate fee for the knowledge test. The permit itself, the TIPIC, is $26.50 with the deputy registrar fee included.
What is the Ohio temps test price?
You pay $26.50 for your temps after you pass. Buy it at a deputy registrar license agency within 60 days of passing the test.
Can I take the Ohio permit test online?
Yes, on a computer or laptop with a webcam. Applicants from 15 and a half to under 19 need a supervising adult, and you get two online attempts in six months.
Do I pay again if I fail the Ohio permit test?
The BMV lists no retest fee. You must wait at least 24 hours, and there is no limit on in-person attempts.
