Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers | April 17, 2025 | Personal Injury
Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for teens in every state. However, driving skills take time to learn, and newly licensed teens are more likely to get into car accidents than more experienced drivers. To help teenagers ease into driving and reduce their chances of getting into crashes, Ohio has graduated driver’s licensing programs.
What Is a Graduated Driver’s License Program?
Several states offer specific programs for teenage drivers that allow them to slowly gain experience while pursuing a driver’s license. Because car accidents are one of the most common causes of death for teenagers, these programs seek to reduce preventable crashes by training young drivers in a supported manner.
In Ohio alone, graduated driver’s license programs have reduced the risk of teen driving deaths and serious injuries by nearly 40%. Teens in Ohio must go through a three-step licensing process to be able to drive on their own in the state.
Phase 1: Instruction Permit
The Ohio licensing program starts with a temporary permit, sometimes called an instruction permit. To obtain this permit, a teen learning to drive must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 15 years and six months of age at the time of application
- Pass a written knowledge test based on principles found in the Driver Handbook for the state
- Pass a vision screening
Because this initial license is intended to help teens learn to drive, it comes with a few different requirements and restrictions.
Other Safety Requirements With an Instructional Permit
Cell phones are a source of distraction for drivers of all experience levels. For a teenager still learning how to handle a vehicle, using a phone can be even more dangerous. To reduce the risk of distracted driving accidents, Ohio prohibits Phase 1 drivers from using handheld phones while driving.
There is a zero-tolerance law in place for alcohol consumption, and everyone in the car must wear a seat belt.
Moving on to the Next Phase
A Phase 1 license allows a student driver to learn to operate a vehicle and learn to handle various kinds of road conditions. A teen can apply for a Level 2 license once they’ve met the following requirements:
- Had at least 50 hours of driving practice (with at least 10 hours of driving at night), all accompanied by a guardian or a parent
- Held a temporary permit for at least six months
- Enrolled in and completed a basic educational program for drivers at a licensed driver training program, which must include at least 24 hours of classroom time, along with 8 hours of supervised driving time.
Once these requirements are met, drivers can seek out a Phase 2 license.
Phase 2: Probationary Driver’s License
Once a driver has completed the requirements of the Phase 1 license, they may obtain a Phase 2 license if they meet the following conditions:
- They are at least 16 years old
- They take and pass a road skills test
Road skills tests are conducted at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The teen must have an insured vehicle that passes inspection, and they must be accompanied by a licensed driver.
Important Terms of Phase 2 Licenses
The graduated license system helps teens make sure they’re confident drivers by the time they receive an unrestricted license. Additionally, this system helps protect other drivers from teenagers who don’t demonstrate an ability to drive safely and responsibly.
If a teen with a Phase 2 license violates the terms of their license or gets two moving violations, their license will be revoked.
Ohio takes violations like these seriously. If a Level 2 license is revoked, that revocation stays in place until the driver is at least 18. If the violations were especially severe, the license may be revoked for even longer. For instance, if a teen is caught driving under the influence, the revocation will likely be much longer than a revocation for speeding.
Driving Time Restrictions for Phase 2 Drivers
A Phase 2 license has some restrictions on driving time. As a teenage driver begins to venture out on the road on their own, they are not allowed to drive between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. Certain exceptions apply to these restrictions. Teen drivers may drive during these restricted hours for work, religious events, academic events, or medical emergencies.
Teens can also drive during the restricted hours if they turn 18 while holding the Phase 2 license or if they have held the Phase 2 license for a year.
Passenger Requirements and Restrictions With a Probationary License
With a Phase 2 license, drivers are not allowed to use electronic devices while operating the vehicle. They are also restricted in who can accompany them in the vehicle. Only one non-family member may be a passenger without parental supervision. This passenger restriction is removed once the driver turns 18 or has held their Phase 2 license for over a year.
Other Safety Requirements
As with a Phase 1 license, teens may not use a handheld phone while driving, even if the device can be operated hands-free. Everyone in the vehicle must wear seat belts. The state also has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption while operating a motor vehicle.
Phase 3: Full Driver’s License
To qualify for a full, unrestricted license, a teen must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 17 years old
- Have held a Phase 2 license for at least a year
- Have had no violations during that time
If a teen gets a Level 3 license, they have no restrictions beyond those of any other licensed driver.
The Importance of Graduated Licensing Systems
For teenagers who are eager to get behind the wheel, going through Ohio’s three-step licensing system might be frustrating. However, this system helps keep teen drivers — and everyone else — safe on the road. If you or your teen has been involved in an accident, reach out to an experienced Ohio car accident attorney today.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced lawyer at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Columbus, OH, and Charleston, WV.
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