Ohio BMV Permit Practice Test

How many questions is the Ohio knowledge test, and what score do you need?

Correct answer: B. 40 questions, with 75 per cent needed to pass

Forty multiple-choice questions with a 75 per cent passage rate. The manual states both numbers itself, so you can rely on them rather than on what a practice site claims. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 1)

How many occupants may a permit holder carry in the vehicle?

Correct answer: A. No more than the number of safety belts installed in the vehicle

The total number of occupants cannot exceed the number of safety belts installed, and everyone must wear one. The same limit carries over into the first year of a probationary licence. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 2)

What else must the test vehicle satisfy?

Correct answer: A. Front doors must open from inside and outside, registration must be current and displayed, and automated assistance tools must be disabled

Front doors working from both sides, current registration displayed on the plate, and automated tools such as automated parking switched off. The test measures the driver, not the car. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 42)

An applicant under 18 is buying their Driver License. What must a parent or guardian do?

Correct answer: D. Present identification and co-sign the application

Present identification and co-sign the application. A notarised Fifty-Hour Affidavit, form BMV 5791, is also required. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 45)

During the first 12 months, how many non-family passengers may a driver under 18 carry?

Correct answer: B. No more than one, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian

No more than one non-family passenger unless a parent or guardian is along. Passengers are the single biggest distraction risk for a new driver. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 47)

Which of these describes a moped?

Correct answer: D. A motor of not more than 50 cc, capable of no more than 20 mph on a level surface, and capable of being pedalled

A moped has two tandem wheels or one front and two rear, can be pedalled, and has a helper motor of not more than 50 cc producing no more than one brake horsepower and no more than 20 mph on the level. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 48)

What is an Ohio ID card for a child used for?

Correct answer: C. Identification purposes only

Identification only, and never for driving privileges. The ID R Kids programme exists to help authorities if a child becomes lost or is reported missing. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 50)

What is the minimum legal tread depth for a tire in Ohio?

Correct answer: C. 1/16 inch

A tire in safe condition has at least 1/16-inch tread depth on the road surface and no major bumps, bulges, breaks, or tread damage. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 4)

How does the penny test tell you a tire is too worn?

Correct answer: D. If you can see all of President Lincoln's head

Place the coin head-down in the deepest groove. Seeing all of Lincoln's head means the tread is below the limit, so do not drive on them and replace them. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 5)

What is required of a vehicle's rear-view mirror?

Correct answer: D. That it provide an unobstructed view to the rear

An unobstructed view to the rear. Loading the vehicle so the mirror shows nothing but cargo defeats the requirement even though the mirror itself is fitted. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 4)

How should the driver's seat be adjusted with respect to the steering wheel?

Correct answer: B. With the chest at least 10 inches from the steering wheel

At least 10 inches between chest and wheel leaves room for the airbag to deploy. The top of the wheel should sit no higher than your shoulders and below chin level. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 5)

What does Ohio's mandatory safety belt law require?

Correct answer: A. Drivers and front-seat occupants of most passenger vehicles to be belted

Drivers and front-seat occupants of most passenger vehicles. For drivers under 18 there is an additional rule: occupants may not exceed the number of belts installed, and all of them must be worn. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 6)

A driver under 18 commits a first device violation. What is the penalty?

Correct answer: B. A 60-day licence suspension and a $150 fine

Sixty days and $150 for a first violation; one year and $300 for a second. It is a primary offence, so an officer may stop you for it on its own. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 8)

Where should your hands be during a traffic stop?

Correct answer: B. On the steering wheel, in view of the officer

Hands on the wheel where the officer can see them. If there is a weapon in the vehicle, say so at first contact, and present licence, registration and insurance when requested. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 28)

Your vehicle cannot be moved after a crash in fog. What should you do?

Correct answer: D. Leave your flashers and lights on and set up flares if possible

Get the vehicle off the road as soon as it is safe; if it will not move, leave the flashers and lights on and set out flares if you have them. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 29)

What is hydroplaning?

Correct answer: B. The steering tires riding on top of pooled water

The steering tires ride up on pooled water like water skis. Slow down in rain and where water pools, and if it happens, ease your foot off the gas pedal slowly. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 30)

How much can the temperature inside a vehicle rise in just 10 minutes?

Correct answer: D. About 20 degrees Fahrenheit

About 20 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. The warning is given for pets, and it is the same physics for a child. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 33)

Ohio law prohibits driving faster than what, regardless of the posted limit?

Correct answer: D. A speed greater than allows you to stop in the distance available

The assured clear distance rule. Whatever the sign says, you may not drive faster than lets you stop within the distance you can actually see to be clear ahead. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 9)

You are making a left turn. To whom must you yield?

Correct answer: C. Drivers in the opposing traffic lane

A left turn crosses the path of oncoming traffic, so you yield to it. A green light without an arrow permits the turn; it does not give you priority over the vehicles coming the other way. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 10)

Which of these affects the distance needed to bring a vehicle to a complete stop?

Correct answer: B. The driver's reaction time, speed, brake condition, and pavement condition

Four factors: the driver's reaction time, the speed travelled, the condition of the brakes, and the condition of the pavement: wet, dry, icy, salted or gravel. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 15)

When making a turn, which lane should you enter and maintain?

Correct answer: D. The lane closest to the direction you want to go

Enter and hold the lane closest to the direction you intend to go, and look through the turn to the farthest point along your path. Identify the lane before the turn, and stay in it until the turn is complete. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 16)

When may you turn left at a red traffic signal?

Correct answer: B. Only from the extreme left lane of a one-way street onto another one-way street

Only from the extreme left lane of a one-way street onto another one-way street, and only where no sign forbids it. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 17)

In a roundabout, which exit completes a U-turn?

Correct answer: D. The 4th exit

The 4th exit returns you the way you came. Counting exits from the entry is what makes a roundabout navigable without changing lanes inside it. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 18)

While passing, when may you return to your original lane?

Correct answer: C. When both headlights of the passed vehicle are visible in your rear-view mirror

Both headlights visible in your mirror is the test that you have fully cleared the vehicle. Then signal your intention and steer smoothly back. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 20)

A school bus has stopped on a road with four or more lanes. Who must stop?

Correct answer: D. Only traffic proceeding in the same direction as the bus

On four or more lanes only traffic going the same way as the bus must stop, at the rear of the bus, and remain stopped until it begins to move. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 22)

What must you do at a flashing red traffic light?

Correct answer: B. Come to a complete stop before entering, then check that no traffic is crossing your path

A complete stop behind the stop line, crosswalk or intersection, then proceed only when nothing is crossing your path. It behaves exactly like a stop sign. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 10)

A round yellow sign carries a large X and the letters RR. What does it mean?

Correct answer: D. A railroad crossing is ahead

The round yellow sign with the X and RR is the advance warning for a highway-railroad grade crossing. The white X-shaped crossbuck sign marks the crossing itself. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 21)

What do white lines on the pavement separate?

Correct answer: B. Traffic travelling in the same direction

White separates traffic going the same way; yellow separates opposing directions. White lines may be solid or broken. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 13)

Which of these is a place where stopping, parking, or standing is prohibited?

Correct answer: B. Within one foot of another parked vehicle

Within one foot of another parked vehicle is on the prohibited list, alongside sidewalks, in front of driveways, within 20 feet of an intersection or crosswalk, within 10 feet of a hydrant, alongside a vehicle already parked at the curb, and anywhere signs prohibit stopping. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 23)

When must proof of financial responsibility be shown?

Correct answer: D. Whenever law enforcement issues a traffic ticket

Whenever a ticket is issued, at all vehicle inspection stops, at all traffic court appearances, and whenever a driver or owner is in a crash causing more than $400 in property damage. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 24)

What do you sign when registering a vehicle or applying for a licence in Ohio?

Correct answer: D. A sworn statement that you will not operate a vehicle without liability insurance

A sworn statement that you will not operate a motor vehicle without liability insurance or another form of financial responsibility in effect. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 24)

What happens if you consent to a chemical test and the result is 0.08 or higher?

Correct answer: A. The arresting officer confiscates the licence and a suspension begins immediately

The officer confiscates the licence, notifies you of the suspension, and sends a sworn statement to the BMV. The suspension starts immediately, and you may have an independent test at your own expense. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 25)

What happens when a driver accumulates six points within a two-year period?

Correct answer: C. The BMV sends a six-point warning letter

Six points in two years brings a warning letter. It is the BMV telling you that half the distance to a suspension has already been covered. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 26)

A driver under 18 is convicted of three moving violations. What is the suspension?

Correct answer: B. One year

One year. Reinstatement then requires obtaining a TIPIC, completing an approved juvenile driver improvement program, and passing the driving examination again. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 26)

How does a motorcycle's stopping distance compare with a car's?

Correct answer: B. Motorcycles require a greater stopping distance

Motorcycles require a greater stopping distance than cars and other passenger vehicles, which is one reason to leave more room behind one rather than less. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 34)

A bicyclist cannot signal because both hands are needed. What else should you look for?

Correct answer: D. Other clues such as turning their head or looking over their shoulder

Watch for a head turn or a shoulder check, which usually comes before a change of line. Learning the bicycle hand signals helps, but riders cannot always spare a hand. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 35)

An emergency vehicle approaches with flashing lights and a siren. What must you do?

Correct answer: B. Pull quickly and safely to the right side of the road and stop, avoiding blocking intersections

Pull to the right and stop, without blocking an intersection, and stay there until it has passed or an officer directs otherwise. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 38)

Why must you pass farm machinery with particular caution?

Correct answer: D. The operator cannot hear approaching vehicles

The operator cannot hear you coming. Farm machinery must display the slow-moving emblem and use a red flashing light at night, but it cannot hear or easily see you. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 38)

A traffic signal is not working because of a power outage. How must you treat it?

Correct answer: B. As a four-way stop

By law it is a four-way stop, except where an officer is directing traffic. Proceed carefully, because other drivers may not stop. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 39)

The engine shuts off while you are driving. What should you expect of the steering?

Correct answer: D. It may be difficult to turn, but you can still turn it

Expect it to become heavy but still usable. Keep a strong grip, brake with steady pressure, slow down and pull off the roadway. (Ohio Driver Manual (2025), p. 40)